On the Ground in Clare County

lschultz • March 12, 2020

OTG volunteers finishing up one of the brush piles built for small game on March 7, 2020 in Clare County.

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, 14 volunteers helped improve small game habitat in part of the Gladwin Forest Management Unit located in Clare County. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division (DNR) and MUCC staff introduced the project site and how the DNR has been managing the area to benefit a variety of game species. The event location is known to boast quality habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock, cottontail rabbit and many other game and nongame species. To enhance habitat for small game in the area, volunteers spent the morning bucking and limbing felled trees and building brush piles with the materials.

Brush piles are a critical component of quality small game habitat, and volunteers with the OTG program have contributed countless weekend hours across the Lower Peninsula building what we call “rabbitat” (rabbit habitat). Despite the name, these brush piles also benefit other small game like ruffed grouse and squirrels while benefiting an abundance of nongame species as well. These brush piles can provide immediate shelter from predators or inclement weather, and serve as a location for nests and dens.

Volunteers met at the project site located off South Rogers Ave. at 9 a.m. After highlighting the brush piles that were built in one area of the site last July 2019 and the species that have already utilized them, the volunteers split into two groups. One group remained with the original brush piles from last summer to reinforce them by adding more limbs to the base of the pile, and the other group moved on to a different site location to begin building five new brush piles. Volunteers that had sawyer experience began the project by bucking and limbing trees that had been felled for the project, and the rest of the volunteers teamed up to lift and move these heavy materials to build the new brush piles.

Volunteers gather for a photo in front of one of the brush piles built during the OTG project on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

Following the successful completion of the five new brush piles, volunteers met back at the entrance to the project site for lunch. Volunteers learned more about the DNR’s management of the area, the OTG program and upcoming spring projects and the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered for wildlife this past weekend and our project partner, the North Central Michigan Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved with the OTG program, visit mucc.org/on-the-ground.

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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.