Blog Category: On the Ground

Historical Impacts Historically, Michigan’s vast forests and grasslands have evolved to be dependent on fire over time. Certain species, including the native Jack Pine, have adapted to become fire-dependent for reproduction. Although some stakeholders may support preferences for wildlife, it is important to understand the habitats that native wildlife depend on as well. Fellow bird enthusiasts may appreciate the significance of Jack Pine reproduction and perpetuation for species such as the Kirtland’s Warbler. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Forest Service removed this bird from the Endangered Species list in 2019 per the after imitation of natural disturbances such as fire through Jack Pine stands achieved the desired stand attributes. Jack Pines rely on fire as the pinecones they create only open and disperse seeds when exposed to extreme heat. Hence, when wildfires or prescribed burns occur, the Jack Pine can spread and species reliant on young stands such as the Kirtland’s Warbler will again be able to establish. Considerations While wildfires often have a negative connotation associated with their occurrences due to impacts on residential areas, prescribed burns emulate similar impacts while safety is emphasized through control. Fires in the landscape improve habitat for wildlife, control invasive species, promote regeneration of native biomes, and decrease the risk of uncontrolled fires negatively impacting communities. While organizing prescribed burns, natural resource professionals create a plan tailored toward creating a predetermined outcome. For a burn to achieve the desired outcome, the planning must take into consideration variables including seasonality, wind, precipitation, etc. During the burn, professionals note changing variables for safety and productivity as described by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  Learn More Want to dive deeper into the importance and procedures of prescribed burns in Michigan? Visit the Prescribed Burns page of Michigan DNR and check out the interactive Map. The Michigan Prescribed Fire Council also has resources regarding how prescribed burns work and how to get involved .

Get ready, because the next On the Ground event is coming up fast! MUCC’s On the Ground program will be partnering with the Michigan DNR and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Wayne/Monroe County on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 AM – 2 PM for a clean-up event. We… The post OTG Volunteers Needed: Clean-up at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, Steelhead Manifesto, and the Michigan DNR for a river clean-up on the Manistee River at the High Bridge Boat Launch in Manistee County. This river supports a variety of fish and wildlife species. The Manistee River is also easily accessible… The post On the Ground: Volunteers Clean Up the Manistee River appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

MUCC’s On the Ground program is once again partnering with the City of Portage Parks and Recreation, and we need your help! We will be at Gourdneck State Game Area in Kalamazoo County on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 9 AM – 12 PM removing invasive species. All ages are welcome to attend, so invite… The post OTG Volunteers Needed: Invasive Species Removal at Gourdneck State Game Area appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

With the hot weather we’ve been having lately, summer is the perfect time to get in the water and participate in our Annual Manistee River Cleanup! On Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9 AM – 12 PM, MUCC’s On the Ground program will be partnering with Steelhead Manifesto for their annual cleanup of the Manistee… The post OTG Volunteers Needed: Annual Manistee River Cleanup appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host 16 volunteers for a tree-planting event at the Newberry Forest Management Unit in Luce County.  This area is home to the Silver Creek Birding Trail, a popular destination for birders. The trail features diverse… The post On the Ground: Volunteers Plant Trees for Wildlife at the Newberry Forest Management Unit appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program joined the Michigan Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in hosting a tree-planting event at the Atlanta Forest Management Unit.  This area is actively managed by the DNR through the use of tree plantings, harvesting trees, prescribed burns, and… The post On the Ground: Volunteers Improve Elk Habitat at the Atlanta Forest Management Unit appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

OTG Jr. – Norup International Schools at Wetzel State Recreation Area On May 20 and 21, a total of 125 sixth grade students and faculty from Norup International Schools participated in MUCC’s On the Ground Junior (OTG Jr.) program in an effort to improve wildlife habitat and learn about Michigan’s natural resources at Wetzel State… The post On the Ground Jr. – Students Plant Native Trees Funded By Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

MUCC’s On the Ground program is traveling to the U.P. soon, and we need your help to improve wildlife habitat! We will be at the Newberry Forest Management Unit in Luce County on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10 AM – 2 PM planting mast-producing trees. You are not required to stay for the entire… The post OTG Volunteers Needed: Mast-Producing Tree Planting in the Newberry Forest Management Unit appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, 41 5th-grade students and 2 faculty from Mesick Consolidated Schools came out to the Little Betsie Grouse Enhanced Management Site (GEMS) in Benzie County as part of MUCC’s On the Ground Junior (OTG Jr.) program. OTG Jr. is a fully funded field trip program for grade school classrooms that works… The post On the Ground Jr: Middle school students from Mesick Consolidated Schools improve wildlife habitat within the Little Betsie GEMS appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, the Michigan DNR, and the Saginaw Children’s Zoo to host the annual Jack Pine Planting Day at the Grayling Forest Management Unit. We had a great volunteer turnout this year for 2024! This is a fun and… The post On the Ground: Annual Jack Pine Planting Day at the Grayling Forest Management Unit appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, On the Ground partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation Division to host a garlic mustard removal day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Although it was a windy day, 24 volunteers came out to help eradicate this plant and improve habitat for Michigan’s wildlife. Garlic… The post On the Ground: Garlic Mustard Pull at Saugatuck Dunes State Park appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Are you someone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to improve Michigan’s public lands? We have a great opportunity for you! On the Ground will be at the Traverse City Forest Management Unit in Kalkaska County on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 AM – 3 PM constructing brush piles for wildlife. You are not… The post OTG Volunteers Needed: Brush Pile Building in Kalkaska County appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program traveled to Yates Park to host the annual Clinton River cleanup in partnership with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders. MUCC has held a long-standing partnership with these organizations since 2014, and each year we partner with them to host a trash cleanup… The post On the Ground: Volunteers clean up the Clinton River Watershed appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.