Nature stewardship is a great way to get exercise while learning about and helping the environment, meeting like-minded people, and exploring beautiful natural areas.
No prior experience needed! Activities varies from season to season, but the goals are usually:
- improve habitat for wildlife
- make space for Michigan's unique native plant communities, and
- improve recreational experiences for park visitors.
We typically achieve these goals by removing invasive plants that create problems for others. We focus on high-priority areas for protection and restoration activities, while building community knowledge for how to make a difference at home and in other community spaces.
- In spring, we hand pull garlic mustard, dames rocket, and narrowleaf bittercress.
- In summer, fall, and winter, we use hand tools to cut down shrubs such as autumn olive and buckthorn. Many first-time volunteers are surprised how much they enjoy using tools for socially acceptable acts of destruction!
- Sometimes we get the opportunity to plant trees or collect and spread native seed as well.
For all events, please dress for the weather and be prepared for working off-trail by wearing durable pants and closed-toe shoes. We will provide gloves, tools, and instruction.
Press here to explore available opportunities with Washtenaw County Parks. For more stewardship opportunities with our partners, check out https://www.stewardshipnetwork.org/events/.