Stewardship volunteers needed throughout September in southern Michigan state parks

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

Volunteers are needed to help locate and cut non-native, invasive shrubs that threaten to crowd out native plants and disrupt balance in high-quality ecosystems. Volunteers will also help gather seeds. Workdays are an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors while restoring Michigan's ecosystems 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 workdays

• Saturday, Sept. 9: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Sept. 10: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 16: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Sept. 23: Sterling State Park (Monroe), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept 24: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southwest Michigan workdays

• Saturday, Sept. 9: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 16: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 23: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 30: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m. to 1 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:

• Southeast Michigan state parks: Laurel Malvitz-Draper, 517-719-2285
• Southwest Michigan state parks: Heidi Frei, 517-202-1360

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.