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Illinois

Volunteer for Nature

Volunteers are needed across Illinois—in cities, suburbs and rural areas—to help care for green spaces and share the wonders of nature with others.

A seedling is held by a volunteer's hands, showing it to the group of children around them.
Volunteers with plants Volunteers install a rain and pollinator garden at a Chicago Public School. © Sandy Bressner

New Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) Report

Learn how the VSN supports volunteer groups that care for Illinois nature.

Read the Report

Roll Up Your Sleeves—and Make a Difference

For over 40 years, The Nature Conservancy has partnered with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to support more than 140 groups that care for nature and their local communities. 

Volunteer opportunities vary from removing invasive species and collecting native plant seeds to monitoring birds, tending community gardens and connecting communities to nature through outdoor programming. There is a role for everybody: Individuals, families or groups.

Find Volunteer Opportunities by Zip Code

It’s easy to find volunteer opportunities near you. Simply enter your address or zip code in the search function below. If you cannot find an opportunity that appeals to you, please contact brooke.thurau@tnc.org for assistance.

    Looking for TNC Volunteer Opportunities?

    Five TNC natural areas and programs regularly enlist volunteers: Nachusa Grasslands, Indian Boundary Prairies, Kankakee Sands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the Illinois River Program. We’d appreciate your help!

    Illinois Articles

    Dramatic gray clouds form on the horizon over an Illinois farm.

    Tackling Climate Change in Illinois

    Climate change is a serious threat facing our planet today. In Illinois, The Nature Conservancy is finding solutions.

    A photo collage of six Black leaders featured in this article.

    Six Black Leaders Making a Difference for People and Nature in Chicago

    Meet six Black leaders who are building community and making Chicago’s neighborhoods healthier, greener and more environmentally friendly.

    Red winged black bird at Chicago's Montrose Beach Dunes.

    Urban Conservation

    Discover how The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is focused on urban conservation efforts that will protect nature in cities like Chicago.

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