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Sept. 9, 2016
Contact: Echo Prafke-Marson, 517-719-2285
Volunteers needed in September for stewardship work at state parks and recreation areas in southeast Michigan
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the September schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks in southwest Michigan, offering plenty of opportunities for area residents to help restore important ecosystems by removing glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, multi-flora rose and others, as well as collecting seed from native prairie plants.
No experience is necessary, and training and equipment are provided. These activities are a great way to enjoy time outdoors in the late summer/early fall while restoring high-quality, unique ecosystems and learning more about them.
Workday dates, locations (counties) and times include:
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Saturday, Sept. 10: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m. to noon
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Sunday, Sept. 11: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 17: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m. to noon
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Sunday, Sept. 18: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 24: Sterling State Park (Monroe), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Sunday, Sept. 25: Pinckney State Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The DNR's Volunteer Stewardship Program is a hands-on way for all ages to learn about and protect Michigan's natural resources by collecting native seeds, removing invasive species, conducting plant and animal surveys and more. Other ways to volunteer with the DNR include joining a state park friends group, serving as a campground host or a lightkeeper and many other opportunities.
Watch this brief video to learn more about why these volunteer stewardship efforts are so important to protecting natural areas and ecosystems in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Echo Prafke-Marson at 517-719-2285 or prafkemarsone@michigan.gov. Volunteers should bring work gloves, drinking water and appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Workday details, maps and directions can be found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and clicking on the Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
A volunteer helps remove invasive species at Belle Isle Park. Volunteer efforts at these workdays are critical in helping to protect Michigan's natural areas./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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