The Department of Natural Resources recently announced the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays taking place in February in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to continue cutting invasive shrubs during the winter to help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to get outdoors, get some fresh air, avoid cabin fever, and continue an active start to the new year.

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

• Saturday, Feb. 2     Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 9     Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Feb. 10     Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 16   Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 16   Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 17     Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 1-4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 23   Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County), 1-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 24     Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County), 1-4 p.m.

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring gloves and drinking water.

For details about each workday and to obtain maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click on the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.” All 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.

Image courtesy Michigan DNR