On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities.
Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
Why is it Important?
Crabapple trees in the landscape provide an important soft mast fruit, a nutritional resource when other food sources become scarce. These fruits benefit a wide range of wildlife, particularly game species like wild turkey and grouse. Not only do the fruits play a vital role for wildlife, but the trees themselves also provide structure for cover or nesting. In addition to these game birds, deer, small mammals, and pollinators benefit from crabapples. Doing a tree planting in coordination with a trash clean-up, volunteers are able to create additional habitat in a landscape while removing potentially harmful materials that would take years to break down.
Learn More
MUCC would like to thank the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and all the volunteers who contributed their time and effort to this project. The work done will have lasting benefits for fish and wildlife in the landscape by enhancing the habitat and recreational opportunity. If you are interested in volunteering at future OTG habitat improvement events, visit our On the Ground page to view upcoming opportunities and learn how you can get involved in conservation projects across Michigan on public land. We work to conserve and enhance habitat by hosting volunteer workdays throughout the state in coordination with recommendations by DNR Biologists. Common habitat projects include invasive species removal, wood duck boxes, river cleanups, tree plantings, and more. All ages are welcome, so bring a friend or two if you’d like! Registration details and more can be found on our website at mucc.org/on-the-ground.
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