Kline Creek Farm
Individual and family volunteers are invited to step back in time and re-create life in the 1890s at Kline Creek Farm, the District’s living-history farm in Winfield. At the Timber Ridge Visitor Center, volunteers welcome guests and work at the gift shop. Other volunteers, dressed in authentic clothing of the period, experience life on the farm in the late 19th century in areas like domestic arts, blacksmithing, agriculture and carpentry. These volunteers may plant the kitchen garden; can vegetables in the summer kitchen or collect eggs from the chicken coop. Some may care for livestock, assist with tours of the barn and outbuildings, or enthrall guests during themed weekends. Experience the life and times of 1890s rural living in DuPage County as a volunteer at Kline Creek Farm.
Agricultural Demonstrator | Bee-Keeping Demonstrator | Trades Demonstrator | Carpentry Demonstrator | Domestic Arts Demonstrator | General Interpreter | Visitor Center Attendant | Family Volunteers
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Age Requirement | 14 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 16 hours per month, Thursday through Monday, and the understanding that in winter there are still opportunities but fewer guests |
Description
These volunteers assist agricultural staff with the care of farm livestock and the maintenance of agricultural facilities and equipment. They also help visitors learn about the agricultural history of DuPage County through the activities and interpretation of the agricultural program.
Basic Responsibilities*
Many of the activities listed below are physically strenuous and often occur in extremes of heat and cold. The type and nature of agricultural activities vary, as does the frequency.
- Feed cattle, horses, sheep and chickens.
- Take initiative in engaging guests in conversation.
- Clean water tanks.
- Mend and build fences.
- Clean barns, stalls or coop.
- Mix feed.
- Shell, husk and shock corn.
- Groom horses.
- Repair and maintain historic farm equipment.
- Maintain pasture.
- Assist with training and fitting livestock for shows, fairs and sales.
- Assist with horse-drawn activities.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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Age Requirement | 14 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 8 hours per month |
Description
The bee keeping demonstrator interprets 1890s bee-keeping techniques to guests and helps maintain the bee-keeping area.
Basic Responsibilities*
- Give informal tours by interacting with guests as required during regular open hours and at special events.
- Perform bee-keeping tasks, such as weeding the bee-keeping area, harvesting honey, and maintaining supers.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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Age Requirement | 14 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | After certification, one year with a minimum of 8 hours per month with participation during busy seasons and special events |
Description
Volunteer blacksmithing demonstrators show carpentry, metalworking and forge skills while replicating historic implements and restoring hand tools.
Basic Responsibilities*
- Safely operate the forge and metalworking tools.
- Actively provide information to visitors about blacksmithing and its role on the farm to guests.
- Safely operate manual woodworking tools.
- Actively provide information to visitors about carpentry and its role on the farm to guests.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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____________________________
Age Requirement | 14 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 8 hours per month |
Description
Domestic arts demonstrators interpret 1890s domestic arts activities in the house, summer kitchen, garden and dooryard.
Basic Responsibilities*
- Assist with or give school and youth programs, lead house tours, and greet guests during the school year on weekdays.
- Give hours tours or assist with special programs on weekends and during summer.
- Perform domestic chores when time allows, unless part of an interpretation, on weekends and during summer.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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____________________________
Age Requirement | 14 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 8 hours per month with participation during busy seasons and special events |
Description
Volunteer General Interpreters interpret to guest and conducting educational programming, assisting wtih special events and working on projects.
Basic Responsibilities*
- Interpret 1890’s farm life to visitors through daily activities, special events, and educational programs.
- Provide assistance in the care and interpretation of the orchard.
- Interpretation of the wood pile and 1890s holidays, politics, recreation and social activities.
- Maintain the appearance of the facility.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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Age Requirement | 18 years and older |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 8 hours per month |
Description
Volunteer attendants welcome visitors to Kline Creek Farm and answer questions.
Basic Responsibilities*
- Become familiar with the Kline Creek Farm site.
- Staff Visitor Center’s information booth, hand out brochures, and direct visitors.
- Staff gift shop, which includes handling money, making correct change, and operating a cash register.
- Answer phone calls.
- Work in cooperation with staff.
- Perform miscellaneous duties as required.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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Age Requirement | One adult 18 years or older accompanying no more than two children, who must each be 6 – 13 years old |
Application Required | Yes |
Deadline | February 3, 2012, July 14, 2012, November 3, 2012 |
Commitment | One year with a minimum of 8 hours per month |
Description
Kline Creek Farm volunteers can include their children in their volunteer experiences through the family volunteers program. Once adult volunteers have completed their training, they can enroll in the family program and bring their children when they come to volunteer.
Basic Responsibilities*
- All adults must complete the regular volunteer training before bringing their children.
- Children must comply with Kline Creek Farm’s dress code; parents can consult with the domestic arts specialist for clothing options.
For More Information
*For a complete Volunteer Position Description or to answer additional questions call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681, or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.
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