Volunteer

Through the contributions of many volunteers, the programs TLC is able to offer and the impact it has had on the landscape has grown dramatically. Volunteers certainly make a difference!

We have several opportunities for you to get involved, both indoors and outdoors.  Read the brief descriptions of our most common volunteer needs below, then complete the Volunteer Profile Form on this page.  You will be notified as opportunities related to your skills and interests come up. We would love to have you become part of this great community of dedicated - and friendly - volunteers!

Habitat Restoration Workdays

Volunteer Workdays take place most Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. No experience is necessary, and tools and refreshments are provided. Volunteers should dress in long pants and sturdy shoes. Activities will focus on eradicating invasive species from natural areas. All year long we cut brush such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and small willows with both chainsaws and hand loppers. Volunteers can either cut or help build and burn brush piles. In spring we pull garlic mustard by hand. In the fall, we hold events to gather seed and acorns.  Visit our calendar of events to see upcoming workdays. Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be added to the restoration volunteer list, or you can sign up to volunteer here. 

Planting Oaks (click to learn more)

Help us reforest McHenry County! TLC has been working with municipalities, schools, churches, students and volunteers to promote the next generation of oaks. Oaks need full sunlight and are very slow growing. McHenry County used to have an abundance of oaks, but very few baby oaks are germinating and surviving to adulthood. Planting and caring for them gives a much needed head start. Oak plantings take place in the spring and the fall, and involve digging holes, planting, mulching, setting up protective cages and watering. You can sign up to volunteer here. 

Office Support

We occasionally need volunteers during business hours to help with mailings or prepare for events.  If you like to sit around a table doing simple tasks, while also solving all the world's problems, this is a perfect fit. It's a great opportunity to be able to help out while conversing with other like-minded people! Sign up here. 

Special Events and Training (click to learn more)

Do you enjoy planning or helping out at events?  TLC's fall fundraiser--Art of the Land--involves planning and coordinating from spring until the two-day event in November.  The result brings together talented artists, photographers, sponsors, performers and members for a spectacular event to raise funds that help TLC fulfill our mission.  Volunteers are instrumental to the success of every event.  

Be sure to indicate on the Volunteer Profile form  your interest in Special Events.  We also encourage you to click on the "Volunteer Spot" button below to view specific jobs/shifts for upcoming TLC special events.  TLC uses the program so our volunteers can sign up for the times and tasks they are most interested in.  

Thank you! Feel free to contact us directly with any questions: 815-337-9502