Volunteers needed in southeastern and southwestern Michigan State Parks

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

A volunteer helps remove invasive species
 at Belle Isle Park. Volunteer efforts at state
 park workdays like these are critical in
helping to protect Michigan's natural areas.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs like glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, multi-flora rose and others to help restore important ecosystems. These activities are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while restoring high-quality, unique ecosystems and learning more about them. 

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

Workday dates, locations (counties) and times include:

• Saturday, Dec. 3: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 4: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo) 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 4: Algonac State Park (St. Clair) 10 a.m.-1 p.m 
• Saturday, Dec. 10: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 10: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 11: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien) 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 11: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 17: Belle Isle Park (Wayne) 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. 

All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Echo Prafke-Marson at 517-719-2285 or prafkemarsone@michigan.gov or Heidi Frei at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov.

Watch the brief video (above) to learn more about why these volunteer stewardship efforts are so important to protecting natural areas and ecosystems in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

The DNR's Volunteer Stewardship 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.