DNR seeks volunteers for summer stewardship in southeastern Michigan

State recreation officials recently announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays taking place in September in Southeast Michigan state parks and recreation areas. For example, volunteers are needed to cut and pile invasive shrubs and plant native prairie plants at Sterling State Park in Monroe County. These activities at Sterling – as well as in other state parks and recreation areas throughout the region – will help protect and restore unique natural areas.

Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to Go Get Outdoors, enjoy the end of summer, learn something new and support Michigan’s parks.

Dates, times and locations of the workdays are as follows:

Saturday, Sept. 8 – Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 9 – Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 – Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 – Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 – Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 – Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 – Sterling State Park (Monroe County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 – Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work (including long pants and sturdy closed-toed shoes) and bring gloves and drinking water.

For details about each workday and to obtain maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays. All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.