DNR Stewardship Volunteer Program

Mission: To conserve and restore the landscapes of our state parks. The State Park Stewardship Unit, part of the Parks and Recreation Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is dedicated to preserving Michigan’s natural and cultural heritage. By balancing resource protection with recreational use, we ensure that state parks remain vibrant, accessible, and ecologically sound. Since its establishment in 1995, the Stewardship Unit has engaged a network of passionate volunteers in activities such as native prairie seed collection, invasive species removal, and other essential conservation efforts. Rooted in a legacy that began with the creation of the Michigan State Parks Commission in 1919, we continue to honor and enhance Michigan’s state parks for future generations.

Our efforts include invasive species removal through stewardship workdays, photo monitoring to document ecological changes over time, monitoring rare insects, identifying early stages of forest disease and much more. There are two ways to get involved with the program: 1. Attend a workday. Join us as we work together to steward high quality habitat! Volunteer stewardship workdays engage volunteers through hands-on restoration and education as they help remove invasive plants threatening high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan. Volunteers learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and more. No experience is necessary and equipment and instruction are provided. 2. Become a Core Volunteer Steward. If you are interested in independent volunteer opportunities you can engage with on your own time or are wanting to take on more responsibility in land stewardship efforts, you can collaborate with Stewardship Unit Natural Resource Stewards to receive training and supplies to make your own unique stewardship impact.