From DNR reports
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites residents to get out and enjoy Michigan state parks and recreation areas early in 2014, and help protect habitat. State recreation officials recently announced the January schedule of volunteer stewardship activities at southwestern Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to spend time outdoors in Michigan’s scenic parks.
No experience is necessary, and training and equipment are provided. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience and learn more about invasive species and their treatment. Workdays will focus on removal of invasive woody plants such as black locust, autumn olive and Japanese barberry.
Dates, times and west Michigan area locations (counties) of group workdays are:
- Saturday, Jan. 18, Muskegon State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 19, Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 1-4 p.m.
Volunteers should bring gloves and drinking water, and wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. For information about the activities at each workday, to find directions or park information and to check the volunteer steward calendar of events, visit the DNR website at michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays. Please contact Heidi Frei at 269-685-6851 ext. 147 or [email protected] for registration or questions about the volunteer steward workdays.
The volunteer steward program is part of the Parks and Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit’s mission to “preserve, protect and restore the natural and cultural resources present within Michigan state parks for this and future generations.” Workdays are held each weekend at select parks in southwest Michigan.
