Community Stewardship Program

Volunteers planting seedlings in a restoration area next to a paved path and sign.

The Community Stewardship Program (CSP) is the volunteer and community engagement program focused on the Chicago Park District natural areas. Launched in 2001 with 29 stewardship days at 10 sites, the program has expanded to more than 400 stewardship days annually across more than 35 sites.

The program aims to connect people and communities through park district natural areas, inspiring investment in, care for, and appreciation of urban nature. Lead volunteers, known as Stewards, are the foundation of the program’s success, leading groups in ecological restoration, nature education, community science, and other activities.

Volunteering at a Community Stewardship Workday

View List of Community Stewardship Workdays

All are welcome to any public community stewardship day, regardless of age, background, or experience level. Participants can volunteer at workdays as often as they like and stay for as long as they are able. Minors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian prior to the stewardship day. See the document section below.

Stewardship day activities vary by site and time of year, but can include tasks such as litter pickup, trail mulching, invasive plant removal, native plant planting, habitat monitoring, nature walks, cultural connections, and more.

Volunteer Roles

Volunteering in the Natural Areas offers many benefits, including learning about native Illinois flora and fauna, gaining hands-on experience in ecological restoration, developing leadership skills, connecting people to nature, and fostering an environmental ethic in the city of Chicago. Below are a list of volunteer roles.

Workday Volunteers without a formal role are welcome to participate in workdays, no application is required. Youth volunteers age 13 or over must be accompanied by a parent on their first visit. Volunteers under the age of 13 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Lead/Assistant Stewards serve as the primary point of contact with CPD staff and are responsible for overall coordination of workdays, including organizing and management of workday activities as well as serving as a liaison between the community and CPD. Lead and Assistant Stewards must be at least 18 years old and commit to a minimum of 2 years of service to the group. Lead and Assistant Stewards must complete the items laid out in the Community Stewardship Program Policy Guide, including the completion of a volunteer application, background check, and apprenticeship.

Greeters welcome and orientate workday volunteers, administer waivers, and engage with park patrons to promote the program, workdays, and benefits of natural areas. Greeters must be at least 18 years old and commit to a minimum of 1 year of service to the group. Greeters must complete the items laid out in the Community Stewardship Program Policy Guide, including a volunteer application and background check.

Apprentice Stewards must be at least 16 years old and commit to one year of service to the Group. Apprentice under the age of 18 must have parental consent. Apprentice Stewards must complete the items laid out in the Community Stewardship Program Policy Guide, including a volunteer application.

Nature Ambassadors collaborate with CPD and the Lead Steward to offer nature walks or other nature-based learning opportunities as part of workdays,. Nature Ambassadors must be at least 18 years old. Nature Ambassadors must complete the items laid out in the Community Stewardship Program Policy Guide, including a volunteer application.

No application is required to simply join a volunteer day as a member of the public. Experienced volunteers interested in becoming a Lead or Assistant Steward, Greeter, or Nature Ambassador should review the Community Stewardship Program Volunteer Handbook and contact stewardship@chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information about available opportunities.

Natural Areas

To find a list of Chicago Park District’s natural areas and plan your next visit, see our Natural Areas webpage or view the list of upcoming workdays here.
 

Documents