September 16, 2026
Do you know you can sign up to be part of one of the nation’s largest single-day volunteer efforts?
Palatine Park District is observing National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26 from 9-11am at Robert “Dutch” Schultz Recreation Area, 512 W. Northwest Highway.
According to Amy Vito, Superintendent of Parks and Planning, the Parks Department is working to restore the berm at Robert “Dutch” Schultz near the Palatine Hills Golf Course.
“We thought it would be a nice place to incorporate volunteers along with our staff efforts,” she said. “Dutch Schultz is also a very widely used park, so we expanded the work to include the popular fishing pond and a portion of the Palatine Trail that runs through the area.”
This year, volunteers nationwide will come together to preserve and improve public lands in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. The theme is “Caring for Our Shared America.”
The volunteer opportunity is open to all ages but children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian.
Everyone is encouraged to participate, from families with school-aged children to people who are passionate about the environment. “In past projects, invasive plant species have been removed, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle,” Vito added.
Some of the projects volunteers may take on include:
“It’s a great way to give back to your community while helping preserve and protect our local parks,” said Nancy Hoban, Volunteer Coordinator. “You can help make a difference while enjoying the outdoors and connecting with others in your community.”
For more information contact Nancy Hoban, Volunteer Coordinator at nhoban@palatineparks.org or visit https://www.palatineparks.org/event/national-public-lands-day/ to sign up.
Be a part of one of our nation’s greatest volunteer efforts…sign up today!
