Various southern Michigan state parks - August volunteer stewardship workdays

Join us for the August Volunteer Stewardship Workdays at various southern Michigan state parks, where you can actively help protect and restore native ecosystems through the DNR’s Volunteer Stewardship Program. These workdays involve essential tasks such as invasive species management, bird monitoring, and native seed collection, ensuring the longevity of our state parks.

Key events include:

- **Fort Custer Recreation Area** (Kalamazoo County): Persons with disabilities-friendly spotted knapweed pull on Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. Please dress appropriately for outdoor work, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water.

- **Saugatuck Dunes State Park** (Allegan County): Workday on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon.

- **Island Lake Recreation Area** (Livingston County): Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9-11:30 a.m.

- **Muskegon State Park** (Muskegon County): Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

- **Brighton Recreation Area** (Livingston County): Sunday, Aug. 9, from 9-11:30 a.m.

- **Yankee Springs Recreation Area** (Barry County): Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.

All events focus on hands-on restoration efforts and are designed to accommodate a variety of abilities. No prior experience is necessary, as tools and instruction will be provided. Please register through the provided links for specific workdays and contact Tyler Lidgard for any inquiries. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and possible exposure to natural hazards like ticks and poison ivy.