DNR Looking For Volunteers For Stewardship At Michigan State Parks

Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the January schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks in southern Michigan.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs like glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, Japanese barberry, 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.

Details, maps and directions can be found on the DNR website, www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.

Workday dates, locations and times include:

Southwest Michigan

Saturday, Jan. 9: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 23: Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 24: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1-4 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 30: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 31: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 1-4 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 Heidi Frei at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov for southwest Michigan parks.