October Volunteer Events

Americorps • September 28, 2022

Countless amazing volunteers have joined the OTG program to improve habitat across Michigan allowing the On the Ground Program to celebrate many successful events of the fiscal year. With the help of over 500 volunteers, 22 projects affecting recreation, habitat availability, and wildlife health improved Michigan’s outdoor areas.  Even though the fiscal year is complete, there are still opportunities to contribute to an OTG volunteer event. Below are two projects occurring in October.

On October 22, the OTG program and the Land Ethics LLC are holding a tree planting and brush pile building event in Kalkaska County. By planting mast-producing trees, this project provides continuous food and shelter for wildlife in the upcoming seasons. Volunteer and enjoy the fall colors while improving wildlife habitat. To learn more about the event click HERE.

On October 29, with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the OTG program will be removing invasive plants in Hastings MI. The project area supports many reptile species, including the eastern box turtle and federally listed eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Unfortunately, invasive autumn olive is encroaching on important nesting and breeding habitat. Help support Michigan reptiles by preserving their essential habitat. To learn more about the event click, HERE.

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On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

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On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
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