Volunteers needed for March stewardship work at Michigan State Parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to help staff restore native habitats at state parks in southwest Michigan. Volunteers will help cut invasive, non-native shrubs from high-quality woodlands and prairies. This activity is a great way to enjoy time outdoors in the winter while restoring unique ecosystems. No experience is necessary.

Workday dates, locations (counties) and times include:

• Saturday, March 7: Ionia Recreation Area (Ionia), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon
• Saturday, March 14: Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 15: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m.-noon
• Saturday, March 21: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 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. 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.

For workday details, maps and directions, visit the DNR website 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.