We work to enhance enjoyment of public forest lands by eliminating illegal dumping and increasing awareness of responsible disposal options.
Due to the extensive damage from the ice storm in Northern Michigan, some areas may not be accessible. Please visit the icestorm dashboard to learn which trails and locations are open. All volunteers are advised to take extra precautions within storm-damaged areas. Areas that have been deemed open may continue to have a high risk of trees and branches shifting and falling.
Look up for overhead risks such as hanging branches that can come down without warning. Downed trees and storm debris make state forests difficult to navigate by foot and many trails and forest roads are still closed due to storm damage.
The Adopt-a-Forest volunteer cleanup program was established to protect Michigan's forests in 1991. The program shares the importance of clean and healthy forests, improves recycling and responsible trash disposal and works to stop illegal dumping.
Led by the Department of Natural Resources, the program is a partnership of the DNR, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Michigan-based USDA Forest Service.
In the program's history, more than 2 million acres of forest land have been cleaned up, with 100,000 tires removed and tens of thousands of cubic yards of trash properly disposed of. This work is critical to protecting forest lands for future generations.
We can't do it alone! In addition to volunteer time, your donation of money and supplies are essential in making the program a success.
Program coordinators work with law enforcement including DNR conservation officers to collect and report evidence of illegal dumping.
Safety is a top priority when conducting dump site cleanups. Learn how to properly plan a cleanup, pack the right gear, lift safely and practice environmental awareness.
Volunteers are the backbone of the program. We rely on volunteers to be our boots on the ground at cleanups and educators in the field everywhere else.
We work with industry professionals to spread awareness of legal waste disposal options. Help by working with community leaders to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.
Send questions to the Clean Forests email box, DNR-CleanForests@Michigan.gov.
Subscribe to Adopt a Forest email updates to receive program information, announcements, events and related news. E-news updates provided periodically.
