Jan. 23, 2012

Department of Natural Resources officials announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays taking place throughout February in Southeast Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive shrubs in natural areas within the state parks and recreation areas. This activity will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these Southeast Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to get outdoors, breathe some fresh air, avoid cabin fever and remain active.

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

• Saturday, Feb. 4: Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb.11: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Feb.12: Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb.18: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb.18: Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 19: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb: 25: Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 26: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 1-4 p.m.

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves and drinking water. Waterproof boots, either knee-high rubber boots or hip waders, are recommended for some sites, especially fen and other wetland sites. A limited number of waterproof boots are available to borrow, upon request.

For information about the specific tasks at each workday and to obtain directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the "Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays." Volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the website or via email. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.