Needs From: Serve Illinois

If you enjoy books, quiet conversation, and being part of a welcoming community, consider volunteering as a Library Assistant at Rock Springs Nature Center (3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur). This role is a wonderful fit for adults who enjoy staying active, sharing knowledge, and helping others feel at home. Volunteers assist with checking books in and out, keeping shelves organized, creating inviting displays, and helping visitors discover books on nature, wildlife, conservation, and local history. With flexible morning and afternoon shifts available throughout the week, this low-stress, indoor opportunity offers a comfortable routine and a meaningful way to give back. To learn more, contact Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Garver at 217-542-5536 or JGarver@MaconCCD.org.

Step back in time and help bring history to life as a Historic Sites Tour Guide at Homestead Prairie Farm in the Rock Springs Conservation Area (3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur). Volunteers share the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of 1860s rural Illinois through guided tours, educational programs, open houses, and special events at this rare pre–Civil War homestead. Training, shadowing, and period clothing are provided, and interpretation is done in the third person, making it easy to get started. With a commitment of just an hour or two per month, this rewarding role offers a true “wow” moment—especially for younger visitors discovering life before electricity, phones, and modern technology. This opportunity is open to volunteers ages 13 and older. To learn more, contact Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Garver at 217-542-5536 or JGarver@MaconCCD.org.

Get your hands in the soil and help grow the habitats of tomorrow! We’re building a list of volunteers for pop-up planting workdays, which will be scheduled as the growing season begins and plants arrive. Volunteers will help plant trees and herbaceous native plant plugs, contributing to habitat improvement and expansion across our conservation areas. These spontaneous workdays are a fun way to get outdoors, learn about native plants, and support local natural resources. Volunteers should come dressed for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and be ready to work on uneven or soft ground. To join the volunteer list or learn more, contact Jenny Garver by emailing JGarver@MaconCCD.org or calling 217-542-5536.