Volunteers needed in early December for stewardship at state parks in southeastern Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the December schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas throughout southeastern Michigan. Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs from high-quality wetlands, woodlands and prairies. This activity is a great way to enjoy time outdoors in the winter while restoring unique ecosystems and learning more about them.

Workday dates, locations and times include:

• Saturday, Dec. 6: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  
• Saturday, Dec. 6: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 7: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 1-4 p.m.  
• Saturday, Dec. 13: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon
• Sunday, Dec. 14: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 1-4 p.m.  

Volunteers should bring work gloves, drinking water and appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. For many winter sites, waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended to ensure dry feet. Rubber boots are available to borrow upon request and with advance notice. A limited supply is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.

For workday details, maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click the link Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.