National Pollinator Week: Pollinators and the OTG Program

lschultz • June 25, 2020

The week of June 22-28, 2020 has been designated as National Pollinator Week. Thirteen years ago, the United States Senate unanimously approved that one week in the month of June be used to both celebrate pollinators and bring attention to their rapidly declining populations. Since the inception of National Pollinator Week, the initiative has grown into an international celebration that highlights the growing efforts to protect pollinators and their habitat. National Pollinator Week was initiated by the Pollinator Partnership, and this organization continues to manage all related efforts.

Pollinators are critical to healthy ecosystem function and the well-being of humans and wildlife alike. Bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, birds, bats and other small mammals are all pollinators. According to Pollinator Partnership and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), these species help pollinate more than 75% of all flowering plants and nearly 75% of all crops. Additionally, pollinators are responsible for providing one out of every three bites of food you take each day.

The On the Ground (OTG) program welcomes the opportunity to highlight the birds, insects, bats and other small mammals that have such a large impact on Michigan’s wildlife and agriculture. Since 2013, the OTG program and its volunteers have helped improve more than 2,000 acres of public land that benefits an abundance of wildlife, including pollinators. Specifically, more than 1,000 acres of public grassland habitat has been improved through the planting of native grasses and wildflowers and through the removal of invasive flora.

Grasslands are home to diverse plant and animal species, which is why their management is so important. The restoration of native grasslands is a win for popular game birds like ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys, but it also benefits pollinators and songbirds. Other components of the ecosystem like air and water are also improved when native grasslands are restored.

When pollinators thrive, the entire ecosystem benefits. The OTG program is proud to work with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife professionals across the state on habitat projects with ecosystem-wide goals in mind that take into account both game and non-game species.

If you would like to learn more about pollinators and the Pollinator Partnership, please visit the links below.

  • https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week
  • https://www.fws.gov/pollinators/

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