ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS
Hundreds of volunteers are used at McLean County Parks each year and are a major asset in maintaining the parks natural and recreational resources. Without volunteers we would not able to maintain the parks and maintain them as well as we do. The volunteers range in all different ages and backgrounds. There are all different kinds of opportunities for volunteers at Comlara Park.

There are many benefits to volunteering at McLean County Parks. It gives you an opportunity to make a contribution to the programs and operations of McLean County Parks and Recreation. Volunteering at a park gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to preserve natural areas in McLean County. You get the chance to meet new people and make new friends. Many employers consider volunteer experience to be as valuable as paid work. High school or college credit may be acquired by volunteering as an intern for the Park Department. Tax benefits also may be received as allowed by the charitable contribution provisions of the IRS code.

Qualifications
· Be an advocate for the McLean County Parks and Recreation Department. We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic, friendly people who want to make a positive contribution to our programs and operations.
· If 14 years of age or younger you must be accompanied by a parent or group leader. Parent approval of participation is required if you are under 18 years of age.
Volunteer of the Quarter

PARK PARTNERS Volunteers for 2004

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 51 OF THE INDEPENDENT BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS(IBEW) WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR VOLUNTEER WORK ON THE WHITE OAK AREA IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. IBEW LOCAL 51 MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED LABOR FOR THE DESIGN & INSTALLATION OF UTILITY LINES AND LIGHTING TO THE WHITE OAK AREA AT COMLARA COUNTY PARK. DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION BILL WASSON, STATED “ THE NUMEROUS VOLUNTEER HOURS CONTRIBUTED BY THE MEMBERS OF IBEW LOCAL 51 AND THE EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY CORNBELT ENERGY AND ILLINOIS POWER WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RECREATION AND THE SECURITY OF PARKS VISITORS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.” CORNBELT ENERGY AND ILLINOIS POWER WERE RECOGNIZED FOR MAKING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR THE WHITE OAK AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

THE MCLEAN COUNTY SPORTSMAN’S CLUB WAS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR DONATIONS SUPPORTING SPECIAL EVENTS AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMMING AT COUNTY PARKS. “DONATIONS FROM THE MCLEAN COUNTY SPORTSMAN’S CLUB WILL ALLOW MCLEAN COUNTY PARKS TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE RECREATION & CONSERVATION PROGRAMMING OVER THE COMING SUMMER” SAID COUNTY PARKS OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR MIKE STEFFA.

Thanks goes out to all the rest of McLean County's volunteers, who help us every day.

Volunteer News

5/1/2004Volunteers Volunteers make the difference

On May 1, 2004, volunteers from IBEW Local 51 contributed labor to untilities and lights at the Department's White Oak Area. Volunteers braved inclement weather for 8 hours to get the job done ! Although the installation was done in one day, volunteers from Local 51 spent days working on the installation design and insuring that the appropriate materials, equipment and manpower would be onhand for this project. Thanks for this project also goes to Cornbelt Energy and Illinois Power for allowing the use of their equipment to complete this installation. On Saturday evening, the new lights lit up the boat launch, parking lots, and Group Camp Area parking lot for the first time. The rain stopped just long enough for The McLean County Sportsman's Club to provide lunch for the IBEW volunteers, making the day's bad weather a little more bearable. Recreational users at the White Oak Area owe a great big thanks to our community's IBEW Local 51 members, Cornbelt Energy and Illinois Power and the McLean County Sportsman's Club. When you see one of them, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

Does your employer have a community service volunteer incentive plan? If you are not sure, check it out. Many Companies contribute cash or inkind donations to organizations for which their employees volunteer.These Employer incentive programs provide the tools and materials for many volunteer programs to take place.

Recent volunteer recognition contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department include State Farm and Cargill. Thanks to both the volunteers and the Companies that make these programs available. For more information, contact the Department at 309-726-2022 x 221

Volunteer Opportunities

McLean County volunteers regularly assist in a wide number of functions including special events, wildlife management, forestry & prairie management, interpretive and information assistance and special events.

Participating in our volunteer program is a great way for you or your group to learn a few interesting aspects about what it takes to run a fun and friendly environment for both wildlife and you.

Here are a few programs that may spark your volunteer interest;

Special Event Opportunities:

• Beach Blowout
• Comlara Fest Pioneer Days
• Comlara Park Ice Cream Social
• Parent/Kid Fishing Derby
• Comlara Mud, Sweat & Gears Mountain Bike Race
• Nature Photography Derby
• Fall Colors Family Day
• Deer Run, Run - 8K Foot Race
• U "Otter" - 5K Foot Race

Wildlife Opportunities:

• Deer Population Monitors
• Bluebird Trail Monitors
• Waterfowl Nesting Structures
• Disabled Hunter Assistants/ Hunting Partners

Forest & Vegetation Opportunities:

• Reforestation Monitors
• Tree Planting
• Flower Bed Planting
• Prairie Maintenance

Fishery Opportunities:

• Fisheries Creel Survey
• Fisheries Stocking
• Fisheries Habitat Projects

Land Management and Education Opportunities:

• Site Interpreter
• Campground Host
• Visitor Center Host
• Safety Education Instructor
• Trail Host
• Facilities Rehabilitation (list any specialized construction skills)

Volunteer Opportunities at McLean County Parks are not limited to those listed above, please feel free to come up with your own ideas. We are always interested in new and creative ideas that will improve our park environment.

Volunteer Group Projects

SAMPLE of VOLUNTEER GROUP PROJECTS AVAILABLE 04/01/07

1. Display Board Sign(s)- the Dept. is in need of display boards at the following several trailhead locations at COMLARA Park board would be covered and similar in appearance to display boards that are currently located at WOA and MRA Boat launches. Projects could be construction and installation of one or more display boards.
2. Construct 4-5 tables for Beach outdoor dining.(design provided)
3. Construction and install 5-6 benches at several scenic over looks(design provided)
4. Mulching of 100 + Trees- this project would require mulching of many trees in the active use areas of park. Mulch is available on site, making distribution and manpower supervision primary issues with project.
5. Renovation/Beatification of Beach Security Fence – Paint fence black to blend into natural landscape work and construct and add hanging planters, as appropriate.
6. Construct additional section(s) for Marina Point Accessible Fishing Pier- the accessible fishing pier at Marina Point is of wood framed construction with foam billets and is built in 10’ x 6’ sections. Additional sections would provide room for more people to use this site at one time.
7. Footbridge rehabilitation – two-foot bridges in the Lake View Area are in need of renovation. Renovations could include re-decking and/or complete reconstruction using utility poles.
8. Construct wooden frame shade structure for Pump Station Fishing Access point.
9. Foot bridge for White Tail Slough – this bridge would require a significant crossing and would most likely be based upon use of utility poles
10. Construction of fence – The Department needs to install approx. ½ mile of fence in two locations – materials would be provided by the Dept. . Those should only consider this project with leaders with some fence experience.
11. Construction of enclosure – this project would include the construction of a fenced area in the timber near an easily accessible trail location and construction of appropriate signage. Enclosures demonstrate the impact of deer browse upon timber plant species.
12. Invasive plant Removal- County parks have Autumn Olive, a non-native invasive plant species in man park areas. Removal of plants includes cutting to base with chain saws and removal of cuttings. The Dept. Of Parks will then apply herbicide to reduce rejuvenation.
13. Lettering of 100+ signposts and erection of such posts on trails(fiberglass posts & adhesive lettering provided)
14. Complete Entrance Sign Landscaping at White Oak Area Entrance
15. Construct concrete access path to disabled visitor facilities – Several locations within County Parks are currently served by limestone paths. Due to level of use and maintenance requirements, some areas have now been identified as better suited for concrete paths – some concrete flatwork experience necessary.

Becoming a Volunteer

Families, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, age 14 or older are always welcome and encouraged to volunteer. There is no minimum time commitment and no pressure to work more than you would like. Whether you have 2 hours or 200 hours to contribute annually, the parks welcome your participation. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers are extremely important to the efficient management of our County Park System. We hope to see you soon.

All potential volunteers are requested to complete an application form for our records and to sign a liability release form. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please print the following attachment and send it to:

McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation
13001 Recreation Area Drive
Hudson, IL 61748-9725

Or Call: (309) 726-2022

McLean County Parks Volunteer Application
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