Help Improve Upland Bird Habitat with On the Ground and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Barry County

Americorps • June 21, 2023

MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program will be collaborating once again with Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) to improve wildlife habitat by planting native wildflower plugs on active restoration units on PCCI’s grounds.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, June 24, from 9am to noon. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign-in. 

In 2021, the Institute was awarded an Oak Ecosystem Restoration Grant in collaboration with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) with funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Habitat Grant Program (WHGP). The upcoming plug planting project will support 24 acres of prairie restoration on the Institute’s property and the installation of native plant plugs will benefit wild turkey and other upland bird habitat. 

Last year, OTG and PCCI partnered-up to help improve critical reptile habitat in Barry County. The invasive vegetation removal project helped improve habitat for reptiles such as the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Eastern Box Turtle.

If you are interested in volunteering with OTG and PCCI, please view more details and register here HERE

All necessary equipment will be provided and registered volunteers will receive free lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift.

Please contact AmeriCorps Engagement Specialist Tyler Lancaster at americorps@mucc.org with any questions regarding this event or the OTG program.

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.
By Olivia Triltsch April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.
By Olivia Triltsch April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts