Volunteers invited for habitat protection at SW Michigan state parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2012

 

Contact: Heidi Frei, 269-685-6851, ext. 147 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

 

 

Residents invited to enjoy Southwest Michigan state parks
while protecting natural areas

 

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy state parks and recreation areas in Southwest Michigan while helping to protect their habitats. State recreation officials recently announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship activities for the month of July at state parks and recreation areas in Southwest Michigan. Volunteering for these workdays is a perfect way to GO Get Outdoors, breathe some fresh air, have fun and get a bit of exercise while taking in the stunning scenery.

 

Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native shrub species that negatively affect Michigan’s forests and other systems. Some of these plants, such as barberry and privet, were once planted as a common landscape plant and now threaten to change habitat for birds and other species. Volunteers will learn to identify these plants and properly remove them from natural areas. No experience is necessary; training and equipment are provided.

 

Workday dates, times and locations are as follows: 

• Sunday, July 1 – Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, July 14 – Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, July 15 – Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, July 21 – Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, July 22 – Grand Mere State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, July 28 – Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, July 29 – Warren Woods State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work (including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes) and bring gloves and drinking water. All volunteers are asked to register using the forms available on the Department of Natural Resources website. Please contact Heidi Frei at 269-685-6851 ext. 147 or freih@michigan.gov for registration or questions about the Volunteer Steward workdays.

 

The Volunteer Steward program is part of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division Stewardship Unit’s mission to preserve, protect and restore the natural and cultural resources present within Michigan state parks for this and future generations. To get information about the activities at each workday, find directions or park information, or to check the Volunteer Steward calendar of events, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.

 

The Recreation 101 program provides expert instruction to budding outdoor enthusiasts by offering free, hands-on training in over 100 different activities. Learn about participating or becoming an instructor, at www.michigan.gov/rec101.The DNR offers ongoing nature programming. Check out the schedule at www.michigan.gov/natureprograms.

 

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

 

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.