Volunteers sought for Michigan State Park workdays

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the May schedule of so Michigan state park volunteer stewardship opportunities.

Volunteers will help locate and remove garlic mustard, an invasive, non-native plant that grows in the forest understory (the shrubs and plants growing beneath the main canopy of a forest). Garlic mustard is originally from Europe and threatens many of our ecosystems by crowding out native plants and wildflowers like trillium and mayapple. Removal is similar to weeding a garden and is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work (including long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes) and bring gloves and drinking water.

Dates, times and locations (counties) of group workdays are:
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. Volunteers are encouraged to register using the online form or contacting Heidi Frei, DNR natural resource steward, at freih@michigan.gov or 517-202-1360.

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