Champaign County Forest Preserve seeks volunteers

By Isabella Zarate

On Wednesday, August 31, Champaign County Forest Preserve District Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Gallo, was set up on the main quad at the University of Illinois. 

As numerous students approached Gallo’s table she eagerly highlighted some main features of “the fabulous forest preserves.”

Though, aside from informing, Gallo’s biggest hope for the day was to recruit volunteers for a number of the preserve’s upcoming events.

“We have so many different forest preserves, and each of them have very different needs that can benefit from volunteer help,” Gallo explained. 

In total, the CCFPD has six forest preserves, a regional rail trail, a golf course, a nature center, a museum, and 45 miles of trails in Champaign County. Needless to say, the district often takes any help they can get. 

With that, the CCFPD seeks to curate a volunteer community that is a diverse representation of the county community. 

For those looking to get involved, the district offers a handful of different volunteer opportunities, the first targeting public volunteers.

Public volunteers can participate in specific events and functions that the preserve hosts. Public volunteer opportunities can be found by exploring the event calendar or by reading the newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter email volunteer@ccfpd.org.

Another way to get involved is by applying to become a regular volunteer. Regular volunteers are those who plan to serve more than 10 hours a year. 

Those interested in becoming regular volunteers can apply here. 

The District also accepts service groups and Eagle Scout projects. In order to receive more information on these opportunities contact a volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ccfpd.org. 

Lastly, youth volunteers are encouraged to participate as well, though if unaccompanied, individuals must be at least 14 years of age, and 11 years of age for the Counselor in Training program. 

For more information and opportunities, visit ccfpd.org.