April 23, 2009

Walker Tavern Historic Site invites community members to explore volunteer opportunities, clean up the site and enjoy a community bonfire and hot-dog roast on Sunday, May 3. Working hours are 1 to 4 p.m., followed by the bonfire.

Attendees can find out about the tasks, qualifications and rewards of becoming a volunteer at Walker Tavern this summer, and sign-up sheets will be available. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: special events, historic gardening, historical interpretation, Walker Mercantile and site improvement.

Volunteers who are willing to help with the spring cleanup are encouraged to bring gloves and yard-work tools. Help is needed picking up trash and tree limbs, gathering firewood and battling the Russian Olive bushes that have invaded the site's woods.

Those who are doing spring cleaning at home and have items to give away also may bring donations to Walker Tavern on May 3, where staff members will be collecting things for the Onsted garage sale. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Hewitt House renovation project. Walker Tavern will open for the season on Friday, May 22. Hours will be Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 6. The first Farmers Market of the season will be Sunday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Walker Tavern Historic Site, part of the Michigan Historical Museum System, is jointly administered by the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It is located next to the Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills, just 35 miles west of Ann Arbor.

For more information, call (517) 467-4401 or visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).