The Department of Natural Resources today announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout August in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to control invasive, non-native plants including pulling spotted knapweed and cutting invasive shrubs from natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. These activities will help protect and restore unique natural areas – including wetlands, prairies and woodlands – in these southeastern Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to get outside, enjoy Michigan’s beautiful summer scenery and get some fresh air.

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

• Saturday, Aug. 6 Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 6 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 6 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 7 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 13 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Aug. 14 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 17 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 20 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 21 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 27 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 28 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 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 get maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.” All volunteers are asked to register. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at malvitzl@michigan.gov or 248-359-9057.

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.