Cook County Launches Master Stewards Program for Volunteers

On August 28, Cook County volunteer stewards were given a vote of confidence by the board of the Forest Preserve District (FPD) of Cook County — and with that vote, a valuable new tool. Thanks to the leadership of President Stroger and committee chairman Roberto Maldonado, the board of commissioners approved the Master Stewards program, which will authorize trained stewards to supervise work that in recent years required staff presence.

The new program will train and accredit volunteers to be supervisors. Requiring staff supervision at workdays has limited restoration activities, some sites getting on the schedule only once a month for three hours. "The Master Steward program will make trained supervisors more available so volunteers can work more and at more convenient times," explained FPD Land Management Volunteer Coordinator Bill Koenig.

Master Steward accreditation will include passing a written and practical field test and attending safety, risk management, and other district seminars. District staff presence will continue to be required for prescribed burns and the use of power tools.

The FPD hopes to have the first group of Master Stewards accredited by December. Accreditation will be renewable every three years. Continuing education on ecosystem management will be offered from time to time.

"Habitat management is a district policy," Koenig points out. "Volunteers have always provided a key element to getting that done. Simplifying the work rules for volunteers helps accomplish habitat management."

For more information on the Master Stewards program or to volunteer for Cook County workdays or controlled burns, contact Koenig at (708) 771-1334.

— Alison Carney Browns