On the Ground: more than 4,000 volunteers engaged through statewide habitat improvement efforts

Americorps • October 18, 2023

Volunteers plant a mast-producing tree in the Shingleton Forest Management Unit in August of 2023.

The final day of September marked the end of MUCC’s 2023 fiscal year. Last year’s volunteer turnout brought a lot of excitement for the On the Ground team as 771 volunteers joined us out in the field, marking the most volunteers in a single year since the program’s inception in 2013!

On the Ground Junior also had a successful year with 272 students improving 19 acres of wildlife habitat through 6 hands-on projects that took place primarily on state-managed land. Students planted hundreds of trees and wildflowers, constructed brush piles, and removed invasive vegetation on public lands throughout the state.

Furthermore, On the Ground volunteers participated in 26 projects this past year, ranging from oak savanna restoration to river cleanups. In total, volunteers directly improved 237 acres of wildlife habitat during fiscal year 2023.

We’d like to thank our partners and especially our wonderful volunteers for helping us reach this volunteer milestone and taking time out of their day to improve Michigan’s public lands.

With my AmeriCorps service coming to an end soon it was an absolute pleasure to assist with the program interacting with all the passionate volunteers in making a difference to our public lands.

For more information about the On the Ground program, please 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.