The Department of Natural Resources today announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout January in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas. January marks the beginning of the third year of the Core Volunteer Steward Program.

Volunteers are needed to help cut invasive shrubs, haul brush and make brush piles in 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," breathe some fresh air and get a little bit of exercise.

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

• Saturday, Jan. 5 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 6 Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 12 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Jan. 19 Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 20 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 26 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 27 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves 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 website. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.