Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

In partnership with the Muskegon Conservation District, join us for another fantastic day of aquatic native planting!

During this event, volunteers will help plant over 800 native aquatic plugs along the shoreline and water’s edge of Dune Harbor Park. Helping to restore habitat, improve water quality, and support local wildlife. Aquatic native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for native birds, fish, pollinators, and aquatic insects while also helping keep our waterways healthy and clean. 

Event Date & Time:  

Friday June, 26th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  

Location: 

2161 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441

What to bring:
• Waders, hip boots, rain boots, or muck boots
• Clothes you do not mind getting wet or muddy, as planting will take place in or near the water’s edge
• Sun protection 
• Water bottles

The Muskegon Conservation District and Muskegon County Parks will provide all necessary planting tools and gloves.

Volunteers should be high school age or older and comfortable working in or near the water’s edge.

A special thank you to the Consumers Energy Foundation, whose Planet Award grant made this and many other events in 2025 and 2026 possible. 

Education in the Wild is a transformative community initiative by the McClure-Rabb Idlewild Foundation designed to empower underserved youth through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and access to opportunity. Rooted in the historic legacy of Idlewild, this program introduces young people to the beauty and importance of the natural world while fostering confidence, curiosity, and lifelong skills. Participants engage in immersive wilderness experiences that include environmental education, fishing instruction, water safety and swimming activities, and guided outdoor exploration. Through these experiences, youth build resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature—many for the very first time. Education in the Wild also removes barriers by providing free meals, snacks, and giveaways, ensuring every child feels welcomed, supported, and valued. The program extends beyond outdoor learning by hosting a college and career fair, connecting students and families with higher education institutions, resources, and pathways to future success. By combining outdoor education, nourishment, mentorship, and academic exposure, Education in the Wild creates a safe, enriching environment where underserved youth can thrive, dream bigger, and envision a brighter future.

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:

Volunteer at Camp Henry as a business, organization, church, or school group to make a difference in your community! Volunteer opportunities vary by group size and season. Contact volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556 to learn more about how your group can make an impact! 

With 212 acres of land, including wetlands, woods, and grassy fields, we can always use a hand maintaining our grounds and landscaping. We are always seeking volunteers who enjoy working with their hands and spending time in the outdoors! Opportunities vary by season, but may include mowing grass, leaf blowing/raking, weed control, and ground improvement efforts like planting grass, spreading gravel or mulch, etc.

CLICK HERE to sign-up for our Spring Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 18th! 

Visit https://camphenry.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact us to learn about our ongoing needs:  volunteer@camphenry.org | 616.717.5556.

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!