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If you'd like to get involved in the work the DNR does, read on for ways to help next month! For more opportunities to lend a hand and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.
State park
stewardship
Several state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays, where volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. Workdays will take place:
∫ 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
∫ 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
∫ 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 10, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
∫ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
∫ 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 24, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
∫ 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.
Campground and harbor hosts
If you love staying overnight in Michigan state parks and harbors, consider serving as a volunteer campground or harbor host - we're currently accepting applications at many locations. Volunteer hosts help answer visitor questions, plan activities and help with light maintenance duties. In exchange, campsite and slip fees are waived. The total commitment is about 30 hours per week.
On the Ground
habitat
improvement
A man and a younger girl, both in bibs and winter jackets and orange knit caps, carry a long tree limb through heavy snow
Join On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs' volunteer public-land wildlife habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR, for upcoming projects. Gear, lunch, water and volunteer gifts will be provided.
Help create habitat for small mammals and game birds 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bellevue Conservation Club in Eaton County. Take part in efforts to clean out and maintain current wood duck nest boxes and install new nest boxes 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County. Build brush piles for woodcock 1:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County.
Great Backyard Bird Count
You can help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world, while spending time birdwatching in your favorite places, by taking part in the global Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 16-19. Count birds in your backyard, a local park or wherever you spot them, and submit your observations online.