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

Please note that preregistration is required for all volunteer workdays, and participation may be limited due to social distancing requirements.

Although these are outdoor programs and proper social distancing of at least 6 feet is required, participants still are encouraged to wear face coverings as an added precaution.

Workdays will take place:

• Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. to noon at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• Sunday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
• Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County).
• Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
• Sunday, April 25, 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.

On the Ground – Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR – is looking for volunteers for the following projects in April.

Brighton Recreation Area Public Land Cleanup
Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MUCC is partnering with the National Wildlife Federation's Artemis program for a public land cleanup project at Brighton Recreation Area in Livingston County. There are currently four identified Adopt-A-Forest cleanup sites near the Chenango Lake boat launch. Due to a lack of parking, volunteer registration is capped at 20 individuals. All necessary equipment will be provided, such as work gloves, trash bags and trash grabbers. Volunteers are asked to bring a face covering to be worn when social distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible.

Register for Brighton Recreation Area event.

Tree Planting at Minden City State Game Area
Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join MUCC's On the Ground program and the Robert J. Lytle Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society as they plant trees to improve wildlife habitat at Minden City State Game Area in Sanilac County. Volunteers are needed to help plant and tube approximately 200 oak trees. These hard mast-producing trees will benefit a variety of wildlife including ruffed grouse, wild turkey and white-tailed deer. All registered volunteers will receive a free lunch and an OTG T-shirt. Volunteers are asked to bring their own work gloves, if possible, and a face covering that can be worn when social distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible.

Register for Minden City State Game Area event.

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

Have questions about fishing in Michigan and 2021 fishing regulations? Check out our upcoming virtual “Conversations & Coffee” events, focusing on fisheries management areas around the state, to get answers and talk with DNR Fisheries Division staff. 

These events cover local and statewide regulation changes affecting anglers and are a great opportunity to meet fisheries managers and biologists, discuss local issues and management activities, and get specific questions answered.

Enjoy your coffee (and learn about specific fisheries management units) from the comfort of home at one of the following “Conversations & Coffee” virtual meetings:

• Northern Lake Michigan: Tuesday, April 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST/6 to 7:30 p.m. CT.
• Western Lake Superior: Tuesday, April 6, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Eastern Lake Superior: Thursday, April 8, 6 to 8 p.m. (in partnership with the Michigan Sea Grant workshop).
• Lake Erie: Monday, April 12, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Central and Southern Lake Michigan: Thursday, April 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Northern and Southern Lake Huron: Thursday, May 6, 6 to 7 p.m. (in partnership with the Michigan Sea Grant workshop).

Get more details about “Conversations & Coffee” meetings.

The DNR invites businesses and organizations to get involved as sponsors and partners in conserving natural and cultural resources, while connecting with the millions of people who enjoy these resources.

With less than 15% of the DNR’s annual budget coming from general tax dollars, new and creative revenue sources are vital to fulfilling the department’s mission.

Sponsorship/partnership opportunities include advertising in the annual Michigan Hunting Digest or Michigan Fishing Guide, joining the "These Goods are Good for Michigan" revenue-sharing program, expanding parks and recreation visitor services and experiences by becoming a concessionaire, sponsoring habitat projects on DNR-managed public lands, helping kids learn about natural resources with sponsorships at visitor centers, becoming a partner in the Iron Belle Trail Fund Campaign and more.

See a complete list of ongoing sponsorship and partnership options.