Sept. 27, 2017

Contact: Laurel Malvitz-Draper, 517-719-2285

Stewardship volunteers needed throughout October in southeast Michigan state parks

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

Volunteers are needed to help locate and cut non-native, invasive shrubs that threaten to crowd out native plants and disrupt balance in high-quality ecosystems. Volunteers also will help gather seeds. Workdays are an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors while restoring 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.

Southeast Michigan workdays

• Sunday, Oct. 1: Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 7: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Oct. 21: Belle Isle Park (Wayne County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Oct. 21: Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 22: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct 29: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 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 Laurel Malvitz-Draper, 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@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 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.

Stewardship workdays give volunteers a chance to contribute to the the overall health of Michigan's state parks by sharing their time and energy on stewardship activities, such as removing invasive plants./

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.