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

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive shrubs in natural areas. This activity will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in southeast Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to GO-Get Outdoors, get some fresh air and a little bit of exercise between the holidays.

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

-- Saturday, Dec. 5, Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-- Sunday, Dec. 6, Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.

-- Saturday, Dec. 12, Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to noon

-- Saturday, Dec. 12, Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-- Sunday, Dec. 13, Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.

Volunteers should dress appropriately for winter, outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves and drinking water.

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 Web site. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz-Draper at malvitzl@michigan.gov or (248) 359-9057.