Volunteers Needed for Stewardship Workdays for November in SE Michigan

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

Volunteers are needed to help cut invasive shrubs and collect native plant seeds in natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. These activities will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southern Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to get outdoors, breathe some cool crisp fall air and get a bit of exercise. Volunteers will also be able to experience the last of Michigan’s lovely fall colors.

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

• Saturday, Nov. 5, Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 5, Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  
• Sunday, Nov. 6, Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12, Bald Mountain Rec. Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Nov. 13, Waterloo Rec. 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. For seed collecting, volunteers should also bring a clean, empty milk jug and sunscreen.

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 forms available on the website. A special form for all seed collecting activities is available at the start of the events listing. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.