|  04/23/2015

Volunteers Needed for Pheasant Habitat Workday at Lake Hudson Recreation Area


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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Hudson Pheasant Cooperative are seeking volunteers to take part in habitat restoration work Sunday, May 3, at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County. The joint volunteer effort is part of the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative.
 
Pheasants Forever, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Agriculture, local Conservation Districts and other conservation organizations are also partners in the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative. In 2014, Pheasants Forever received a Wildlife Habitat Grant to help upland restoration efforts at the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area.
 

Workday Details

Volunteers will work alongside DNR staff and equipment in a field setting to help move small, scattered limbs and other woody debris left behind by mechanical brush and tree clearing. Debris removal is necessary so that a no-till seed drill can be used for planting. This volunteer workday will clear the way for planting more than 50 acres of native prairie habitat.
 
Following the workday, all volunteers are invited to stay for a cookout at the Lake Hudson Recreation Area day-use picnic area.
 
Through partnerships and volunteer efforts, the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative will restore over 600 acres of native grassland habitat at the Lake Hudson Recreation Area, benefiting ring-necked pheasant and other grassland-dependent wildlife. Workday details include: 
 
  • The workday session will run 1 to 4 p.m.
  • The cookout will run 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Volunteers should meet at the Field 65 parking lot, South Posey Lake Highway.
  • Volunteers will work in Field 7 and Field 64. Field 64 volunteers will enjoy a short walk to the work site.
  • Refreshments will be provided.  
The project welcomes volunteers of all ages and no experience is needed. Minor volunteers should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or group leader (such as a Scout leader).
 
All volunteers should wear sturdy footwear. Long pants, long sleeves and leather work gloves are recommended. A supply of leather gloves will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Additionally, all volunteers must complete a volunteer waiver form. Advanced registration, using the form available on the DNR website or via email, is strongly encouraged, especially for large groups. Questions should be directed to Ray Fahlsing at 517-284-6097 or fahlsingr@michigan.gov.