Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

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.  

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!