The Forest Preserves of Cook County invites residents to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in a wide range of volunteer opportunities during the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service weekend. Across Cook County on Saturday, January 17 and Monday, January 19, community members of all ages are encouraged to take part in activities that reflect Dr. King’s call to service, unity and collective responsibility. Volunteer opportunities include habitat restoration, invasive species removal, litter cleanups, self-led service projects, youth and teen stewardship days, and community gatherings that combine service with reflection and celebration. Beyond Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, anyone can commit to regularly volunteering in the Forest Preserves by joining a volunteer-led opportunity or through the Select Organized Litter Obliterators, or SOLO, program. SOLO volunteers can choose to go to a Litter Hotspot—specific locations identified for litter clean up—or any Forest Preserves site of their choosing. Volunteer information can be found on the Forest Preserves’ website at fpdcc.com/volunteer.

Photo Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook County