MUCC receives $100k for new On the Water program

lschultz • April 23, 2019

Michiganders will soon be filling recycling bins and dumpsters and improving aquatic habitat thanks to a new program called On the Water (OTW).

Through a Consumers Energy Foundation Planet Awards grant, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) received $100,000 to kick-start this OTW initiative — a spin-off of the organization’s wildly-popular On the Ground (OTG) program.

Since 2013, MUCC has been improving public lands through volunteer stewardship at OTG events. In 2018, the program logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours and positively impacted more than 600 acres of habitat.

But, because OTG is funded through a memorandum of understanding with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, project scopes are limited to game species, their habitat and hunter access — leaving a whole world of opportunity on the water.

Freshwater is Michigan’s No. 1 natural resource, and connecting people to our resources is at the core of who MUCC is as an organization, said MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter.

“Creating stewardship between Michiganders and their lakes, rivers or streams will help promote better habitat for wildlife, fish and recreationists,” Trotter said. “If we can connect volunteers to their waterways as anglers, hunters, canoers or kayakers, we are creating a true appreciation of Michigan’s greatest natural resource: freshwater.”

The OTW program will span 10 to 12 projects throughout the next 18 months and cover all corners of the state. Currently, MUCC has been completing two river clean-ups a year on the Manistee and Clinton rivers. Both of those programs will be rolled into the new OTW program. The program will operate almost exclusively on volunteer hours, and MUCC looks forward to engaging and diving in with volunteers.

OTW is much deeper than just river clean-ups, though. Our Great Lakes, inland lakes and streams will also be impacted by the program. An educational piece will accompany the program, helping volunteers understand the best ways to recycle and why it’s important.

MUCC Education Director Shaun McKeon also applauded Consumers Energy and their five-year environmental goals of:

  • Saving 1 billion gallons of water
  • Reducing waste to landfills by 35 percent
  • Enhancing, restoring or protecting 5,000 acres of land in Michigan

“For a corporation as big as Consumers Energy to understand the need for, and take the initiative in, healthy, vibrant natural resources speaks volumes to its character,” McKeon said. “Each small impact made by these grant recipients will, in the end, create a cleaner and improved resource.”

Currently, MUCC is seeking applications for the On the Water coordinator position. Please email your resume, cover letter and references to McKeon at smckeon@mucc.org . The job description can be found at mucc.org/staff/careers/ .

MUCC is seeking organizations or businesses to partner on the OTW program through sponsorships, volunteerism and promotions. For more information, contact Trotter at atrotter@mucc.org.

Check back with www.mucc.org in the coming months to see what OTW projects will be happening near you.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts