Volunteers needed in February for stewardship at Michigan state parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the February schedule of volunteer stewardship activities at state parks and recreation areas in southeast and southwest Michigan.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs, like Japanese barberry and honeysuckle, from high-quality forested dunes 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 (counties) and times include:

• Saturday, Feb. 7:    Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 7: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 8: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14:  Muskegon State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon
• Sunday, Feb. 15: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21:  Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia), 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m.-noon
• Sunday, Feb. 22:    Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 22: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 28:  Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 28: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Volunteers should bring work gloves, drinking water and appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided.

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

All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email.

Any questions should be directed to Heidi Frei at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov or to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.