DNR Get Involved: state park volunteer opportunities, habitat improvement

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/25/2020 09:30 AM EST

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DNR Get Involved - March 2020

group of volunteer walk through snowy field

Here are a few ways to get involved in taking care of Michigan’s natural resources in March. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Remove invasive species, restore natural areas at state parks

volunteer gathers branches from invasive shrub

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in March. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Workdays will take place:

  • Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County)
  • Sunday, March 1, 1 to 4 p.m. at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
  • Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to noon at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)
  • Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County)
  • Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County)
  • Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to noon at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County)
  • Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
  • Sunday, March 15, 1 to 4 p.m. at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
  • Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County)
  • Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
  • Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County)
  • Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
  • Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County)

More details about each workday can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Improve small game habitat with MUCC On the Ground

DNR staffer and volunteer build brush pile in forest

On the Ground – Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program, in partnership with the DNR – is looking for volunteers to help improve small game wildlife habitat in Clare County.

Volunteers will meet in Harrison Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to continue building brush piles that benefit small game like rabbit and ruffed grouse at the project site, an important new addition to DNR-managed land.

Volunteers are welcome to bring their own chainsaws and personal protective equipment, although MUCC also will provide chainsaws and safety equipment, including chaps, hardhats, ear and eye protection and work gloves.

A free lunch and T-shirt will be provided for all volunteers.

Event details and registration.

Learn more about On the Ground and see other upcoming volunteer opportunities at MUCC.org/On-The-Ground.

Monitor Michigan's frogs and toads

Nature lovers throughout the state are needed to help collect data for Michigan's annual frog and toad survey. In its 25th year, the survey's continued success in monitoring species abundance and location relies on volunteer support. The survey helps us understand and manage amphibian populations, which have been declining worldwide since the 1980s. Call 
517-284-9453 or email
DNR-FrogSurvey@Michigan.gov to get involved.  

Join the DNR parks or wildlife team

Looking for an interesting summer job that gets you outdoors and involved in conserving wildlife or helping people enjoy Michigan’s natural resources? We’re hiring seasonal park workers at state parks, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and harbors and seasonal wildlife employees to work with staff at DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. Learn more about these and other opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.