Did you know that DNR Parks and Recreation Division had a whole unit dedicated to stewardship? Created in 1995 the unit’s mission is to preserve, protect and restore the natural, cultural and ethnographic resources present within Parks and Recreation Division administered lands, for this and future generations. The Stewardship unit includes an archaeologist, historic architect, ecologist, ecological restoration specialist and a horticulturalist among others.
The stewardship unit also runs a volunteer program in southern Michigan. Volunteers work alongside DNR Parks and Recreation Division Stewardship Unit staff. In southwest Michigan, there are many stewardship hands-on restoration and education opportunities for volunteers that are passionate in helping protect state parks. For example, each weekend, volunteers roll up their sleeves to help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan. Volunteers have contributed more than 115,000 hours of service since the program began!
Learn about unique ecosystems off the beaten path at your home park or explore a new one by joining a workday
Help protect critical habitat at these select parks and recreation areas in Southwest MI:
- Grand Mere State Park (Berrien Co.)
- Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien Co.)
- Warren Woods State Park (Berrien Co.)
- Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo Co.)
- Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry Co.)
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan Co.)
- Muskegon State Park (Muskegon Co.)
- P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon Co.)
There is no experience is necessary, and all equipment and instruction are provided. Preregistration is required. To learn more visit Volunteer stewardship (michigan.gov) or email Emily at LeslieE1@Michigan.gov.
West Michigan Conservation Network 