|
March 29, 2017
Contact: Heidi Frei (southwest Michigan), 517-202-1360 or Laurel Malvitz-Draper (southeast Michigan), 517-719-2285
Southern Michigan state parks offer plenty of stewardship volunteer opportunities
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the April schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas in southwest and southeast Michigan.
Volunteers are needed to locate and remove garlic mustard, dame's rocket and other invasive weeds found in the forest understory. Garlic mustard originally is from Europe and threatens many ecosystems by crowding out native plants and wildflowers, such as trillium and mayapple. Removal is similar to weeding a home garden and is an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors and help to restore Michigan's high-quality and unique ecosystems.
The Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays (which includes workday details, maps and directions, as well as the stewardship volunteer registration form) is available via the DNR website www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers. All volunteers are asked to register either by using the form or via email.
Southwest Michigan workday dates, locations (counties) and times
- Saturday, April 1: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 8: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 9: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 1 to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, April 15: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 9 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, April 22: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 22: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 26: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1 to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, April 30: Muskegon State Park (Muskegon), 1 to 4 p.m.
Southeast Michigan workday dates, locations (counties) and times
- Saturday, April 1: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 2: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 8: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to noon
- Sunday, April 9: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 11: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 15: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, April 15: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, April 20: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 22: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 23: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 23: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29: Algonac State Park (St. Clair), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 30: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, April 30: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 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:
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.
/Editors’ note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
The Michigan DNR hosts monthly stewardship workdays at many state parks in southern Michigan, encouraging residents to get involved and learn about protecting Michigan's natural resources by collecting native seeds and removing invasive species./
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.
|
