March volunteer opportunities at Michigan state parks

Residents are invited to join in the effort to protect critical dune, prairie and forest habitats stretching from Berrien to Muskegon counties. Activities in March will focus on invasive, non-native woody shrub removal from natural areas to improve conditions for native species and restore ecosystem function. Targeted invasive species include honeysuckle, autumn olive and Japanese barberry. No experience is necessary and training and equipment will be provided.

Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to GO Get Outdoors, breathe some fresh air, have fun and get a bit of exercise at Michigan’s scenic state parks and recreation areas.

Workday dates, times and locations (counties) are:

• Saturday, March 15:
  Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 16:
  Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 1-4 p.m.
  Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 22:
  Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 23:
  Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 1-4 p.m.
  Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29:
  Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30:
  Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien), 1-4 p.m.

Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work (including long pants, boots and gloves) and drinking water. Please contact Heidi Frei at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov for registration or questions about the Volunteer Steward program in southwest Michigan.

For information about workday activities or information about individual parks, visit the DNR website at

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