Posts by Americorps
Oak Savannas are more than OAK-ay: Volunteer with On the Ground in Kent County to Help Restore One of our State’s Rarest Habitat Types
Join MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program in partnership with Kent Conservation District for an oak savanna habitat restoration day at Cannonsburg State Game Area. Oak savannas can be defined as groups of scattered oak trees, acting as a transition system between prairies and woodland habitats. The scattered trees allow plenty of sunlight on the…
Read MoreHelp Remove Invasive Buckthorn with On the Ground Next Weekend in Kalamazoo County!
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, OTG will be co-hosting a stewardship work day with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the City of Portage Parks and Recreation Department at Gourdneck State Game Area in Kalamazoo County. Our goal is to remove invasive buckthorn from a unique prairie fen habitat. Invasive buckthorn is a woody…
Read MoreGive it Time, They’ll Grow on You: The Importance of Late Blooming Flowers
Often when you think of flowers blooming we first think of spring as the warmth melts away the last bits of snow. We might even think of summer as multiple species of wildflowers begin blooming, but do you think about late summer and the fall for blooming flowers? Wildflowers such as Goldenrods and Asters bloom…
Read MoreHelp BEE-utify Kellogg Community College with On the Ground!
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program will partner with Kellogg Community College (KCC) to improve pollinator habitat on campus by installing a native pollinator garden outside of the Davidson Building, and we need your help! This project aims to engage students, faculty and members of the public in planting and mulching native shrubs and wildflowers…
Read MoreVolunteers needed to help remove invasive buckthorn with On The Ground in Kalamazoo County
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program will be partnering once again with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to improve wildlife habitat by removing invasive buckthorn from Gourdneck State Game Area. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, September 9 from 9am to noon. We ask that volunteers please arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in.…
Read MoreUnder-SAND-ing Michigan’s Dune Habitats
Michigan is home to the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes, many of which are located in our parks. When you look at a dune you may only think of sand, but that is not entirely true! Dunes need vegetation to help hold sand in place so you will often find grasses and shrubs…
Read MoreAmeriCorps Members Spruce-Up their Resumes at Hartwick Pines State Park
Last Saturday, July 21, 2023, AmeriCorps members were treated to a training day at the amazing Hartwick Pines State Park. This training was part one of our “Life After AmeriCorps” sessions where we prepare for our professional lives after our AmeriCorps service term. During this training, we learned how to create great resumes and cover…
Read MoreHelp FENd-off invasive buckthorn with On the Ground!
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, On the Ground (OTG) will co-host another stewardship work day with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the City of Portage Parks and Recreation Department at Gourdneck State Game Area (SGA) in Kalamazoo County. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 AM to noon to help…
Read MoreMUCC’s AmeriCorps Member Taking the Li-bird-ty to Teach Youth About Birds
Traditionally, MUCC’s AmeriCorps member has run a small learning program for the youth campers at MUCC’s Youth Camp. This year I’ve decided on an introduction to birds and birding program to share with the campers. The program involves a nice bird hike with tips and tricks to start birding such as how to use binoculars…
Read MoreMichigan and The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act establishing the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS) to preserve free-flowing rivers for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects more than 13,400 miles of rivers and streams in the U.S. The Forest Service is involved in…
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