MUCC celebrates a successful Clinton River Cleanup

Katelyn Helsel • April 23, 2025

Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend.


In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. 


Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. 


Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper.


“We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. 


This milestone project showcasing conservation efforts first-hand was recorded by Channel 7 WXYZ. Volunteers and project partners are featured in numerous video clips and photos which can be viewed on their website here.



Thank you to Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council for their continued support and for helping us reach this accomplishment. 


Special thanks to all our amazing volunteers who made this possible, and we look forward to continuing the On the Ground program for many more years and projects to come! 

 


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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.
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