The schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held throughout September in southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas was announced today by the Department of Natural Resources.

Volunteers are needed to help hand cut and pile invasive, non-native shrubs that are encroaching on natural areas within our state parks and recreation areas. Volunteers are also needed to help with two native planting projects for National Public Lands Day at Sterling State Park and Highland Recreation Area. These activities will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southeast Michigan state parks.

Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to "GO-Get Outdoors," and enjoy summer in Michigan, while getting fresh air and exercise.

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

• Saturday, Sept. 6 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 7 Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 13 Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland co.), 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Sept. 14 Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 20 Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 21 Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 27 Sterling State Park (Monroe Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 28 Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information about the specific tasks at each location and to obtain directions, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers, and link to the "Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays." All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the website. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov.