Introducing the On the Water program!

lschultz • July 9, 2019

What is On The Water?

On the Water (OTW) is a new program for MUCC that is structured off of our four pillars advocacy, education, communication, and habitat. It coincides with our mission statement which is to unite citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

The OTW program has five goals that we hope to implement over the next 18 months.

Directly remove litter and waste from streams, rivers, lakes, shorelines, and wetlands.
Have a direct and immediate impact on improving 100s of acres of aquatic habitat on a statewide level.
Educate the public throughout the project areas by teaching them how to be responsible and creating a stewardship ethic for their public lands and waters through outreach conducted at cleanup and habitat events.
Engage stakeholders from multiple user groups by bringing together conservation and environmental groups, businesses and government agencies all working towards one goal of habitat improvement.
Help to create awareness about the similarities between recreational user groups. People use the outdoors in many different ways and sometimes that can cause tension. However, everyone usually agrees that better habitat and clean water are the foundation of quality natural resources. By creating projects that allow people to focus on a common goal of improving statewide habitat, it creates a bridge that highlights user groups are more similar than they sometimes think.

What does the OTW coordinator do?

I will be the boots on the ground creating this position and program and hopefully seeing OTW thrive to the same level as OTG in the next 18 months. My goal is to make a lasting impression at MUCC and in the state of Michigan. I want OTW to have a positive impact on freshwater and habitats throughout the state. I also want to connect and engage Michigan residence to their natural resources by highlighting and educating the importance of freshwater. Feel free to reach out to me at enehan@mucc.org . I hope to see you at an event soon!

What’s currently happening with the OTW program?

On Saturday, July 6 ^th MUCC in partnership with Metrowest Stealheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council held a Clinton River clean up event at Yates Park off of Avon Road in Rochester, Mi, and it was a great success! Over 40 volunteers showed up to help clean up their local river and improve the habitat. The volunteer event lasted 4.5 hours and we were able to clean up one entire mile of the watershed. If you include the paddle boat, we found on the river bank which we pulled out. We had over 400 lbs of trash picked up in just half a day!

We have a Red Cedar River cleanup event this Saturday from 9am-2pm at Michigan State University. Sign up here !

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration: Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.