CORRECTION: DNR Get Involved: volunteer in state parks, become a DNR sponsor/partner & more

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/04/2022 10:01 AM EST

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DNR Get Involved - February 2022

group of stewardship volunteers with tools

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this digest, issued today, included an incorrect date for one of the volunteer stewardship workdays at Fort Custer Recreation Area. The full, corrected digest is below. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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

Volunteer to remove invasive plants from state parks

man and woman stewardship volunteers in snowy field

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

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 12, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb. 26, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
  • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 27, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 19, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 19, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 26, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).

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

Help Michigan wildlife with MUCC On the Ground

female volunteer places duck nest box on pole

On the Ground – Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR – is looking for volunteers for a February project.

Saturday, Feb. 19, help place new wood duck nest boxes and perform maintenance on existing nest boxes at Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the DNR barns located at 9858 Crapo Road, just south of Ranger Road in Ashley. Volunteers are encouraged to dress in warm layers for the winter weather and to wear insulated and waterproof boots. MUCC will provide lunch and an On the Ground volunteer carabiner mug or T-shirt to all registered volunteers.

Sign up to attend the Maple River State Game Area event and spend a great day outdoors helping Michigan wildlife! Registration closes Feb. 17.

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

Become a DNR sponsor or partner

man, woman and two boys look at exhibit about black bears

The DNR invites businesses and organizations to get involved as sponsors and partners in taking care of the state’s natural and cultural resources, while connecting with the millions of people who enjoy them.

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.

“We are open to a variety of sponsorships and partnerships to help people enjoy and appreciate Michigan’s natural and cultural resources and, at the same time, highlight the many businesses that are growing the outdoor recreation industry and the state’s economy,” said Kristin Phillips, DNR Marketing and Outreach Division chief.

Examples of sponsorship/partnership opportunities include advertising in DNR publications, revenue sharing on products or services, serving as a concessionaire in the DNR parks and recreation system, sponsoring exhibits and displays in visitor centers and habitat projects on state lands, and becoming a partner in the Iron Belle Trail Fund Campaign.

For more details, see a complete list of ongoing sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Join the DNR team this summer

Looking for an interesting summer job that gets you outdoors and helping people enjoy natural resources or conserving Michigan’s wildlife? Join the hundreds of seasonal workers hired each summer and fall to work in state parks, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and harbors, state game areas, and DNR field offices and customer service centers. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.

Sign up for Happy Little 5K by March 1

Don’t forget to register for the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, taking place April 22-29. You pick the place, anywhere outdoors. Registration, which closes March 1, is $34 per person and includes a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number and finisher's medal. All proceeds from this Bob Ross-inspired event support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks and recreation areas.