Blog Category: On the Ground

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.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the City of Portage Parks and Recreation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host a stewardship day at Gourdneck State Game Area in Kalamazoo County.

This year, MUCC’s On the Ground program is partnering with the Michigan DNR to host TWO volunteer events to help benefit wood duck habitat!

Once again, MUCC’s On the Ground program is partnering with the City of Portage Parks and Recreation and the Michigan DNR for another volunteer event!

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.

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.

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 River.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!