VOLUNTEER

Lyman Woods

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Interpretive Center Office Volunteers: Friendly folks who are enthusiastic about nature are needed to assist in staffing our Interpretive Center. These volunteers greet visitors, answer questions about Lyman Woods, and assist with clerical tasks. Click for application

*Camp Volunteer: Are you a student looking for volunteer experience? Want to spend your summer break outside? Lyman Woods Camp Volunteers help the camp counselor and campers with games, crafts, hikes and outdoor activities. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Click for application

*NaturePlay School Volunteer: Volunteers assist with our NaturePlay School, our early childhood program based on the forest school model designed to promote outdoor nature based learning. Responsibilities include helping staff prep and set up materials and supplies for the program (outdoors mostly, as weather permits), assist in supervising children's free-play, help with craft projects, and help clean up at the end of the program. Volunteers may occasionally assist the instructor with lessons in creative arts, math, science and language. NaturePlay School may take place Mondays - Fridays, 9am - 12pm or 12:15pm - 2:15pm. Volunteers may sign up for one or several shifts. Click for application

*General Program Volunteer: For our after-school program, or other special programs (Handmade Holidays, Honey Harvest, weekend programs), volunteers may assist with craft preparation, program setup/cleanup, help with supplies or assist program instructors with supervision of participants. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Click for application

Restoration and Gardening Volunteers: Nature enthusiasts are needed to assist in restoration efforts and tend to our vegetable and/or butterfly gardens. Click for application

Volunteer Groups: Have a small or large group of co-workers, students, scouts or friends that would like to come to Lyman Woods to give back to nature and build teamwork at the same time? We would love to work with your group and find a fun and rewarding opportunity that works for you! To get things started, please fill out our "Group Volunteer Interest Form" and return it to lymanwoods@dgparks.org. Our form is required for groups of 5 or more. Group activities may include trail restoration, invasive species removal, seed collection and spreading, edible gardening (weeding, watering, etc.), fence building, planting and more! Group Volunteer Interest Form

FULL - Trail Monitor: Love to hike? Want to spend more time outdoors? Hiking Patrol volunteers help maintain our beautiful natural areas by hiking the trails at Lyman Woods and the Belmont Prairie. Volunteers inspect trails, report trail conditions and answer frequently asked questions from fellow hikers. 

Call 630.963.9388 for more information about volunteering at Lyman Woods.

REAP Volunteer Workdays

Join our REAP (Restore, Educate and Preserve) volunteer group at Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie. Activities may include collecting and sowing native seed, restoring trails, planting native plants and removing invasive plants. An RSVP is required for REAP volunteer workdays so that staff can properly prepare activities and make sure we have enough supplies. Please contact Lyman Woods at lymanwoods@dgparks.org or 630.963.9388 for more information.

REAP Eco-Restoration Kick-off

Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 1:00–3:30 pm
Location: Lyman Woods, 901 31st St., Downers Grove

Kick off the R.E.A.P. (Restore, Educate, and Preserve) season with a hands-on volunteer workday at Lyman Woods! Help care for a unique prairie kame ecosystem by removing invasive species, learning about local restoration efforts, and connecting with fellow community members. We’ll wrap up the day around a cozy campfire with snacks and s’mores to celebrate the work done together!

RSVP to the REAP Volunteer kick-off

Event Details:

• All are welcome
• Volunteers under 14 must attend with an adult=
• Volunteers under 18 need a parent/guardian signature
• Participants must complete a volunteer waiver
• Dress for the weather and getting a little dirty
• Tools and work gloves provided (bring your own if you prefer)
• Feel free to bring a snack to share

2026 REAP Calendar

APPLY ONLINE

MUSEUM DOCENTS

Docents lead group tours through the Museum. Flexible hours. Training provided. A willingness to help keep history alive is the only requirement. For more information, call 630.963.1309.

special events

Volunteer at special events such as the Summer Concert Series, family events and more! To volunteer, email volunteer@dgparks.org.