The Morton Arb

Our Impact

Woodland Steward Training

Volunteer woodland stewards at The Morton ArboretumGrowing Woodland Stewards from the Ground Up

Enrich your world and take action to conserve the natural wonders of Illinois!

If you care about woodlands and want to help them in a meaningful, hands-on way, become a Woodland Steward. Enroll in The Woodland Stewardship Training Program (WSTP).

Stewards are volunteers who help keep woodlands and other natural communities healthy. They learn about natural systems so that they can work independently under the guidance of a natural areas manager. 

Members:  Arboretum members must present their Membership Card at the entry gate with each visit.

Download the program outline.

Benefits
Requirements
Program Outline
Stewardship Activities
Apply
Class Notes

Benefits

Offered through the Natural History department of The Morton Arboretum's Education Program, the WSTP teaches  practical skills you can put to use in the field. The program generally takes one year to complete. You will…

  • Understand the natural communities of Northern Illinois
  • Learn how to manage, conserve and restore natural communities
  • Improve your communication and teamwork skills
  • Lead others
  • Work alongside other people who care about woodlands, too
  • Take action to preserve woodlands, prairies, and wetlands!

Requirements

  • Commitment. We want people who are willing to act as a steward of natural communities within the Arboretum or other local preserves.
  • Physical ability. Stewardship activities are physically demanding.  You must be in good health, willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and comfortable walking over uneven terrain, bending, lifting, and pulling.
  • A Cooperative Attitude. We need people who will cooperate with Arboretum personnel, other stewards, and visitors of the Arboretum.
  • No previous experience or knowledge is required.

Program Outline

Students receive a broad overview of ideas and practices that will help them participate in ecological restoration activities. Courses are led by teachers experienced in the fields of natural areas management and conservation. All courses require time outside of class for reading and work assignments. Major concepts include:

  • Principles of ecology, conservation, and restoration
  • Plant identification
  • Techniques to manage pests and invasive species
  • Strategies and techniques for management of local ecosystems
  • Practical approaches for organizing natural areas management

The WSTP has two levels of certification:

Level 1. Steward: Work independently to help manage and conserve woodlands, prairies and wetlands at the Arboretum or in the region.

Level 2. Steward Supervisor: Lead others in managing natural areas through additional training.

To maintain Steward or Steward Supervisor status, stewards must complete 30 hours of volunteer service per calendar year in natural areas management or education at The Morton Arboretum or at another approved local natural area.

Stewardship Activities

While you are participating in the program, stewards agree to become Arboretum volunteers and put your newly acquired knowledge to use in our natural areas. You can participate in a variety of meaningful projects, meet like-minded people who share your concern for our woodlands, and enjoy opportunities to learn in the field from Arboretum experts. Opportunities at The Morton Arboretum vary and are available seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Potential projects include:

  • Scouting for and controlling invasive species
  • Collecting seeds from native plants
  • Planting native plants
  • Leading volunteer work groups or education groups in restoration projects

Download the complete program outline.


Apply Now!

There is no charge to enroll in the Woodland Stewardship Training Program, but there are fees for each class in the program.

Step 1:Please complete the Volunteer Application. [PDF. Download free Adobe Reader to view.] Under "Volunteer Interest," please check the box "Stewardship Training Program" in the category "Outdoors."

Step 2: Return the completed application to the Volunteer Office:

Volunteer Office
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532-1293

If you have questions about the Volunteer Application, contact the Volunteer Office at 630–719-2443 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Step 3: Register for classes. While there is no charge to enroll in the Woodland Stewardship Training Program, there are fees for all classes. Find current classes and class fees in the online Education directory or the Education Program brochure (find it at the Visitor Center or by calling 630-719-2468).

There are many ways to register:

  • Register online
  • Call the Registrar at (630) 719-2468
  • Fax the registration form to (630) 719-2440
  • Register in person at the Visitor Center
  • Mail the registration form in the Education Program brochure to:
    Registrar
    The Morton Arboretum,
    4100 Illinois Route 53,
    Lisle, IL 60532-1293

Meet the Arboretum's Head of Education, Megan Dunning, who runs the WSTP, and the Arboretum's Manager of Natural Areas, Kurt Dreisilker

Class Notes

Download information from recent classes!

Wetland Conservation & Management (W002)

Download the Wetland Monitoring presentation from August 15, 2009.