Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in November. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks or collecting native wildflower and grass seeds.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County)
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 20, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at Maybury State Park (Wayne County)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County)
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 13, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County)
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 20, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County)
• 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 21, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County)

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Staff recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell land in the third set of 10 counties in the DNR’s state land review process are nearing DNR director approval, but there’s still plenty of time to review and share feedback via the interactive web map or by email to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by Jan. 12.

The counties under review include Alcona, Calhoun, Emmet, Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Oceana and St. Clair. The updated web map reflects the latest staff recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed.

Implemented as part of the 2013 managed public land strategy, the state land review involves DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage.

"This county-by-county review process provides us the opportunity to evaluate and make decisions about how well the current land portfolio supports our mission of protecting natural resources while providing broad public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DNR forest land administrator Kerry Wieber. “It’s critical that people who enjoy and use these lands are a part of the discussion, and we appreciate everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far."

All feedback received now through Jan. 12 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the Jan. 13 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Follow the latest updates on the state land review process at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.