On the Ground: Spring Volunteer Opportunities

Americorps • April 3, 2024

Are you looking for a way to give back and help improve wildlife habitat this spring? Look no further! On the Ground has many volunteer opportunities available throughout April and into May. Now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather while improving public lands here in Michigan. We provide all necessary equipment for each project, as well as lunch and a volunteer gift. We welcome all ages, and our events provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about natural resources and the outdoors. Read on for more information on upcoming projects this spring. We hope to see you volunteer with us!

Saturday, April 13, 2024 – Annual Clinton River Cleanup

Join On the Ground on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM in partnership with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to improve the Clinton River. This river provides important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife as well as recreational opportunities for local communities. Volunteers will remove trash in and around the river at Yates Park ( 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 ). MUCC will provide lunch as well as a volunteer appreciation gift. Waders, trash grabbers, and other necessary equipment will be provided. Registration closes on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 4 PM, so make sure you register by then! To register for this event, click HERE.

Saturday, April 20, 2024 – Garlic Mustard Removal

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM , On the Ground will be partnering with the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation Division for a garlic mustard removal day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that spreads quickly and can overtake a large area. Garlic mustard also sends out chemicals through its root system that kill any plant surrounding it, including any important native species. Volunteers will meet at the small parking lot area adjacent to the Felt Mansion ( 42.696444, -86.194773 ). Lunch, a volunteer gift, and all necessary equipment will be provided. Registration closes on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 4 PM, so please register by then! To register for this event, click HERE.

Saturday, April 27, 2024 – Brush Pile Building

Join On the Ground in partnership with Land Ethic LLC on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM as we construct brush piles for small game at the Traverse City Forest Management Unit in Kalkaska County. Brush piles provide habitat for a wide range of species, including rabbits, squirrels, snakes, and ground-nesting birds. They also provide hunting grounds for predators like foxes and birds of prey. Volunteers will meet at the CCC Bridge State Forest Campground parking area ( 7184 Sunset Trail SE, Fife Lake, MI 49633 ). We will be carpooling from the parking lot to the work site. All necessary equipment will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toed boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. As always, lunch and a volunteer gift will also be provided. Registration closes on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 4 PM, so get your registration in by then! To register, click HERE.

Saturday, May 4, 2024 – Jack Pine Planting

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 AM to 12 PM , On the Ground will be partnering with The Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance , Huron Pines , and the Michigan DNR for the 2024 Jack Pine Planting Day at the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Young jack pine trees provide critical habitat for the Kirtland’s warbler, a rare songbird found here in Michigan. Timber rotations and fire suppression caused their population to plummet and the Kirtland’s warbler was on the Endangered Species List for 50 years. However, intensive conservation efforts led their population to increase and they were delisted in 2019. What a great success story! A meeting location for this event is to be determined, but keep an eye out on our webpage for more information coming up. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves for this event as we have a limited supply. As per usual, lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift will be provided. Registration will close on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 4 PM. To register for this event, click HERE.

The post On the Ground: Spring Volunteer Opportunities appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

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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.