MUCC AND THE METRO WEST STEELHEADERS CLEAN UP THE CLINTON RIVER

Last weekend, volunteers from the Metro West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council teamed up with MUCC to clean up a section of the Clinton River. This was the third annual cleanup at Yates Park on the Clinton River. In prior years, volunteers removed a total of 700lbs of trash and debris from the river and its banks. This year, volunteers removed another 250lbs of trash including items such as a tire, bucket of paint, large metal grate,  hubcap, cell phone, shoes, and countless cans, bottles, and plastic. The relentless efforts of these volunteers make a positive impact on this area by removing this harmful pollution from the river.

Adam Trenz of the Metro West Steelheaders has organized this clean-up event for three years in a row. Roger Hinchcliff of Steelhead Manifesto, Matt Lubaway, the Bustos family, and others totaling 15 volunteers made this year’s clean-up possible. Half of the group suited up with waders to look for trash in the river while the other half of the group scavenged the river banks for trash and debris that would eventually reach the water. Bethy Williams took this opportunity for her first river wading experience; all while benefiting river habitat.

Good work did not go unnoticed as staff from the Yates Cider Mill, located across the street from Yates Park, took a break from baking delicious donuts and making fresh apple cider to clean up the river in front of the mill. They brought over two bags of trash they had collected and also donated two dozen donuts to thank the volunteers. Many of the volunteers that participated are avid anglers and know the importance of taking care of the rivers they utilize.

Along with opportunities to take care of our rivers, MUCC’s Wildlife Habitat Program provides several opportunities for hunters, trappers, and anglers to take care of our public lands as well. This weekend, volunteers will be in the Pigeon River Country State Forest to complete the second phase of an elk opening maintenance. Coming up on August 7^th, volunteers will be pruning apple trees on a historic orchard within the Grayling State Forest-see details and RSVP to volunteer here. This wildlife habitat project will be coordinated with the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS).

Also coming up in August will be a rabbitat project at the Barry State Game Area on August 13^th–see more details and RSVP to volunteer here. On August 27^th, MUCC’s Wildlife Habitat Program will be headed to the U.P. to plant mast-producing trees and shrubs in the area’s largest GEMS location. This project will be in the Garden Grade GEMS site in the Shingleton State Forest near Manistique, MI-see more details and RSVP to volunteer here! Keep up with upcoming projects here as there are more being scheduled weekly!