Volunteer at Kline Creek Farm
Our Volunteer Program
Our Forest Preserve District’s volunteer program is designed to engage volunteers who are willing to donate their time, talents, and resources to support staff and programs in carrying out the mission, purpose, and guiding principles. The volunteer program offers opportunities to assist and support staff across many diverse programs.
For more information about our volunteer programs, contact Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.
Volunteer at Kline Creek Farm
Kline Creek Farm’s volunteers assist staff with heritage programs and hands-on learning activities about life on a DuPage County farm during the late 19th century. They may plant the kitchen garden, can vegetables in the summer kitchen, or collect eggs from the chicken coop. Other volunteers may care for livestock, assist with tours of the barn and outbuildings, or work at the farm’s gift shop.
The farm is located at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago.
Volunteer Positions
This program is closed through 2023.
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in interpreting 1890s beekeeping techniques to guests while maintaining the beekeeping area. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Beekeeping Interpreter (PDF)
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in demonstrating and interpreting 1890s domestic arts activities in the house, summer kitchen, garden, and dooryard. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction is received by District staff.
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: Parent with child 6+ years old
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in demonstrating 1890s farming activities in a historic setting. Specific assignments for family members depend on the adult volunteer’s position. Volunteers wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Family Program Volunteer (PDF)
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in interpretation to visitors while conducting educational programming, assisting with special events or working on projects. Volunteers wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
General Interpreter (PDF)
Commitment: 16 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in caring for District livestock, and maintenance of agricultural facilities and equipment, while providing a safe, informative and enjoyable experience to Kline Creek Farm visitors. Volunteers wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in interpreting and demonstrating 1890s woodworking, carpentry, cabinet making, metal-working and forge skills. Volunteers wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Trades Interpreter (PDF)
Commitment: 8 hours/month
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
This position involves assisting staff in welcoming visitors to Kline Creek Farm and assisting in the gift shop. Volunteers in the Visitor Center do not need to wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Note that the majority of volunteers wear historical costumes of the 1890’s while performing their duties. Duties may vary at the discretion of the District staff. The volunteer will interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Visitor Center Attendant (PDF)
