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Jan. 5, 2017
Contact: Heidi Frei (southwest Michigan), 517-202-1360 or Echo Prafke-Marson (southeast Michigan), 517-719-2285
Volunteers needed in January for stewardship in southern Michigan
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the January schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas in southwest and southeast Michigan.
Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs such as autumn olive, Japanese barberry and multi-flora rose or collect seeds from native prairie plants to help restore important ecosystems. Finding non-native invasive shrubs is easier this time of year since they generally stay green longer than their native counterparts. These volunteer opportunities are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while restoring high-quality, unique ecosystems and learning more about them.
Workday details, maps and directions can be found on the DNR website www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers by clicking on the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.
Workday dates, locations (counties) and times include:
- Saturday, Jan. 7: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 7: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon
- Sunday, Jan. 8: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1-4 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 8: Pinckney State Recreation Area (Livingston) 1-4 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 21: Belle Isle State Park (Wayne), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland) 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 28: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 29: 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 or Echo Prafke-Marson at 517-719-2285 or parfkemarsone@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 more. 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.
/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Volunteers help protect Michigan's natural areas through stewardship efforts, such as the work of this group that helped cut shrubs at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County./
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.
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