It’s feeling a lot like spring! We can officially enjoy the warmth and longer days and start to plan to give back what we can to the Michigan Audubon bird sanctuaries in the form of on-the-ground work.
Each year, Michigan Audubon staff lead volunteers in engaging outdoor activities, ranging from pulling invasive weeds like garlic mustard or dame’s rocket to monitoring nest boxes or cutting down invasive woody shrubs like autumn olive. Volunteers also help out with much-needed sanctuary stewardship tasks, such as maintaining clear and safe trails and refurbishing structures such as boardwalks, parking areas, and signage.
Would you like to join us this year? Here’s a brief list of volunteer events for our signature sanctuaries.
Capital City Bird Sanctuary
Location: 6001 Delta River Dr., Lansing, MI 48906
Dates: April 1–Oct. 31, Wednesdays at 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
April 22, 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Celebrate Earth Day by pulling garlic mustard and helping with trash pickup!
Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary
Location: Seymour Road (across from intersection with Fairlane Drive), Pleasant Lake, MI 49272
Dates: Weekly volunteer work crew meet throughout the year (days and times vary).
Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary
Location: 3560 Havens Rd., Hastings, MI 49058
Dates (all scheduled dates are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.):
Tuesday, April 6 & 17, May 1, 5, 12, 15, & 19, June 2 & 12
Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary
Location: 21145 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021 (Meadows and Marshland Trail parking area)
Dates (all scheduled dates are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.):
April 19 & 29, May 20, June 15, Aug. 3
You can find more details about each workday, including what activity will be the focus for the day and additional volunteer events at other sanctuaries, by visiting michiganaudubon.org/calendar.
COVID-19 update: We will continue to follow all risk-reducing guidelines and policies from the Michigan governor’s office. We are limiting the number of participants allowed at each volunteer event, and RSVPs will be required. Outdoor social distancing will be practiced, as well as mask-wearing when social distancing is not possible. Participants are encouraged to bring their work gloves.
Please RSVP for workdays to Conservation Program Coordinator Linnea Rowse at lrowse@michiganaudubon.org.
We look forward to seeing you at our sanctuaries!
This article appeared in the 2021 Spring Jack Pine Warbler.