Volunteers needed for Stewardship Workdays in Southeastern Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout January in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to start off the New Year by cutting invasive shrubs in natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. This activity will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southeast Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to “GO-Get Outdoors,” breathe some fresh air, avoid cabin fever and be active after the holiday season.

Dates, times and locations of the workdays are as follows:

• Saturday, Jan. 7 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 8 Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 14 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Jan. 15 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 22 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 28 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 28 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 29 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1 to 4 p.m.

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves, and bring drinking water. Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for fen and other wetland sites. A limited number of waterproof boots are available to borrow, upon request.

For information about the specific tasks at each workday and to obtain directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.” All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the website. Questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.