Celebrate Earth Month with the Forest Preserve District by signing up for a cleanup event. 

There are still spots available for two hands-on cleanup events that offer a meaningful way to care for the environment while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a morning along the river or an evening in the woods, we’ve got you covered.

Choose your event:

• Spring Cleanup: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13, Rock Run Rookery Preserve, Joliet. Help clear trash from the Des Plaines River shoreline and enjoy a morning of purposeful action. Ages 14 and older; free. Register by Friday, April 11.
• Earth Day Cleanup: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, Hidden Oaks Preserve, Bolingbrook. Make an impact at Hidden Oaks Preserve, then celebrate with a sweet treat from the Tackle Box bait shop. Ages 5 and older; free. Register by Thursday, April 17.

Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance to pitch in and protect the places you love. Let’s celebrate Earth Month with action.

And if you are looking for another way to give back, consider donating your unused bikes to the Forest Preserve’s Recycle Your Bicycle program, which will have four options for donations this year. 

Bikes in any condition, new or rusty, can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to sunset at these preserves from Saturday, April 12, to Sunday, April 27: Monee Reservoir, Monee Township; Hidden Oaks Preserve, Bolingbrook; and McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove, Channahon.

Bikes also can be dropped off during the Spring Biking Kickoff With REI from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 12, Prairie Bluff Preserve, Crest Hill. Please note: This is a one-day event and bikes can only be dropped off during the program. 

The Forest Preserve is collecting old bikes on behalf of Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty. 

For other ways to give back and be involved, check out the Forest Preserve's Volunteer Page to find more year-round options.