Stewardship days set for Feb. 18, 26 at state rec. area

The Highland Recreation Area will be holding two volunteer stewardship days this month, on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.

On Feb. 18, volunteers are needed to help restore the Highland Recreation 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 in Highland Township.

On Feb. 26, volunteers will be removing shrubs that threaten the wet meadow and fen ecosystems near Teeple Lake. Species like glossy buckthorn are crowding out the native prairie plants. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Haven Hill Sheep Barn parking lot, which is south of the recreation area entrance off M-59.

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