Trail Patrol Volunteer Opportunities

Trail Patrol

Volunteer Forms | Nature Workday Schedule | The Spirit

Enjoy biking through the forest preserves while providing a valuable service to visitors as a Trail Patrol volunteer. Trail Patrol volunteers receive training on bicycle safety and learn how to answer frequently asked questions about the Forest Preserve District. Pairs of volunteers traverse the most popular preserves in the county. In addition to answering questions, they distribute trail maps and communicate adverse trail conditions and emergencies to the District's Law Enforcement department. Share your own interest in the DuPage County's forest preserve trail system as a Trail Patrol volunteer.

Please note the following application deadlines to be considered for the 2007 volunteer season:

Bike Patrol: March 1
Foot Patrol: March 1

Steps to Become a Trail Patrol Volunteer

Complete a volunteer application
Attend mandatory training and continuing education sessions
An approved background check and two character references on file
Must carry official volunteer identification card while volunteering
Must possess good listening and verbal communication skills
Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions

Bike Patrol Unit:

The Bicycle Patrol Unit will augment current efforts by providing additional eyes and ears for the District’s Law Enforcement Department. The Bicycle Patrol Unit will notify Law Enforcement of any unsafe conditions and activities on the District’s trail system. The Bicycle Patrol Unit will also provide assistance and information to trail users.

Responsibilities:

Patrol assigned preserve trails and report suspicious or unusual situations to Law Enforcement
Provide non-enforcement and non-confrontational services to the public
Notify Law Enforcement of any trail hazards

Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Must be in good physical condition and have adequate riding skills to pass a bicycle field test
Must be able to ride a minimum of two hours at a time
Must be able to remain calm in an emergency situation
Must have the ability to follow procedures accurately and responsibly
Must be willing to learn about the Forest Preserve District and the surrounding areas and pass a written test
Must be interested in helping others and be willing to work within the guidelines set by the District
Volunteers provide their own bicycle, helmet, and water bottle
Volunteers must be able to pass the written bicycle test provided by the District
Must be able to work with an assigned partner
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

A minimum of 8 hours per month.
One season commitment.

Supervised by the Law Enforcement Sergeant in charge of the Trail Patrol Volunteer Program. Daily activities are under the supervision of the Law Enforcement Sergeant in charge of the shift.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Foot Patrol Unit:

The Foot Patrol Unit will augment current efforts by providing additional eyes and ears for the District’s Law Enforcement Department. The Foot Patrol Unit will notify Law Enforcement of any unsafe conditions and activities on the District’s trail system. The Foot Patrol Unit will also provide assistance and information to trail users.