Thanks for reaching out – seedball projects like this are a tremendous way to engage youth and community audiences in awareness and involvement in habitat conservation and enhancement projects. These projects are fantastic for native species and coastal biodiversity conservation.

I would recommend definitely starting with DNR Parks staff directly – and any specific park management guidance or priorities for Silver Lake State Park. Silver Lake State Park’s dunes are highly protected; and any planting inside the park should be coordinated with DNR staff and their approval process for restoration projects.

Michigan DNR has a State Park Stewardship Unit which serves to help volunteers interested in efforts that conserve and restore natural areas within Michigan's state parks, focusing on invasive species removal, native planting, monitoring, and education. One great reference and resource the DNR Landowner’s Guide: Wildflower Planting for site prep, timing, and maintenance.

Michigan Department of EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) offers information and resources through Michigan’s Critical Dune Areas Program. More information can be found in this information sheet about PLANT COMMUNITIES IN CRITICAL DUNE AREAS. Specific for dune‑adapted natives, Michigan EGLE’s Native Plants of Michigan Sand Dunes list may be useful for learning, but reminding again not to plant in the DNR State Park without appropriate approval first.

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) offers data on rare, threatened, and native plants, crucial for restoration projects. They offer very detailed informational fact sheets about the variety of habitat communities across Michigan, such as this Open Dunes Fact Sheet.

Local conservation districts are another great (and local) resource for local habitat projects like this.

• Otsego Conservation District which runs a native plant nursery may offer some insights and guidance about regionally appropriate species and advice. They also host plant seasonal sales if that were of interest to your habitat efforts.
• Oceana Conservation District (closest to Silver Lake) offers native plant and dune‑grass sales plus habitat guidance for Oceana County.

Lastly, another regional, northern Michigan restoration partner is Huron Pines. They have led many community native plant and dune restoration efforts and can serve as a model or partner for community‑connected plantings and volunteer engagement.

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Thanks,

Brandon Schroader