DNR looks for help during Jan. 15, 28 stewardship days

 Working outside in the fresh air, getting exercise during the winter season, and contributing to the protection and restoration of Michigan’s state parks are all benefits enjoyed by volunteers participating in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) volunteer stewardship days.

The Highland Recreation Area will be holding two of these volunteer stewardship days from 1 to 4 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 15 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Volunteers will be removing shrubs that are encroaching on the fen and wet meadows near Teeple Lake on Jan. 15. They are asked to meet at the sheep barn parking lot, about 5 minutes south of the park entrance on M-59. Waterproof, knee-high boots are recommended for this site.

On Jan. 28, volunteers will be helping to restore the Highland Recreational Area to open grassland by hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Those wanting to help are asked to meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot on Livingston Road between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont roads.

More information on this stewardship day, as well as registration forms, can be found by clicking on the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays” link on the DNR website at michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.