Michigan DNR Seeking Volunteers in May to Help Remove Non-Native Invasive Plants
Replace with Native Plantings in Southeast Michigan.
Michigan –-(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers for stewardship workdays at southeast Michigan state parks and recreation areas in May.
Volunteers will help remove garlic mustard, a non-native invasive plant, from natural areas while other volunteers will help with native plantings at Algonac and Sterling state parks.
This activity will help protect and restore unique natural areas in these southern Michigan state parks and recreation areas, especially woodlands. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy spring, and promote a healthy lifestyle with light exercise, all while helping to preserve our natural resources.
Dates, times and locations of the workdays are as follows:
- – Sunday, May 1, Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 1 to 4 p.m.
- – Saturday, May 7, Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- – Saturday, May 14, Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
- – Saturday, May 14, Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- – Saturday, May 14, Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- – Sunday, May 15, Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- – Sunday, May 15, Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 1 to 4 p.m.
- – Saturday, May 21, Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
- – Sunday, May 22, Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1 to 4 p.m.
- – Sunday, May 22, Sterling State Park (Monroe County), 1 to 4 p.m.
Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing and be prepared for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves, sunscreen and drinking water.
These efforts are part of the Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) initiative to control invading species and help protect the natural heritage of Michigan state parks in the process. For more information about getting involved in the EDRR initiative, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr-parkstewardship.
For more information about the specific tasks at each location and to obtain directions, visit the 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 web site. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at malvitzl@michigan.gov or call 248-359-9067.
The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “Yes” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or by calling 517-241-7275.
Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid Non-Resident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site, which can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
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.