Help remove invasives at Saugatuck Dunes
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Chris Clark
Feb 7, 2026, 1:52:29 PMFeb 7
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(Written by Jim Hayden for the Laketown email newsletter on February 7, 2026)
Sometimes the best time to garden is in the winter.
Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Laketown Township to identify and remove invasive shrubs that threaten the open dune and prairie ecosystems.
“Wintertime is actually a wonderful time to tackle invasives for a few reasons,” said Tyler Lidgard, DNR natural resource steward who leads the events at the state park, 6575 138th Ave.
First, it’s easier to access woody invasive species in the winter.
“During the growing season, vegetation can become too thick and dense to access. With the leaves gone, these invasive shrubs become much more accessible to tackle,” she said.
“Another reason we like to remove woody invasive species in the winter is because these species store all their energy underground in the root system to conserve energy in the winter. When we treat these shrubs with herbicide, that herbicide goes directly into where that energy is stored, in the root system. So the herbicide acts quite effectively this time of year,” she explained.
All equipment will be provided for the Feb. 22 event. Dress for the conditions.
“The only thing I’d like to add is that though it might be cold starting off, we sure do warm up fast once we start doing invasive species removal,” Lidgard said. “Seeing the dunes in the winter is an experience you should take advantage of!”
Register by emailing Tyler Lidgard at Lidg...@Michigan.gov.
For more information, visit here.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks.
Meet at the main entrance off 138th Avenue.
Events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons.
You can call the park to confirm dates/times prior to your arrival. Tyler Lidgard can be reached at (517) 388-8517.
Sometimes the best time to garden is in the winter.
Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Laketown Township to identify and remove invasive shrubs that threaten the open dune and prairie ecosystems.
“Wintertime is actually a wonderful time to tackle invasives for a few reasons,” said Tyler Lidgard, DNR natural resource steward who leads the events at the state park, 6575 138th Ave.
First, it’s easier to access woody invasive species in the winter.
“During the growing season, vegetation can become too thick and dense to access. With the leaves gone, these invasive shrubs become much more accessible to tackle,” she said.
“Another reason we like to remove woody invasive species in the winter is because these species store all their energy underground in the root system to conserve energy in the winter. When we treat these shrubs with herbicide, that herbicide goes directly into where that energy is stored, in the root system. So the herbicide acts quite effectively this time of year,” she explained.
All equipment will be provided for the Feb. 22 event. Dress for the conditions.
“The only thing I’d like to add is that though it might be cold starting off, we sure do warm up fast once we start doing invasive species removal,” Lidgard said. “Seeing the dunes in the winter is an experience you should take advantage of!”
Register by emailing Tyler Lidgard at Lidg...@Michigan.gov.
For more information, visit here.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks.
Meet at the main entrance off 138th Avenue.
Events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons.
You can call the park to confirm dates/times prior to your arrival. Tyler Lidgard can be reached at (517) 388-8517.
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