Educating Students on OTG and the Kirtland’s Warbler

lschultz • February 20, 2019

The Kirtland’s Warbler has been threatened by the decline of its much-preferred habitat, the jack pine forest. The US Forest Service and many other conservation organizations are working hard to help the bird and its habitat. Creating educational materials to present to the public is an impactful way for everyone to get involved.

A couple weeks ago, another Huron Pines AmeriCorps member approached me and several other members in the Lansing area with a project. The HPA member that approached us is stationed up in Mio, Michigan with the US Forest Service. Part of her service with the US Forest Service is educating the youth through presentations in the classroom. She expressed that the Eaton Rapids school district has had a presenter from the US Forest Service in the past but that she was not able to make the trip this year all the way from Mio.

The presentation was to be about educating 1-3rd & 5th graders on the endangered Kirkland’s Warbler and its favorite habitat, a jack pine forest. I and three others from MNFI (Michigan Natural Features Inventory) expressed that we would be more than happy to help out. Together we orchestrated the presentation materials to consist of; a short PowerPoint about the bird and its jack pine habitat, OTG, several hands-on activities, and a drawing contest of the bird and its habitat.

One of the many things MUCC does is help make a habitat a better place for an animal to live, through the OTG program. In my segment of the Kirtland’s Warbler presentation, I spoke to 1-3rd graders about OTG projects and how they can have a positive impact on the bird and its habitat.

The habitat work that’s done on state game areas by wildlife biologists and OTG’s volunteers can play a role in helping the Kirtland’s Warbler. One OTG project, in particular, involved cutting down invasive scotch pine trees which in turn competes with the jack pine trees for similar resources. Some of the habitat work done by OTG projects also consists of opening up a canopy floor, thereby allowing for potential understory growth of the jack pine tree.

Altogether, the other HPA members and I had a great time connecting with the students and teachers, leaving them with a better understanding of an endangered bird and its habitat.

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch July 3, 2025
The United States is not shy about using big, beautiful fireworks in celebration of many occasions. July 4th is a day of celebration for many within the country, celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. Fireworks and barbecues are the most common modes of celebration on this day in recognition of the historic significance of the day. While these grand displays are something many look forward to each year, it is important to consider the impacts these explosions have on the surrounding area, including pets and wildlife.
By Justin Tomei June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####
By Olivia Triltsch June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.
More Posts