Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays

Join us for fun activities year-round!
Workday dates, activities, and locations are listed below. Workdays are scheduled and posted quarterly. Please check this site to make sure you have the most up-to-date information since meeting locations may need to change.

See what volunteer workdays look like on our Picasa web page.

Volunteer workdays are sponsored by the State Park Stewardship Unit to help protect and restore natural areas at seventeen parks in our state park system, across southern Michigan.  We focus on natural areas that are known or potential sites for species of greatest conservation need.

Ongoing workdays are held in Southeast Michigan at:
Algonac State Park, Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Brighton Recreation Area, Highland Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area, Pinckney Recreation Area, Sterling State Park, and Waterloo Recreation Area.

in Southwest Michigan at:
Fort Custer Recreation Area, Grand Mere State Park, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Ionia Recreation Area, Muskegon State Park, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Warren Dunes State Park, Warren Woods State Park, and Yankee Springs Recreation Area.

To register for workdays submit a Stewardship Volunteer Registration form.

October 2013

Saturday, October 5, 2013,
Highland Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us for this wildflower seed collection day! Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot on Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Saturday, October 5, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help us collect native wildflower and grass seeds that will be replanted throughout the park! This is a great activity for the family to enjoy the outdoors. No experience is necessary and instruction on plant identification will be provided. Meet at the Park Headquarters and we’ll caravan to our plant propagation area. Please dress to be in an open prairie area and be sure to bring along some water. 

Sunday, October 6, 2013,
Waterloo Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a native grass and wildflower seed collection workday. Meet on Waterloo Road just west of M-52. Roadside parking.

Sunday, October 6, 2013
Warren Dunes State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help protect the forest system of this beautiful lakeside park. We’ll enjoy a nice hike along the trail and dunes while searching for small multiflora rose, privet, Japanese barberry and other enemies of native ecosystems.  Meet at the organizational campground on Floral Lane. Please arrive on time as we will be walking through the natural area.  

Saturday, October 12 2013,
Sterling State Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Collect native wildflower seeds from lakeplain prairie and Great Lakes marsh ecosystems! Meet at the park headquarters at 2800 State Park Road, Monroe, MI 48162. Please arrive on time as we will need to caravan to the seed collection site.

Saturday, October 12, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Your help is needed to gather seed from native forbs and grasses! This is a great activity for families, students and others to learn about native species while taking part in the restoration process! No experience in plant identification or collection is necessary to enjoy this fun event! Meet at the park headquarters and we will caravan to the work location. 

Sunday, October 13, 2013,
Highland Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for this fun native wildflower seed collection workday. Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot on Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Muskegon State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help us remove this landscape plant gone bad! Japanese barberry is commonly planted as a landscape ornamental, but has escaped and is spreading in our forests and dunes! Join in the effort to stop the spread. No experience is necessary! We will be removing scattered plants that are spreading along Scenic Drive. Meet at the Blockhouse parking area (on the north side) on Scenic Drive. 

Saturday, October 19, 2013
Yankee Springs Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spend the morning in the forest and help in our restoration efforts at beautiful Deep Lake! In addition to the campground, mountain bike and hiking trails, this area also home to a nice example of an upland forest system and a fen that skirts the border of the lake. Help us keep these areas invasive free for park users and native plant and animal species! Meet at the boat launch in the Deep Lake Campground (off of Yankee Springs Rd.). Please arrive on time as we’ll enjoy a short hike to the work location.

Saturday, October 19, 2013,
Sterling State Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help us collect native wildflower seeds from lakeplain prairie and Great Lakes marsh ecosystems. We might explore a different seed collecting site, so join us for extra fun at this second seed collecting day at Sterling. Meet at the park headquarters at 2800 State Park Road, Monroe, MI 48162. Please arrive on time as we will need to caravan to the seed collection site.

Sunday, October 20, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Take part in native prairie restoration by helping collect local seed from wild forbs and grasses! We will collect native wildflower and grass seeds for restoration plantings. No experience in plant identification is required. Meet at the park headquarters. Please dress to be in an open prairie area , long pants and long sleeves are recommended.

Saturday, October 26, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the hunt for native species of wildflowers and grasses at Fort Custer! Volunteer Stewards will search a restored prairie to collect seed from native wildflowers, such as black-eyed Susan and coneflower. This is a great activity for the family to enjoy the outdoors - no experience is necessary to take part! Please dress to be in an open prairie area. Meet at the park headquarters.

Sunday, October 27, 2013
Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Native trees only, please! Take part in our continual effort to remove exotic Austrian Pine from the dunes. Volunteers will enjoy a beautiful hike through Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area along the South Trail to reach the work site (plan for a 30 minute hike).   No experience necessary to join; we may even be fortunate enough to enjoy the fall colors! Meet at the main park entrance of of 138th Ave (near the Felt Mansion). Please arrive on time as we will be hiking to the work location.


November 2013

Saturday, November 2, 2013,
Highland Recreation Area, Barn Field Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join ongoing efforts to restore this area to an open grassland. Volunteers will be hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Meet at the Barn Field Trial Area parking lot on the north side of Cooley Lake Road between Duck Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Saturday, November 2, 2013
Yankee Springs Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join in the effort to remove invasive woody shrubs like honeysuckle and autumn olive from the Deep Lake area. Volunteer Stewards will work in and along the fen to protect this neat ecosystem. Meet at the boat launch in the Deep Lake Campground (off of Yankee Springs Rd.). We’ll enjoy a short hike from the parking area to the work site.

Sunday, November 3, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help us collect native wildflower and grass seeds from the late bloomers like native asters throughout the park. This will help us create a diverse mix of species for upcoming plantings. Meet at the park headquarters and we will caravan to the work location.  

Sunday, November 3, 2013,
Highland Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for the last seed collection day at Highland for the year. We will be collecting wildflower seeds. Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot on Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour for Daylight Saving Time or you will be an hour early!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Muskegon State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help protect these beautiful open and forested dunes from an invasion of non-native species! Volunteers will help control small population of invasive honeysuckle and autumn olive near the entrance to the Channel Campground. No experience is necessary. Meet at the day use parking area just west of the Channel Campground entrance.  

Saturday, November 9, 2013,
Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon
The Graham Lake Fen Complex needs your help. Come cut and pile the glossy buckthorn and other invasive shrubs that threaten this unique ecosystem. Meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park’s North Unit. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Sunday, November 10, 2013,
Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We will remove shrubs from this area to restore a fen wetland; join in the fun! Our shrub cutting efforts will give the native, sun-loving prairie plants more room to grow and keep glossy buckthorn from invading. We'll be covering as much ground as possible. Meet at the small parking lot on the southeast corner of Mt. Hope and Glenn Roads. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Saturday, November 16, 2013
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a nice fall day in the woods and helping to protect the forest and dunes from unwanted shrubs! We’ll need many hands to help us pull tiny honeysuckle saplings from the campground before their seeds hitch a ride into the forested dunes! Meet at the campground entrance. Please arrive on time as we will move throughout the entire campground.

Sunday, November 17, 2013
Warren Woods State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Come visit this beautiful example of primeval forest and work among the tall beech, maple and tulip poplars! Volunteer Stewards are needed to help remove invasive species of common privet, barberry and multiflora rose that are hiding among these majestic trees. No experience is necessary. Meet at the main parking area off of Elm Valley Rd. 

Saturday, November 23, 2013
Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Let’s keep invasive shrubs out of our beautiful dunes by removing honeysuckle and other unwanted plants from the forest! Volunteers will learn to identify these unwanted shrubs and will join in the effort to restore our native forest type by cutting and removing them. Please meet on time at the main entrance to the park at the end of 138th Avenue.

Sunday, November 24, 2013
Warren Dunes State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help us remove non-native invaders from the beautiful forests of Warren Dunes! These invasive shrubs, like Japanese barberry and privet, threaten to impact our precious dune system by outcompeting native vegetation. No experience is necessary to participate. Meet at the picnic area on the west side of the road as you travel towards the main campground (if you travel to the main campground you’ve gone too far). Please arrive on time as we’ll take a nice walk to the work location.

December 2013 

Sunday, December 1, 2013,
Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We will remove shrubs from this area to restore a fen wetland; join in the fun! Our shrub cutting efforts will give the native, sun-loving prairie plants more room to grow and keep glossy buckthorn from invading. We'll be covering as much ground as possible. Meet at the small parking lot on the southeast corner of Mt. Hope and Glenn Roads. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Saturday, December 7, 2013,
Highland Recreation Area, Silo Field Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join ongoing efforts to restore this area to open grassland. Volunteers will be hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot off Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Saturday, December 7, 2013
Muskegon State Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join in the effort to remove invasive shrubs from the Channel Campground before they have a chance to spread across the sensitive dunes! Volunteers will learn to identify honeysuckle, autumn olive and Japanese barberry as well as gain hands-on experience in proper removal. Meet at the day use area parking area just west of the Channel Campground. 

Sunday, December 8, 2013,
Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon
Join ongoing efforts to rid the Graham Lake Fen Complex of glossy buckthorn and other invasive shrubs. Meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park’s North Unit. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Sunday, December 8, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy beautiful scenery on the peninsula overlooking Eagle Lake while removing invasive shrubs like honeysuckle and autumn olive! Meet at the mountain bike parking area. We’ll enjoy a short hike to the work location so please arrive on time!

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Saugatuck Dunes State Park,10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Invasive species are a major threat to habitat and biodiversity of our native landscapes. Fortunately, you can help as we remove black locust and other invasive species from the forest and shoreline. Don’t forget your hiking boots or snow shoes to enjoy the park after the workday! Meet at the main day use area parking lot near the end of 138th Ave. We’ll enjoy a short hike to the work location so please arrive on time.

Sunday, December 15, 2013
Fort Custer Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help us remove invasive shrubs encroaching on native prairie plantings. We’ll target species of autumn olive and honeysuckle that line the roadway. Meet at the Park Headquarters.

January 2014

Saturday, January 4, 2014
Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help us cut, haul and stack invasive shrubs that are starting to form thickets in this fen. We will be cutting some large patches of glossy buckthorn, so you will see a lot of change in just 3 hours; the native flora and fauna will thank us. Meet at the small parking lot on the southeast corner of Mt. Hope and Glenn Roads. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Saturday, January 11, 2014
Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon
Aid restoration efforts at the Graham Lake fen complex by cutting and piling glossy buckthorn, a terrible wetland invasive shrub. Meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park's North Unit. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site.

Saturday, January 25, 2014
Highland Recreation Area, Silo Field Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join ongoing efforts to restore this area to an open grassland. Volunteers will be hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot off Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads.

February 2014

Saturday, February 1, 2014
Island Lake Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lend a hand in restoring an oak woodland and or oak barrens by cutting and hauling invasive shrubs. This area shouldn't have the thick shrub layer it currently has but non-native, invasive shrubs like buckthorn, honeysuckle and autumn olive have taken over. Meet at the Meadow Picnic Area parking lot.

Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon
The Graham Lake Fen Complex needs your help. Come cut and pile the buckthorn and other shrubs that threaten this unique ecosystem. Meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park's North Unit. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Sunday, February 9, 2014
Algonac State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us as we cut and stack invasive shrubs to keep them from shading out native plants in beautiful prairie remnants. Meet at the small parking lot on the east side of Marsh Road, just south of Swartout Road (on the park's west side). From the park headquarters on M-29, drive north, turn left onto Roberts Road, then turn left when Roberts Road dead ends at Marsh Road.

Saturday, February 15, 2014
Highland Recreation Area, Silo Field Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join ongoing efforts to restore this area to an open grassland. Volunteers will be hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot off Livingston Road, between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Saturday, February 15, 2014
Pinckney Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thickets of shrubs don't belong in these mesic and wet mesic prairies. Help remove them and make room for some neat, native plants. Meet at the South Lake boat launch parking lot on Joslin Lake Road. From North Territorial Road, take Joslin Lake Road north until you see the boating access site on your left. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Sunday, February 16, 2014
Brighton Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Glossy buckthorn and other invasive shrubs are moving into this beautiful prairie. Help us remove it! Meet at the entrance on Teahen Road where there are two pull-off parking spots; look for a state truck parked nearby. Roadside parking.

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help us cut large patches as well as scattered outlier plants of glossy buckthorn to keep this it from taking over in this rare wetland; the native flora and fauna will thank us. Meet at the small parking lot on the southeast corner of Mt. Hope and Glenn Roads. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Sunday, February 23, 2014
Highland Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This special wet meadow and fen near Teeple Lake need your help! Help us remove shrubs, like glossy buckthorn, that are encroaching on these vulnerable ecosystems and crowding out native prairie species. Meet at the sheep barn parking lot, about 5 minutes south of the park entrance on M-59. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

March 2014

Saturday, March 1, 2014
Island Lake Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Assist us in clearing out invasive shrubs that could take over this woodland, crowd out native plants, and make pulling invasive garlic mustard in the spring very difficult!. Meet at the Meadow Picnic Area parking lot.

Sunday, March 2, 2014
Algonac State Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Help us keep special lakeplain prairie and oak opening remnants open and free of shrubs and small trees. If left to reproduce, these plants could take over this unique area and crowd out neat flora and fauna. Join us to be part of this great accomplishment and enjoy a short winter hike to the work site! Meet at the small parking lot on the east side of Marsh Road, just south of Swartout Road (on the park's west side). From the park headquarters on M-29, drive north, turn left onto Roberts Road, then turn left when Roberts Road dead ends at Marsh Road.

Saturday, March 8, 2014
Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to noon
Glossy buckthorn and other invasive, non-native shrubs, continue to slowly move into the Graham Lake Fen area. Let's stop them in their tracks and protect this rare type of wetland. Meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park's North Unit. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Saturday, March 15, 2014
Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We will remove shrubs from this area to restore a fen wetland; join in the fun! Our shrub cutting efforts will give the native, sun-loving prairie plants more room to grow and keep glossy buckthorn from invading. We'll be covering as much ground as possible and following up in an area where we have not worked for a few years. Follow-up shrub control is critical to staying ahead of invasives. Meet on Glenn Road west of Mt. Hope Road. Roadside parking. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Sunday, March 16, 2014
Pinckney Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Come out and help remove shrubs that don't belong in this wet prairie. This will make room for neat native plants. Meet at the South Lake boat launch parking lot on Joslin Lake Road. From North Territorial Road, take Joslin Lake Road north until you see the boating access site on your left. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Saturday, March 22, 2014
Highland Recreation Area, Barn Course Field Trial Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join ongoing efforts to restore this area to open grassland. Volunteers will be hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Meet at the Barn Field Trial Area parking lot on the north side of Cooley Lake Road between Duck Lake and Beaumont Roads.

Saturday, March 22, 2014
Brighton Recreation Area, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stop invasive shrubs from invading this wonderful prairie. In particular we will be looking to cut glossy buckthorn and autumn olive from the prairie edge. Meet at the entrance on Teahen Road where there are two pull-off parking spots; look for a state truck parked nearby. Roadside parking.

Sunday, March 23, 2014
Highland Recreation Area, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us in saving a wet meadow, a vulnerable ecosystem in Michigan. We will continue to cut shrubs and small trees, especially invasive glossy buckthorn, from the grassland edges of Teeple Lake to allow the native flora and fauna to thrive. Please join us at this workday! Meet at the sheep barn parking lot, about 5 minutes south of the park entrance on M-59. ***Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for this site. Knee-high rubber boots are available to borrow, upon request. Availability is limited; first come, first served.

Workday Details

Registration
Please complete a volunteer registration form. Alternatively, contact Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.govto register for workdays in southeast Michigan or Heidi Frei at 269-685-6851 x147 or freih@michigan.govto register for workdays in southwest Michigan. Let them know the date and park of the workday(s) you plan to attend. Registering helps us plan the workdays more effectively so we have enough equipment and so we can divide into groups and assign tasks more easily.

Workday Cancellation
If a workday must be canceled due to inclement weather or for any other reason, a voice mail message saying so will be posted at 248-359-9057 for southeast or at 269-685-6851 x147 for southwest Michigan at least two hours before the scheduled workday start time. If there is no cancellation message the workday will continue as planned.

Park Map and Directions
Click on the name of the park or recreation area above to view the park's webpage. From the park webpage you can print a "Unit Map" and get directions to the park.

What to Wear and Bring
Please remember to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and work boots. Please also bring drinking water, work gloves, and eye protection (especially prescription safety glasses). Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for fen and other wetland sites. If you don't have waterproof boots and would like to borrow a pair, please note that when you register and we will try to provide them.

What NOT to Bring
Be sure your outerwear, gloves, and boots are free of mud and hitchhiking seeds before coming to the workday. We don't want to inadvertently spread invasive plant seeds into these high quality natural areas.

Stewardship Announcements
Would you like to receive workday reminders and general stewardship information via email? Please email a list of the parks that you are interested in to Laurel Malvitz-Draper, malvitzl@michigan.gov for southeast Michigan parks or Heidi Frei, freih@michigan.gov for southwest Michigan parks. Please choose from the parks listed at the top of this page.

Recreation Passport
Please support Michigan's state parks and recreation areas by purchasing a Recreation Passport. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport

Want to get more involved?
The Volunteer Steward Program provides volunteers with additional ways to get involved and make a unique commitment, both individually and as part of a team.

Questions?
Please contact Laurel Malvitz-Draper, Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit, at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov with any questions about volunteering in southeast Michigan parks.

Please contact Heidi Frei, Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit, at 269-685-6851 x147 or freih@michigan.gov with any questions about volunteering in southwest Michigan parks.

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