Posts by Makhayla LaButte
OTG Returns to the Field to Improve Wildlife Habitat Across Michigan this October
Last Wednesday, September 16, the MUCC field team met at the Rose Lake State Game Area (SGA) to launch the On the Ground (OTG) program after a six-month hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. This was a simple but impactful event that gave staff the opportunity to get outdoors and get the OTG program rolling again.…
Read MoreExplore the Outdoors with the 2020 Michigan Trails Week Challenge
Do you enjoy exploring Michigan’s great outdoors? If so, take part in the 2020 Michigan Trails Week Challenge that runs from Sunday, Sept. 20- Sunday, Sept. 27. This fun challenge is open to those who enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways, and participants can get involved by running, hiking, biking or paddling Michigan’s…
Read MorePlant Trees with the OTG Program this October
After event postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19 throughout the spring and summer field seasons, the On the Ground (OTG) program is happy to be getting back out into the field to improve wildlife habitat on public land. We have been contacted by diverse conservation groups regarding partnerships to plant trees this fall, and we…
Read MoreNew Resource Available for Managing Woody Invasive Species
A new website launched by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network called the Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Collaborative (WIGLC) aims to assist landowners and interested members of the public in identifying and managing woody invasive species on their property and beyond. Many woody invasive species can have a similar appearance to beneficial native woody…
Read MoreOTG Program to Host Wildlife Volunteer Events This September and October
On the Ground (OTG) is MUCC’s volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program. Through this program, hunters, anglers, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds have the opportunity to donate their time for the benefit of the species and wild places they enjoy. Since 2013, more than 3,000 volunteers have improved wildlife habitat through weekend projects like building…
Read MoreOn the Ground: Impact Across Michigan
The On the Ground (OTG) program has recently completed a thorough program analysis and has been able to organize new data regarding the program’s impact and reach. When we host an OTG wildlife habitat improvement event, we record the location of the event and what Michigan county it is located in. It has long been…
Read MoreOn the Ground: Volunteer Input Requested
With more than 3,000 volunteers and more than 150 wildlife habitat improvement projects completed, the On the Ground (OTG) program has impacted wildlife habitat on public land throughout Michigan over the past eight years. As we look back and review the past eight field seasons, we are compiling data and reports to build a comprehensive…
Read MoreVolunteer with the DNR: 100-in-100 Clean-Up Challenge
Despite volunteer event cancellations with wildlife habitat improvement programs like On the Ground during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still ways to do good for your public lands through individual volunteer efforts. One such volunteer opportunity is hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) Adopt-a-Forest program and is focused on the illegal dumpsite…
Read MoreBringing Back the American Elm
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the locations of American elm trees that are still standing and healthy in Michigan. Known as “survivor elms”, researchers are hoping that these trees will be the driving force behind a new, disease-resistant version of the American elm tree population. Decimated by…
Read MorePublic Input Requested Regarding Future Management of Public Lands
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting public input regarding the development of their public land management strategy. Originally created in 2013, the public land strategy is used by the DNR to outline management plans for Michigan’s public lands and natural resources to ensure that Michiganders and visitors alike are able to recreate…
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