Stewardship volunteers needed throughout February in southern Michigan state parks

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

Volunteers are needed to help locate and remove non-native, invasive shrubs that threaten to crowd out native plants and disrupt balance in high-quality ecosystems. Workdays are an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors while helping to restore 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.

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

Southeast Michigan workday locations (counties)

• Saturday, Feb. 3: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 10: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Feb. 11: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 17: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Feb. 17: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 25: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southwest Michigan workday locations (counties)

• Saturday, Feb. 3: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 17: Grand Mere State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Van Buren State Park (Van Buren), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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.

Questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz (southeast Michigan) at 517-719-2285 or malvitzL@michigan.gov or Heidi Frei (southeast Michigan) at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov.