DANVILLE — Even If you’re not the outdoors type, Vermilion County Conservation District needs you.
The district seeks volunteers to help at both Kennekuk County Park and Forest Glen County Preserve. But the needs are a bit different than in the past.
“We have lots of people who hike the trails and keep them clean,” Lara Darling, VCCD volunteer coordinator, said. “Our need right now is for secretarial help at both parks. “
Darling said volunteers are needed on weekends to fill in for staff at Kennekuk and Monday through Friday at Forest Glen.
“It’s on an as-needed basis,” she said. “We have two people we can call now, but sometimes they’re busy, too.”
Amy Steeples, Forest Glen program secretary, said someone volunteering to fill in for her would share the duties with several others.
“About four people are needed,” Steeples said.
“Family of staff members have to help out on occasion,” she said.
The work doesn’t get too intense, Steeples added. “It’s mostly answering the phones, using the copier, taking reservations,” she said. “Being courteous and polite are the most important.
“And there’s always someone available at the other office (Kennekuk) to answer questions.”
Doris Heiser of Georgetown has volunteered with the VCCD for several years.
“I started as a trail steward,” Heiser said. “I was also a hostess at the nature center and the pioneer camp. Since I’m in Georgetown, Forest Glen is closer for me.
“Now, I volunteer there as a secretary. It’s really interesting,” she said. “There’s a nice group of people to deal with. It’s busy, but it’s enjoyable.”
There’s still a need for historic building hosts, according to Darling. Those volun-teers are asked to work on weekends from 1-4 p.m.
In addition, help will be needed for October’s annual Haunted Happenings. This popular Halloween event requires many volunteers to insure its success.
Several benefits exist for VCCD volunteers. Not only do they get to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people, but they become part of one of Illinois’ premier park dis-tricts, Darling said.
In addition, volunteers who spend 10 hours helping out are invited to the VCCD’s annual summer cookout for staff as well as their fellow volunteers.
After 15 volunteer hours, Darling said, they’re also eligible for a 10 percent discount on shelter rentals and 15 hours of free camping at Forest Glen.
FYI
The Vermilion County Conservation District will hold a volunteer fair from 1-4 p.m. April 6 at Kennekuk County Park’s visitor center, 22296-A Henning Rd. Light refreshments will be served. Call Lara Darling at 442-1691 for more information.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Matt Huber/Commercial-News
Discussion
Conservation district needs volunteers
- Local News
-
-
Spirit of the West
Museum workers run out of adjectives when describing the “Spirit of the West” quilt exhibit, which opens Friday. “It’s mind boggling,” Sue Richer, director of the Vermilion County Museum, said as she admired the quilts. “It amazes me. They’re works of art, the way they’re put together.”
-
County looks at power deal
Vermilion County Board committee members will discuss a contract letting Integrys extend electric savings to residents now.
-
Six to retire from Danville High
Six longtime District 118 employees said goodbye to Danville High School at the end of the school year.
-
Teacher’s aide retires after 33 years
Jan Kovacic meets the students at Covington Elementary School when they arrive in the morning, and she is the last one they see in the afternoon when getting on a bus or in a car.
-
Fountain OKs nurse position
Fountain County Council members approved restructuring changes Tuesday in the Fountain-Warren Health Department.
-
United Way close to goal
The United Way of Danville Area is in the home stretch of its annual campaign and wants residents’ help in reaching that goal.
- City rummage sale nears
- Home tour helps museum
- Police, Fire Reports
-
Teacher weaves life skills in with lessons
KaSandra Mitchell’s fifth-graders probably think all the cooking and sewing they do in class is a lot of fun.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
