The Department of Natural Resources today announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout October in southern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to help collect native plant seeds and cut invasive shrubs in natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. These activities will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southern Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to GO-Get Outdoors, breathe some fresh air and get a little bit of exercise. Volunteers will also be able to experience Michigan's lovely fall colors and harvesting tradition.

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

• Saturday, Oct. 4 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Oct. 5 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 11 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 12 Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 15 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 18 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 18 Sterling State Park (Monroe Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 19 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 19 Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 26 Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 26 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 1to 4 p.m.

Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves and drinking water. For seed collecting, volunteers should also bring a clean, empty milk jug and sunscreen.

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 forms available on the Web site. A special form for all seed collecting activities is available at the start of the events listing. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.