Posts by Americorps
Summer Clean-Ups With OTG
Summer is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. It is an even better experience when the natural areas are pristine. An accumulation of trash can ruin more than just the appearance of an area, it can also affect the health of wildlife and the function of the ecosystem. This is why MUCC is dedicating…
Read MoreAvoiding Dump Sites
MUCC’s On The Ground Program is dedicating the month of July to clean-up events. There are many dump sites located across Michigan. Not only do these dump sites injure wildlife, but they also leach harmful chemicals, provide a breeding ground for pests, and increase the chance of flooding and fires. Properly disposing of your trash…
Read MoreEnjoyable State Game Areas
Michigan is in full bloom, everything is green, and the weather is wonderful. Summer is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. There are many ways to enjoy nature, such as bird watching, hiking, foraging, fishing and boating. The presence of protected wildlife areas gives us access to these activities and protects wilderness for years…
Read MoreChainsaw Safety
This wonderful warm weather marks the time for yard work. For some, this is the time to break out their chainsaw. A chainsaw is a useful tool that makes easy work clearing debris/brush and felling snags. However, don’t be deceived, this tool can cause great bodily harm if used irresponsibly. Luckily there are many online…
Read MoreEastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
One of the best things about being an AmeriCorps member is the new experiences. From May 4th to the 6th, I drove to Camp Grayling to participate in the eastern massasauga rattlesnake survey. I had never worked with venomous snakes before, so this was a very exciting opportunity. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only…
Read MoreAmazing Volunteers at the Jack Pine Planting Day
The Kirtland’s Warbler is one of Michigan’s greatest success stories. In 1973 the Kirtland’s Warbler was considered an endangered species. Population numbers fell due to nest parasitism and the loss of young jack pine forests, the bird’s only breeding habitat. Due to fire suppression, the forest became unsuitable for nesting habitat. To combat the issue,…
Read MoreNative Plant Gardens
Last Saturday MUCC’s OTG program planted 275 shrubs and trees at Potterville SGA. Currently, the area is being managed for wetlands. American hazelnut, buttonbush, highbush cranberry and two dogwood varieties were planted across 8 acres in the SGA. Besides bringing the area closer to its goal, the species planted are utilized by wildlife. Not only…
Read MoreThe History of Arbor Day
This Friday, April 29, is the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. A day dedicated to the appreciation and care of trees. Most people spend the time planting trees or teaching about their importance, but the holiday can be celebrated in many different ways. Some hold a ceremony recognizing stewards in the community, some clean up…
Read MoreThe History of Earth Day
Earth day was created as a community-based change confronting pressing environmental concerns. In 1970, the year of the first Earth Day, the Cuyahoga River caught on fire due to the high concentration of pollutants, the coast of Santa Barbra was covered in oil, DDT was reducing the population of songbirds and raptors and whales were…
Read MoreThe Great Grasslands of Michigan
Grasslands provide many amazing ecological functions. A wide range of different grassland community types is found across Michigan. Sadly, due to a misguided viewpoint from the 60s, fires as a management tool have been suppressed across the region. This lack of fire has allowed trees and woody vegetation to take over many grasslands. Common culprits…
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