Opportunities From: Heart of Illinois Volunteers

Volunteer: Forest Park Nature Center BioBlitz

Join us for a Community BioBlitz!
Volunteers will work alongside experienced naturalists and scientists to help identify and record as many plant and animal species as possible during this 12-hour event. No prior experience with species identification is required—just a willingness to learn and use smartphone apps and field guides.

Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire event but should be able to commit to at least a 2-hour shift. Shift times are flexible. For example, if you are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you may participate in two different survey sessions during that time.
If you have questions about volunteer shifts or scheduling, please contact Melinda Huett at mhuett@peoriaparks.org.

Data Entry Volunteers Needed: Data entry opportunities are available throughout the event, 11:30am-4:40pm, and can be scheduled around your availability.

Species Identification Experts:
If you have experience identifying plants, animals, insects, birds, or other wildlife and would be interested in leading a volunteer group, please contact Cassie Sheehan at csheehan@peoriaparks.org.Minimum age: 18


Schedule:

9:30am-11:30am: BIRD IDENTIFICATION

11:30am-1:30pm: PRAIRIE PLANT IDENTIFICATION

1:30pm-3:30pm: TREE IDENTIFICATION

3:30pm-5:30pm: FUNGUS IDENTIFICATION

5:30pm-7:30pm: REPTILE IDENTIFICATION

7:30pm-9:30pm: NOCTURNAL INSECT IDENTIFICATION

11:30am-5:30pm: Data Entry, assist staff in entering in the collection data. Only 1 person needed at a time. 

Organization: Peoria Park District

Join us for a Community BioBlitz!
Volunteers will work alongside experienced naturalists and scientists to help identify and record as many plant and animal species as possible during this 12-hour event. No prior experience with species identification is required—just a willingness to learn and use smartphone apps and field guides.

Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire event but should be able to commit to at least a 2-hour shift. Shift times are flexible. For example, if you are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you may participate in two different survey sessions during that time.
If you have questions about volunteer shifts or scheduling, please contact Melinda Huett at mhuett@peoriaparks.org.

Data Entry Volunteers Needed: Data entry opportunities are available throughout the event, 11:30am-4:40pm, and can be scheduled around your availability.

Species Identification Experts:
If you have experience identifying plants, animals, insects, birds, or other wildlife and would be interested in leading a volunteer group, please contact Cassie Sheehan at csheehan@peoriaparks.org.Minimum age: 18


Schedule:

9:30am-11:30am: BIRD IDENTIFICATION

11:30am-1:30pm: PRAIRIE PLANT IDENTIFICATION

1:30pm-3:30pm: TREE IDENTIFICATION

3:30pm-5:30pm: FUNGUS IDENTIFICATION

5:30pm-7:30pm: REPTILE IDENTIFICATION

7:30pm-9:30pm: NOCTURNAL INSECT IDENTIFICATION

11:30am-5:30pm: Data Entry, assist staff in entering in the collection data. Only 1 person needed at a time. 

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61603

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Tawny Oaks Prairie Sweet Clover Removal

The Sweet Clover has bloomed early and we are looking for some help to help remove it before it takes over the Prairie.

Restoration Workdays are designed to help remove invasive plant species that interfere with the native habitat in our parks. This is an important step in maintaining a healthy environment in our parks and community. Plant removal is done through cutting with hand tools and/ or hand pulling when possible. This is a hands-on task and requires volunteers to be able to bend, carry tools, traverse uneven terrain, and in some cases walk long distances.

Close toed shoes are required, long pants are preferred, but are optional. Please bring a water bottle and work gloves. We will provide work gloves if needed.

Organization: Peoria Park District

The Sweet Clover has bloomed early and we are looking for some help to help remove it before it takes over the Prairie.

Restoration Workdays are designed to help remove invasive plant species that interfere with the native habitat in our parks. This is an important step in maintaining a healthy environment in our parks and community. Plant removal is done through cutting with hand tools and/ or hand pulling when possible. This is a hands-on task and requires volunteers to be able to bend, carry tools, traverse uneven terrain, and in some cases walk long distances.

Close toed shoes are required, long pants are preferred, but are optional. Please bring a water bottle and work gloves. We will provide work gloves if needed.

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61526

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Streets Belong To Me: Trewyn Park

The Peoria Park District is hosting a series of events throughout the summer that will encourage a summer of active, healthy, and positive activities! We hope you join us for all, or one of our events!

This series of events will happen three times over the summer and feature a DJ, entertainment, food and FUN!

Peoria is our home! With our Streets Belong to Me event, we put emphasis on remembering that key fact! This event will consist of entertainment, live performances, delicious food, and so much more. Peoria belongs to us, and the streets do too!

Volunteers will be assisting Park District staff with the event such as helping with set up, tear down, and leading kids games.
May 30th: Proctor Recreation Center
July 3rd: Glen Oak Park
July 22rd: Trewyn Park

Organization: Peoria Park District

The Peoria Park District is hosting a series of events throughout the summer that will encourage a summer of active, healthy, and positive activities! We hope you join us for all, or one of our events!

This series of events will happen three times over the summer and feature a DJ, entertainment, food and FUN!

Peoria is our home! With our Streets Belong to Me event, we put emphasis on remembering that key fact! This event will consist of entertainment, live performances, delicious food, and so much more. Peoria belongs to us, and the streets do too!

Volunteers will be assisting Park District staff with the event such as helping with set up, tear down, and leading kids games.
May 30th: Proctor Recreation Center
July 3rd: Glen Oak Park
July 22rd: Trewyn Park

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jul 23, 2026

Zip Code: 61605

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: HISRA Family Day

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is hosting their very first HISRA Family Day on Unplug Illinois Day. We are looking for volunteers that will be able to supervise outdoor and indoor games, serve snow cones and popcorn, facilitate BINGO and ensure families are having a safe and fun day "unplugging" together.

Organization: Peoria Park District

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is hosting their very first HISRA Family Day on Unplug Illinois Day. We are looking for volunteers that will be able to supervise outdoor and indoor games, serve snow cones and popcorn, facilitate BINGO and ensure families are having a safe and fun day "unplugging" together.

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jul 11, 2026

Zip Code: 61615

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Streets Belong To Me: Glen Oak Park

The Peoria Park District is hosting a series of events throughout the summer that will encourage a summer of active, healthy, and positive activities! We hope you join us for all, or one of our events!

This series of events will happen three times over the summer and feature a DJ, entertainment, food and FUN!

Peoria is our home! With our Streets Belong to Me event, we put emphasis on remembering that key fact! This event will consist of entertainment, live performances, delicious food, and so much more. Peoria belongs to us, and the streets do too!

Volunteers will be assisting Park District staff with the event such as helping with set up, tear down, and leading kids games.
May 30th: Proctor Recreation Center
July 3rd: Glen Oak Park
July 22rd: Trewyn Park

Organization: Peoria Park District

The Peoria Park District is hosting a series of events throughout the summer that will encourage a summer of active, healthy, and positive activities! We hope you join us for all, or one of our events!

This series of events will happen three times over the summer and feature a DJ, entertainment, food and FUN!

Peoria is our home! With our Streets Belong to Me event, we put emphasis on remembering that key fact! This event will consist of entertainment, live performances, delicious food, and so much more. Peoria belongs to us, and the streets do too!

Volunteers will be assisting Park District staff with the event such as helping with set up, tear down, and leading kids games.
May 30th: Proctor Recreation Center
July 3rd: Glen Oak Park
July 22rd: Trewyn Park

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jul 3, 2026

Zip Code: 61603

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: 2026 Donovan Park Restoration Workday

Join these restoration workdays on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 1pm to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Tools are provided, but bring work gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience. Closed toe shoes and required and long pants are preferred. Meet in the Donovan Park parking lot.For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354

Organization: Peoria Park District

Join these restoration workdays on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 1pm to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Tools are provided, but bring work gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience. Closed toe shoes and required and long pants are preferred. Meet in the Donovan Park parking lot.For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61614

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, unity, and Peoria's rich Black history at Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration! Enjoy entertainment, plus delicious food trucks, family fun, and a dazzling Juneteenth-themed drone show to close the evening. This free event is a welcoming and safe space to engage, learn, and honor the legacy of Juneteenth in our community. Join us for a powerful night of music, culture, and celebration!
Volunteers will be assisting with kids activities and other event details.

Organization: Peoria Park District

Celebrate freedom, unity, and Peoria's rich Black history at Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration! Enjoy entertainment, plus delicious food trucks, family fun, and a dazzling Juneteenth-themed drone show to close the evening. This free event is a welcoming and safe space to engage, learn, and honor the legacy of Juneteenth in our community. Join us for a powerful night of music, culture, and celebration!
Volunteers will be assisting with kids activities and other event details.

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61602

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Summer Environmental Restoration Workdays

Restoration Workdays are designed to help remove invasive plant species that interfere with the native habitat in our parks. This is an important step in maintaining a healthy environment in our parks and community. Plant removal is done through cutting with hand tools and/ or hand pulling when possible. This is a hands-on task and requires volunteers to be able to bend, carry tools, traverse uneven terrain, and in some cases walk long distances.

Close toed shoes are required, long pants are preferred, but are optional. Please bring a water bottle and work gloves. We will provide work gloves if needed.

Each week is a new location:

5/13: Robinson Park

5/20: Singing Woods/Tawny Oaks

5/27: Detweiller Park

6/17: Robinson Park

6/24: Singing Woods/Tawn Oaks

Organization: Peoria Park District

Restoration Workdays are designed to help remove invasive plant species that interfere with the native habitat in our parks. This is an important step in maintaining a healthy environment in our parks and community. Plant removal is done through cutting with hand tools and/ or hand pulling when possible. This is a hands-on task and requires volunteers to be able to bend, carry tools, traverse uneven terrain, and in some cases walk long distances.

Close toed shoes are required, long pants are preferred, but are optional. Please bring a water bottle and work gloves. We will provide work gloves if needed.

Each week is a new location:

5/13: Robinson Park

5/20: Singing Woods/Tawny Oaks

5/27: Detweiller Park

6/17: Robinson Park

6/24: Singing Woods/Tawn Oaks

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61615

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Forest Park Road Monthly Clean Up Day

We will take advantage of Forest Park Road being closed during the City''s monthly maintenance to help keep the park clean and beautiful!
Volunteers will work alongside Forest Park Nature Center staff to pick up litter along the road, hillsides, and ditches—protecting wildlife and preserving this special space for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers will meet in the Nature Center lobby.

Organization: Peoria Park District

We will take advantage of Forest Park Road being closed during the City''s monthly maintenance to help keep the park clean and beautiful!
Volunteers will work alongside Forest Park Nature Center staff to pick up litter along the road, hillsides, and ditches—protecting wildlife and preserving this special space for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers will meet in the Nature Center lobby.

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61614

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: 2026 Horseshoe Bottoms Restoration Workday

Join these restoration workdays on the 1st Saturday of every month at 9am to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Tools are provided, but bring work gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience. Closed toe shoes and required and long pants are preferred.  Horseshoe Bottoms: Meet at the West end of St. Mary's Cemetery. Drive all the way to the far back west side. For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354

Organization: Peoria Park District

Join these restoration workdays on the 1st Saturday of every month at 9am to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Tools are provided, but bring work gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience. Closed toe shoes and required and long pants are preferred.  Horseshoe Bottoms: Meet at the West end of St. Mary's Cemetery. Drive all the way to the far back west side. For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61604

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: 2026 Rocky Glen Restoration Workday

Join these restoration workdays on the 1st Sunday of every month at 9am to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Bring gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience.  For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354 Park at the Rocky Glen Parking Lot

Organization: Peoria Park District

Join these restoration workdays on the 1st Sunday of every month at 9am to meet new people, learn about native (and non-native) flora and fauna, have fun, and get some exercise! Bring gloves and water and dress appropriately for an outdoor experience.  For question related to the weather and workday cancellation, please call David Pittman 309-573-2354 Park at the Rocky Glen Parking Lot

Organization: Peoria Park District

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 61604

Allow Groups: Yes