People between ages 13 – 18 can serve the community, learn new skills and learn about nature and the environment. They can participate in free FRESH Crew work days.

Chelsea Prahl, Environmental Education Coordinator, leads the FRESH Crew. “Depending on the day, the FRESH Crew will be assisting with planting native plants, helping with the Solidarity Gardens CU, who donate all produce to local food insecurities, and other tasks needing attention in the park district’s natural areas – such as invasive plant removal and seed collection,” she explained.

Prahl has scheduled 10 FRESH Crew workdays (see below). “If there is a lot of interest, we will look into adding more dates and volunteer opportunities,” she added.

Teens can sign up for one, or as many days as they want. “They can choose one or two projects they are passionate about, or try a variety for experience. We just ask that they sign up at least two days in advance by calling the Anita Purves Nature Center at (217) 384-4062. Sign-ups have started already and spots are limited,” Prahl explained.

The park district will provide tools, gloves, a t-shirt, instruction for each event.

Prahl concluded, “No previous experience is needed and all abilities are welcome. We hope that FRESH Crew members walk away feeling proud of their hard work, strengthen their relationship with their community and the outdoors and gain some new skills and professional references.”