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Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Sunrise: 5:28 a.m.
Sunset: 8:08 p.m.
Wednesday, May 16



Volunteer Programs

Volunteer hours do NOT count toward court-ordered community service.

Volunteer
Opportunities

Calendar of Events For upcoming volunteer-related activities, visit Calendar of Events.

For recent positions, visit Current Volunteer Positions.

Applications
And Forms

Volunteer Application

Workday Waiver

The Spirit

Download the District's volunteer newsletter, The Spirit.

Questions?

Call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7681 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or email volunteer@dupageforest.com.
  

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Mayslake Peabody Estate

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Mayslake Peabody Estate

Mayslake Peabody Estate volunteers interpret the majesty of Mayslake Hall, former home of coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody. Volunteer docents lead tours of Peabody’s Tudor-revival-style, 39-room residence and describe life at the estate in the early 1920s. Research volunteers uncover exciting information about the Potawatomi Indians, the Peabody family and the history of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor. Estate garden volunteers work to re-establish the lush grounds around the hall and to maintain the formal landscaping. Contribute to the cultural and historical significance of this magnificent residence and surrounding grounds as a Mayslake Peabody Estate volunteer.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Caretaker | Docent | Estate Gardener | FundraisingGraphic DesignerResearcher | Special Events | Office Support

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Caretaker

 

Age Requirement

18 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with a minimum of 6 hours per month

Description
The volunteer caretaker assists staff with the cleaning and minor maintenance and repairs of Mayslake Peabody Estate using proper methods, materials and equipment.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Remove debris, ice and snow from entry areas and sidewalks.
  • Sweep and clean porches and entryways to buildings.
  • Remove litter from grounds around buildings.
  • Wash windows; change light bulbs; empty waste cans; polish furniture; dust woodwork, furniture, and shelving; hang pictures; repair office furniture; clean sink traps; and sweep, scrub, and wax floors.
  • Assist with work orders, and help maintain inventory of custodial, meeting and other supplies.
  • Prepare rooms for meeting according to event plans.
  • Move office and building furniture and equipment.
  • Clear and clean tables and counters.
  • Resolve routine problems.

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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Docent (Position Currently Filled)

 

Age Requirement

18 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with a minimum of 3 hours per month

Description
Volunteer docents expand the public’s appreciation and knowledge of Mayslake Hall by working with visitors, typically spending most of their time giving tours to small groups, which include casual visitors, organizations, and school groups.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Greet visitors and accompany tours through historic portions of the estate giving informative and accurate presentations.
  • Assist staff with ensuring the comfort and safety of all visitors.
  • Assist groups and collect admission fees in reception foyer.

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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Estate Gardener

 

Age Requirement

16 years and older, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 6 hours per month, two 3-hour shifts April through October

Description

Garden volunteers assist in the maintenance of plant beds. The amount and type of work varies daily and is weather-dependent. The gardens require most work during late spring and early summer and during late summer and early fall.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Assist in general maintenance of the plant beds, including weeding, planting, watering, pruning, and collecting seeds.

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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Fundraising

 

Age Requirement

18 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 6 hours per month

Description

Fundraising Volunteers support the strategic direction of the District through fundraising strategies and objectives..

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Assist District Staff with plans for fund-generating and donation programs.   Attend special events, donor recognition events, and other related activates.
  • Attend and present information at meetings.
  • Utilize word processing, database, spreadsheet, and communication software packages to assist with projects.
  • Respond to public inquiries and requests for information.
  • Create fundraising materials.
  • Cultivate donor relationships.

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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Graphic Designer

 

Age Requirement

18 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 6 hours per month

Description
The graphic design volunteer is responsible for the design and layout of the quarterly Mayslake Peabody Estate newsletter and assists with other projects, such flyers, promotional materials, and newspaper advertisements.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Design quarterly newsletter.
  • Perform other graphic-design projects as needed.

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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Researcher

 

Age Requirement

16 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 6 hours per month

 

Description
Volunteer researchers help with all aspects of research relating to Mayslake Peabody Estate, including but not limited to the history of the Peabody family; artifacts; the history of the estate, including prehistoric and Native American periods; the background of architect Benjamin H. Marshall; and the art and culture of the era, including social structures, the library collection, historic landscaping, oral history, genealogy, and heraldry.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Assist with or undertake identified items of research using a variety of data.
  • Present information in a useable form.
  • Write research reports after research is complete.
  • Assist with filing and keeping archives current.

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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Special Events

 

Age Requirement

16 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 20 hours per year

 

Description
This volunteer works with staff during the preparation and set up of events and weddings and assists with ticket sales, registration, and gift shop sales.

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Set up and take down chairs inside and outside venues.
  • Greet and direct guests.
  • Assist with traffic control.
  • Assist with management of cloakroom.

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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Office Support

 

Age Requirement

18 years and older

Application Required

Yes

Deadline

None

Commitment

One year with minimum of 6 hours per month

 

Description
Office Support Volunteers interact with the public to respond to questions and requests for information..

Basic Responsibilities*

  • Greet and assist facility visitors and staff. Take phone messages. Answer questions from facility visitors.
  • Utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet software packages for a variety of projects.  Operate a variety of office equipment.
  • Maintain calendars.
  • Assist with event set-up.
  • Assist with special events.

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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