Join us for a spotted knapweed pull in our prairie restoration area! This is a disability-friendly workday, and we'll do our best to accommodate a range of abilities and participation styles. The site includes direct sun and areas of uneven or partially unstable ground, so please plan accordingly. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring plenty of water. Take breaks as needed, and work at a pace that's comfortable for you. Your help makes a meaningful difference in restoring native prairie habitat!

What to wear and bring

Please dress for outdoor work, wearing long pants, long-sleeve shirt work boots, and sun protection. Bring layers to dress for the weather. Bring water, a snack and any medication you might need. To prevent the spread of invasive species, ensure all gear is free of mud and seeds. Work gloves, eye protection and hand tools are provided.

More about the Volunteer Stewardship Program

Volunteer stewardship workdays with the Department of Natural Resources engage volunteers through hands-on restoration and education as they help remove invasive plants threatening high-quality ecosystems in state parks across Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula. Volunteers learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and more. No experience is necessary, and equipment and instruction are provided.

Register here

If you have questions regarding volunteer stewardship with the DNR, please contact southwest Michigan natural resource steward Tyler Lidgard at LidgardT@Michigan.gov or 517-388-8517.

Policies:

• Workday cancellations: If a workday is canceled due to inclement weather or any other reason, registered participants will receive an email notice at least two hours before the scheduled meeting time. Please check your email before departing.
• Groups and youth: Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must sign a liability waiver for the minor. Organized youth group leaders may sign this waiver instead.
• Accessibility and hazards: We will be walking off trail on uneven ground and bending over to cut and treat or pull invasive species. Expect to get dirty and to have potential exposure to poison ivy, poison sumac, ticks, mosquitos and stinging insects.