Department of Natural Resources officials today announced volunteers are needed on weekends in October to harvest native prairie seeds at eight southern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

The seed collection activities will take place at Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo Co.), Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston Co.), Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland Co.), Sterling State Park (Monroe Co.) and Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw Co.).

Seeds will be used to restore tallgrass prairie, lakeplain prairie and oak savanna ecosystems throughout southern Michigan. A complete schedule of collection dates and locations is available on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers.

The prairie and oak savanna ecosystems, nearly eliminated during European settlement, exist today in small remnants, many in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas. Seed collection is a key step in restoring these lost landscapes, but is a step that requires many hands.

“This is an important opportunity to restore and expand these natural ecosystems and preserve them for future generations,” said Ray Fahlsing, DNR Parks and Recreation stewardship unit manager.

Volunteers are asked to bring a clean, empty milk jug to collect seeds; wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring drinking water and sunscreen. Youngsters under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

To sign up for a time or to bring a group, please contact Laurel Malvitz at (248) 359-9057 or e-mail her at malvitz@michigan.gov.

All motor vehicles entering a Michigan State Park or Recreation Area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.