Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

in 3 days

When

Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 08:00 US/Central

Be ready for a workday with The Conservation Foundation! View tips on how to prepare.

A partnership of The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa created the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, which features 100 acres of prairie, 150 acres of woodlands, rugged ravines, water cascades, and the beautiful Fox River. Work activities vary throughout the year and include collecting native seeds, removal of invasive trees and shrubs, trail maintenance, planting and seeding native species, and controlling weeds. If you plan to bring a group, please contact us at restore@theconservationfoundation.org.

FAQ Did you know?

Conservation Restoration Community Local Sustainability

Where

2997 IL-71, Ottawa, IL, USA

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Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

What is the conservation goal of this workday and why is my participation important?

The workday supports habitat restoration across prairie, woodlands and ravines — removing invasives, collecting native seed, planting, and maintaining trails. These actions improve biodiversity, stabilise soil, reduce erosion into the Fox River, and create better habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Every person who helps multiplies the impact: invasive removal and proper planting now save lots of time and resources later.

How should I prepare so I can be most effective while volunteering?

Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, layered clothing and a hat; bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bring work gloves and, if you have them, your own labelled hand tools (pruners, loppers, trowel, small rake). Arrive ready to follow a crew leader’s instructions, warm up to avoid injury, and let organisers know of any physical limitations or allergies.

What types of tasks will I do and what are best-practice tips for each?

Tasks include: (1) Seed collection — collect only ripe seed, use paper bags or envelopes, label species/location, avoid overharvesting. (2) Invasive removal — cut or pull roots as instructed, bag or pile biomass where directed, avoid damaging nearby natives. (3) Planting/seeding — plant at correct depth and spacing as shown, firm soil around roots, water if requested. (4) Trail work — repair erosion, clear debris without widening paths. Always ask for a demo, use tools safely (two hands, watch others), and avoid removing plants unless instructed.

What safety and weather precautions should I take?

Expect uneven, potentially steep terrain — tread carefully and wear ankle-supportive footwear. Check weather, dress in layers, and bring rain gear if showers are possible. Protect against sun and ticks (sunscreen, repellent, do tick checks after). Stay hydrated, take breaks, and tell a leader about medical conditions or allergies. If severe weather or unsafe conditions arise, follow organiser instructions.

I can’t attend — how else can I support the preserve or my group?

You can spread the word, recruit friends or local groups, host a personal seed-collection or invasive-removal day on your property following guidance, or sign up for future events. For group volunteering, scheduling or other ways to help, contact the organisers at restore@theconservationfoundation.org.

Did you know?

Restoring native prairies and woodlands quickly boosts local biodiversity—reestablished native plant communities support more pollinators, songbirds, and beneficial insects than mowed lawns or monocultures.

National Wildlife Federation - Native Plants / Native Plant Finder: https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder

Native plants are better for native pollinators: many bees, butterflies, and other pollinators rely on specific native plant species for nectar, pollen, and larval host plants—planting or protecting them directly helps pollinator populations rebound.

Xerces Society — Native Plants and Pollinators: https://xerces.org/ecological-restoration/native-plants-and-pollinators

Removing invasive plants matters: invasive trees and shrubs can form dense thickets that outcompete native species and reduce habitat quality—controlling invasives gives native plants and wildlife a chance to recover.

National Invasive Species Information Center — Impacts of Invasive Species: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/impacts-invasive-species

Vegetated riparian buffers and native plantings improve water quality and reduce erosion—roots and soil structure from native vegetation slow runoff, trap sediment, and filter pollutants before they reach streams and rivers.

U.S. EPA — Vegetative Buffer Strips for Runoff and Erosion Control: https://www.epa.gov/nps/vegetative-buffer-strips

Restoring perennial native grasslands and woodlands helps store carbon long-term—deep-rooted native species build soil carbon, making habitat restoration a practical local climate action.

USDA NRCS — Soil Health and Carbon Storage: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/

Volunteering for habitat restoration benefits people too—regular time working outdoors reduces stress, improves mood and fitness, and teaches practical conservation skills you can use year-round.

Harvard Health — The Health Benefits of the Great Outdoors: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-health-benefits-of-the-great-outdoors; U.S. Forest Service — Volunteering: https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/volunteering