On the Ground: Program Updates, Future Projects

lschultz • June 4, 2020

As the state begins to reopen and COVID-19 restrictions loosen, the On the Ground (OTG) program is beginning to evaluate field operations and future program goals and capabilities. While there are currently no OTG wildlife habitat improvement events scheduled for June, there are events scheduled for both July and August. Following the most recent direction from state and federal public health officials, we are intending to host these outdoor events. We are aiming to have more information about event details and online registration available in the next two to three weeks.

The MUCC field team has been evaluating what our events may look like in the future due to the ongoing health threat of COVID-19. Since the nature of the events is typically low-risk due to time outdoors and the ability to easily social distance from others in the field, we are looking forward to minimal interruption to our normal operations. However, volunteers interested in attending future OTG events can expect to notice a few minimal changes in the event sign-in and lunch processes. All changes will be made to ensure the health and safety of our staff and volunteers.

Michiganders have continued to be good public land stewards throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, and the OTG program has been doing its best to encourage responsible outdoor recreation despite OTG event disruptions. Even though much of our scheduled season was canceled due to the shelter in place order, we are looking forward to getting back out into the field with our volunteers to improve habitat for Michigan’s wildlife.

If you are interested in learning more about the OTG program, visit our webpage at mucc.org/on-the-ground or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/muccotg .

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch April 24, 2025
Historically, Michigan experienced a lumber era in which the state was a leading producer for 50 years starting in 1860.
By Katelyn Helsel April 23, 2025
Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend. In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council , 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper. “We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator.
By Olivia Triltsch April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.
More Posts