KIDS Volunteer Program

The IDNR Volunteer Network Program offers many Kids an opportunity to volunteer. Kids and young people can make a difference in our land and environment through volunteering.

WHO: The only thing we require is that minors under the age of 16 are part of an organized group or working side by side with a family member that will provide adult supervision.

If you are not a member of a group, there are all kinds of people and groups you can join who are already volunteering such as:

Schools - through extracurricular clubs, classroom projects and community service projects

Community Based Organizations - Girl/Boy Scouts; 4-H groups; school groups, church youth programs; sports leagues; special interest clubs; recreation centers; performing arts troupes and after-school daycare groups, just to name a few!

And - You can always volunteer with your family!

All volunteers under the age of 18 must have their parent sign the volunteer forms.

WHAT: There is so much you can do to help protect and maintain IDNR properties such as:

Rehab or create a natural habitat
Improve trails, campsites or playgrounds
Organized clean-ups
Paint picnic tables
Planting gardens or trees
Fundraising events
Build bird houses

That is just a few ideas. You can also create your own project, with the permission of the IDNR Site Supervisor. Figure out what problem you see at an IDNR site that you would like to tackle. Talk to your parents and other adults about the problem and how you can help.

Think about what you are good at and what you love to do. If you connect your volunteer idea to your interests and abilities you will get more out of your project.

WHERE: We have volunteer opportunities in the following IDNR Divisions: Fisheries; Urban Fishing; Natural Heritage; Wildlife; Parks and Recreation; and Disabled Opportunities. The site listings are in the Projects Directory.

WHEN: Anytime you are available and there is an IDNR staff person there to assist, you can volunteer! Your volunteer time will be set between you and the IDNR site.

HOW: Just contact any IDNR site or Division in the Projects Directory to see how you can help! Then meet with a Volunteer Supervisor at the site and complete the necessary volunteer paperwork.

WHY: Whether you paint a picnic table, or monitor streams for water quality, you can be a member of the Kids Volunteer Program, The Program consists of Kids who are dedicated to protect and improve our public resources. This is a great way to connect with other people and the land. You can be part of the solution. You can make a difference in your world while encouraging others and the next generation to become good stewards.

If you would like more information, either e-mail Dianne @ dnr.volunteers@illinois.gov or write to Dianne Blasa, Volunteer Network Manager, 4521 Alton Commerce Parkway, Alton, IL 62002.