Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Join us every Wednesday after work from July 8th through September 23rd at Dune Harbor Park for an evening of exploration, conservation, and community connection!  

Each week, volunteers will have the opportunity to: 

Whether you’re a longtime park visitor or discovering Dune Harbor for the first time, this is a great way to meet your community, learn something new, and make a positive impact on your local park.

Come spend your evening outdoors, connect with fellow nature lovers, and help keep Dune Harbor Park beautiful for everyone to enjoy!

When: Every Wednesday, July 8th – September 23rd
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM (stay longer if you’d like!)

Location:
We will alternate meeting locations each week:

Even Wednesdays (July 8, July 22, August 5, etc.) 
Dune Harbor Park – Lincoln Lot
3071 Lincoln St
Norton Shores, MI 49441

Odd Wednesdays (July 15, July 29, August 12, etc.)
Dune Harbor Park – Seminole Lot
2161 Seminole Rd
Norton Shores, MI 49441

Please check the weather before heading out and use your best judgment when deciding if conditions are appropriate. We will do our best to announce any cancellations on the Muskegon County Parks Facebook page. Muskegon County Parks Facebook

We can’t wait to see you out at the park!

On the third Thursday of the month in the spring and summer, the Friends of Heritage Landing hosts workdays to beautify the park while also increasing biodiversity.  Typical work includes planting and caring for native plants, removing non-native plants in native species areas, and cleaning up trash as needed.

The group meets at 10 am at the Pavilion

Duck Lake State Park is beautiful, scenic woodland park along Lake Michigan with a rich history, which includes former scouting campground sites.  Because of this history, it also needs some TLC.  Local volunteers have been working to clear out camp dump sites.  It's a labor of love that sometimes yields surprising historic artifact finds.

The attached map shows the clean-up site is near trail post 13.  There are a few parking spots nearby - otherwise park at the picnic area shown on the map and hike over to the dump sites.

Volunteers should consider the following clothing and supplies:

Duck Lake State Park is beautiful, scenic woodland park along Lake Michigan with a rich history, which includes former scouting campground sites.  Because of this history, it also needs some TLC.  Local volunteers have been working to clear out camp dump sites.  It's a labor of love that sometimes yields surprising historic artifact finds.

The attached map shows the clean-up site is near trail post 13.  There are a few parking spots nearby - otherwise park at the picnic area shown on the map and hike over to the dump sites.

Volunteers should consider the following clothing and supplies:

Duck Lake State Park is beautiful, scenic woodland park along Lake Michigan with a rich history, which includes former scouting campground sites.  Because of this history, it also needs some TLC.  Local volunteers have been working to clear out camp dump sites.  It's a labor of love that sometimes yields surprising historic artifact finds.

The attached map shows the clean-up site is near trail post 13.  There are a few parking spots nearby - otherwise park at the picnic area shown on the map and hike over to the dump sites.

Volunteers should consider the following clothing and supplies:

As a growing organization focused on building and coordinating a community of people passionate about being outdoors, land preservation, expanding trails and greenways, increasing biodiversity, and passing on a love of the outdoor to others, help is needed to build our network of people, get the word about who we are and what we are doing, coordinate with the many groups and individuals that need resources for the already great work they are doing, and to build our (future) non-profit.  Come help us make an impact! 

Help prevent our parks from becoming the Wild West of invasive species. 

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a highly invasive plant with a powerful trait called allelopathy—its roots release chemicals into the soil that can prevent native plants from growing.

Please contact Muskegon County Parks staff to schedule this volunteer opportunity. Staff will help volunteers identify Garlic Mustard and demonstrate safe, effective removal techniques to prevent damage to surrounding native plants.

Prime Wranglin’ Season: Spring to early summer, when Garlic Mustard is blooming and is easiest to remove.

Dune Harbor Park – Muskegon County

Lincoln Lot
3071 Lincoln St, Norton Shores, MI 49441 

OR

Seminole Lot
2161 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441

Muskegon County Parks will provide all necessary tools and gloves.

Please follow your organization’s required teacher/chaperone ratios. Muskegon County Parks recommends:

This park ain’t big enough for invasive species, saddle up and help us wrangle some weeds! 

Help prevent our parks from becoming the Wild West of invasive species.

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a highly invasive shrub in Michigan and provides shelter to some of our least favorite ruffians—ticks. 

Interested in stopping the spread? 

Please contact Muskegon County Parks staff to schedule this volunteer opportunity. Staff will help volunteers identify Japanese Barberry and demonstrate safe, effective removal techniques to prevent damage to surrounding native plants.

Please note: This species can be difficult to remove and may be better suited for older groups. Removal requires digging up the full root ball or chemical treatment. 

Chemical treatment may only be completed by parks staff or volunteers with a certified applicator license. Volunteers may assist by cutting plants before treatment is applied by staff.

Manual Removal: Spring to early summer, when soil is soft and plants are easiest to remove.

Chemical Treatment: Late summer through fall.

Dune Harbor Park – Muskegon County

Lincoln Lot
3071 Lincoln St, Norton Shores, MI 49441

OR

Seminole Lot
2161 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441

Muskegon County Parks will provide all necessary tools and gloves.

Please follow your organization’s required teacher/chaperone ratios. Muskegon County Parks recommends:

This park ain’t big enough for invasive species, saddle up and help us wrangle some weeds!