Departments

The East Lansing Environmental Stewardship Program focuses on restoring the health of park biotic communities by removing problematic invasive plant species and replacing them with native species. The program seeks to share information with the community about different aspects of park ecosystems and how best to sustain them.

Volunteer Work Days

View the upcoming volunteer work days this summer and fall.

Why Volunteer with the Environmental Stewardship Program?

• Volunteering in this program helps restore parks and keeps the natural areas healthy for future generations to enjoy.
• Volunteering supports a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and promotes increased use of the parks. Environmental stewardship projects often take volunteers beyond the realm of regular clean-ups into broader areas of concern.
• Volunteering is a great way for friends and family to be a responsible citizen and help the local environment. You will learn how to be a good steward and will be able to share your knowledge with others, making a larger impact on the parks even after your service is over.
• Most importantly, volunteering is a very fulfilling and fun way to see the positive impact you have made on the environment first-hand!

How Can I help?

• Volunteer your time to remove invasive plants. Early detection is key. Keep an eye out for invasive species.
• Buy native alternatives to invasive plants and encourage local nurseries to sell native plant species.
• Replant native plants so new invasive species won’t grow back.
• Dispose of yard waste properly. Piles of yard waste decompose slowly and kill plants that they cover.
• Stay on the park trails to keep from transporting invasive seeds.
• Always clean off your clothes and shoes after visiting the park so not to transport seeds.
• Keep pets on the trails so they do not pick up seeds on their fur.

Contact

Wendy Wilmers Longpre, Assistant Director, (517) 319-6940

Brianna Huyck, Americorps Service Worker, (517) 319-6569

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