Sometimes Mokena native Ken Lewellen gets a big head when he volunteers.
The 66-year-old retiree, who now lives in Kankakee, donates his time for a handful of area organizations. But when it’s time to do some work for the Forest Preserve District of Will County, he dons a big head — and the rest of the costume — and becomes Willy Woodchuck, the district’s mascot and cuddly representative at many events.
He gets such a kick out playing the role of Willy that when he returned a reporter’s call recently, he identified himself as Willy Woodchuck.
After years of playing Bamboo the Panda Bear for Exploration Station Children’s Museum in Bourbonnais and participating in some historic re-enactments at Isle al la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Lewellen took over a couple of stints as Willy this year. One was at a Take Back the Night police event in Monee and another was a celebration of Willy’s birthday at the Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher.
He enjoys the joy that his role as Willy brings to kids.
“It’s fun when the kids are coming up and laughing and waving at you,” he said.
It’s an experience Forest Preserve District officials wants to share, as it’s looking for more people to play Willy at events. The requirements are simple — officials say they are looking for people who are energetic, passionate and positive.
It’s not just a Willy-nilly job, though.
“As Willy, you’ll be an ambassador for the Forest Preserve District and a positive role model for environmental stewardship,” Emily Kenny, the district’s volunteer service coordinator, said in a news release. “You’ll get to interact with people from all walks of life and inspire them to appreciate the natural beauty around them.”
She said prospective Willys should have a positive attitude, which will help to help bring the character to life. Passion for promoting outdoor recreation, environmental education and wildlife conservation are also essential.
Oh, and the job requires a tolerance for heat that can build up inside the costume.
“The role requires energy, enthusiasm and a little bit of imagination — all things that are bound to bring out the best in you,” Kenny said. “Willy is a symbol of the natural beauty, environmental stewardship and family-friendly fun that the Forest Preserve District of Will County brings to the community.”
The goal, Kenny said, is for Willy Woodchuck to help people connect with nature in a way that is “approachable, fun and memorable.”
Willy usually needs someone to walk with. The big head hinders sight, and Lewellen said he has to rely more on other senses when he takes on the role.
“You have to hear them,” Lewellen said of his young audience. “You can’t really see very well out of the mask. You have to be carted around, or you will trip really quick.
“It’s really strange because you look down, you can see out of the mouth and if you look up, you can see out of the eyes. But it’s kind of looking upwards. It’s an awkward-shaped head.”
But he said he listens for the kids when they come up and hug him and give him high fives.
Like most mascots, Willy doesn’t speak. So he relies on gestures and maybe even a few dances, although the topheavy nature of the outfit restricts his moves.
“Again, there is limitation with the head on,” he said “It’s a big head.”
By the way, Willy has become such a legend that he has his own website – willywilderness.org.
It has all kinds of information, for kids and adults, about topics such as five fun facts about skunks, why some animals’ eyes glow, examining the nuts of trees, how deer communicate without making a sound and other nature topics.
There are also videos that include nature jokes for kids.
Lewellen is a retired global demand planner who oversaw 12 warehouses. He and his wife, Kathryn, were named the Outstanding Family in 2023 by the Forest Preserve District.
While Ken is helping to recruit new Willies on the roster, he admits that it’s not a job for everyone.
“Because of the height of the costume, you can’t be too young or too short,” he said. “You should be an average height person.”
More information is on the Forest Preserve District’s volunteer page or by email at VolunteerServices@fpdwc.org. Mascot training, the costume and support will be provided by the Forest Preserve.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
