CENTREVILLE - The first of several tree and brush stations is open this week.

St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring says these stations will be available to county residents, who are still trying to get rid of portions of trees, limbs and other items that came down during the August 11 and August 12 storms. Doehring says the stations are a result of a collaborative effort between the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office, St. Joseph County Parks & Recreation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

On Friday, September 17, residents may bring unwanted tree branches and brush to Sand Lake County Park in Nottawa from 9 AM to 4 PM. Branches and trees up to 16 inches in diameter will be accepted, and chips from this project will be made available to residents at no charge. Household waste and yard waste, such as leaves or grass clippings will not be accepted.

Trees and brush will only be accepted during the times the station is manned, and should be brought to the cement pad in the lower parking lot. Additional brush stations will be made available in the coming weeks and will be announced when times and locations are finalized.