Volunteers needed in southern Michigan state parks throughout April

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the April schedule for volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks in southwest Michigan.

Workday details, maps and directions can be found on the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays on the DNR website at  www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.

Volunteers are needed to help locate and remove garlic mustard, an invasive, non-native plant that has been found in the forest undergrowth. Garlic mustard is originally from Europe and threatens many ecosystems by crowding out native plants and wildflowers such as trillium and mayapple. Removal is similar to weeding a garden and is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Workday dates, locations (counties) and times include:

• Saturday, April 2: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, April 3: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1-4 p.m. 
• Saturday, April 9: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon 
• Saturday, April 9: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Sunday, April 10: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 1-4 p.m. 
• Sunday, April 10 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 13: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Saturday, April 16: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m.-noon
• Saturday, April 16: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Sunday, April 17: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Sunday, April 17: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 1-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 20: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Saturday, April 23: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.- noon
• Saturday, April 23: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 
• Sunday, April 24: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24: Holland State Park (Ottawa), 1-4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 28: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 4:30-6:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, April 30: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, April 30: Algonac State Park (St. Clair), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Saturday, April 30: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Saturday, April 30: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 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. Volunteers should expect to work in forested areas off-trail for the duration of the activity.

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 freih@michigan.gov or 517-202-1360 or Laurel Malvitz-Draper at malvitzl@michigan.gov or 517-719-2285.

The DNR's Volunteer Steward Program is a hands-on way for all ages to learn about and protect Michigan's natural resources by collecting native seeds, removing invasive species, conducting plant and animal surveys and more. Other ways to volunteer with the DNR include joining a state park friends group, serving as a campground host or a lightkeeper and many other opportunities. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.