Stewardship volunteers needed throughout May in southern Michigan state parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a number of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas in southwest and southeast Michigan throughout the month of May.

Volunteers are needed to locate and pull non-native, invasive weeds, such as garlic mustard, dame’s rocket and narrow-leaved bitter-cress, that threaten to crowd out native plants in high-quality woodlands. Removal is similar to weeding a garden and is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors while restoring Michigan's natural ecosystem and learning about its inhabitants.

The Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays (which includes workday details, the stewardship volunteer registration form and links to individual park maps and directions) is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers. All volunteers are asked to register either by using the form or via email.

Southeast Michigan workday dates, locations (counties) and times

• Wednesday, May 3: Sterling State Park (Monroe), 4 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6: Sterling State Park (Monroe), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, May 6: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6: Proud Lake Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, May 7: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, May 7: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, May 13: Algonac State Park (St. Clair), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, May 20: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, May 21: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, May 21: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, May 25: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southwest Michigan workday dates, locations (counties) and times

• Monday, May 1: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, May 5: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 10: Grand Mere State Park (Berrien), 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13: Van Buren State Park (VanBuren), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, May 21: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 1 to 4 p.m.

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

For more information on park stewardship volunteer opportunities, contact:

• Southwestern Michigan state parks: Heidi Frei, 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov
• Southeastern Michigan state parks: Laurel Malvitz-Draper, 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@michigan.gov

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 other activities. 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.