The Department of Natural Resources today released the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout August in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to help hand cut and pile invasive, non-native shrubs that are encroaching on natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. These activities will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southeast Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to GO-Get Outdoors, enjoy summer in Michigan, and get fresh air and exercise.

Dates, locations and times of the workdays are as follows:

• Saturday, Aug. 2 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 3 Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Aug. 10 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 16 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 17 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 23 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves, eye protection and drinking water.

For information about the specific tasks at each location and to obtain directions, visit the DNR Web site at 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 at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.