DuPage forest preserve volunteers honored
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County recently honored its corps of dedicated volunteers at its annual volunteer appreciation celebration.
Last fiscal year 870 full-time, 978 group and 407 one-time volunteers contributed more than 59,449 hours with an in-kind value of $1.5 million.
"We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers for their help connecting people to nature," district President Joe Cantore said. "Our volunteers help make it all possible and are the backbone of all our efforts."
Volunteers assist staff in carrying out specialized tasks and interacting with visitors at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville and Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. They bring history to life, care for wild and domestic animals and teach countless visitors about nature.
The new Golf Preserve volunteers assist in maintaining the turf and preparing for opening day at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, and Natural Resources volunteers assist in monitoring wildlife, native species and waterways and assist with restoration efforts.
Special Services volunteers pitch in at events throughout the district and assist behind the scenes with special projects. Trail patrol volunteers help visitors enjoy the trail system safely, and through the Volunteer Ranger Program, individuals introduce archery, fishing and kayaking to visitors of all ages.
"This dedicated crew of volunteers support our staff in carrying out the goals of each program," said Deborah Cuca Brooks, the district's volunteer services coordinator. "We are thrilled to have so many volunteers who have found their passion here and are willing to share their time and talents with us. We can't thank them enough."
In addition to acknowledging the efforts of all of its volunteers, the forest preserve district also recognized individuals who make exceptional contributions. Director's Award recipients for noteworthy commitment to their respective programs were Sue Wedryk of Wheaton (Danada), Irena Paronis of Darien (Fullersburg Woods), George Myers of Libertyville (Golf Preserve), Jim Truesdale of Wheaton (Kline Creek Farm), Tom Heinz of Hinsdale (Mayslake), Joe Suchecki of Naperville (Natural Resources), Chris Linnell of Naperville (Special Services), Kathy Isoda of Naperville (St. James Farm), Judi Kramer of Naperville (Trail Patrol), Larry Brousil of Cicero (Volunteer Ranger Program), and Bob Rischl of Wheaton (Willowbrook).
This year's President's Award recipients, who made significant contributions to their programs, were Cheryl Kasper of Darien (Danada), Debbie Spanski of LaGrange (Fullersburg Woods), Sargon Gilliana of Chicago (Golf Preserve), Jan Yong of Wheaton (Kline Creek Farm), Jeanne Lavander of Burr Ridge (Mayslake), Crystal McAllister of Glen Ellyn (Natural Resources), Corelei Codak of Glen Ellyn (Special Services), Judi Werner of Clarendon Hills (St. James Farm), Bruce and Kathy Dudzik of Wheaton (Trail Patrol), Alan Jirik of Downers Grove (Volunteer Ranger Program), and Mike Shimer of Wheaton (Willowbrook).
Group Workday Award recipients were Stantec in Lombard, St. James the Apostle School in Glen Ellyn and Thomson Reuters in Oak Brook.
Group Partnership Award recipients were DRiFT (DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers), Illinois Smallmouth Alliance and SCARCE in Glen Ellyn.
Area Scouts recognized for completing Eagle Scout projects with the district in 2017 were Enzo Alcedo of Bolingbrook, Joel Clancy of Lisle, John Savage of Wheaton, John Patrick Gunter of Naperville, Peter Davis of Naperville, and William A. Turner of Naperville.
Support groups recognized for their volunteer work were The Conservation Foundation, DuPage Graue Mill Corporation, Friends of Danada, Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, University of Illinois Extension, Wayne Area Conservancy Foundation and West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group.
For information on forest preserve district volunteer opportunities, visit dupageforest.org/get-involved/volunteer or call Volunteer Services at (630) 933-7233.