Kick Off the New Year By Helping Wildlife

Sarah Scheitz • January 3, 2024

What’s a better way to start the new year than helping improve wildlife habitat on public lands near you? Join MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) on January 13th and January 27th to help remove invasive vegetation to make room for native plants to grow.

The first OTG project will be held at Gourdneck State Game Area (SGA) in Kalamazoo County on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Volunteers are needed from 9 AM to 12 PM to help remove invasive woody vegetation like glossy buckthorn from an oak woodland/fen habitat. By restoring these habitat types, volunteers are directly impacting imperiled habitats used by rare reptile species, including eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and eastern box turtles.

The second OTG project will be held at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10 AM to 1 PM to help remove small trees and invasive shrubs that are encroaching in a prairie management area. This will give native plant species a chance to grow. Prairie’s provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

All ages are welcome to attend and registered participants will receive free lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift. Gear will be provided.

Bring your enthusiasm for working outdoors. Closed-toed boots, a warm coat, and a hat are highly recommended. The projects will take place rain or shine unless there is severe weather so please dress accordingly.

To register follow the link below and click on the event you would like to attend.

https://michiganunitedconservationclubs.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/michiganunitedconservationclubs/eventList.jsp?_gl=1*aebw64*_ga*OTUwNjQxMTcwLjE3MDE3MTg5ODQ.*_ga_3TCKK33NPD*MTcwMzA4ODU5Ni40MS4xLjE3MDMwOTAyOTYuMC4wLjA.&

Registration closes the day before the event. If you need to register after the closing date or have questions, contact MUCC Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator Sarah Scheitz at sscheitz@mucc.org

The post Kick Off the New Year By Helping Wildlife appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025

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.