On the Ground Volunteer Highlight: Valerie Knurr

Kristina Kennedy • August 31, 2023

Meet Valerie Knurr, career outdoors woman and brand new On the Ground (OTG) volunteer! Valerie participated in her first OTG project last weekend in the Shingleton Forest Management Unit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Making the trek all the way from Northern Wisconsin, we knew we had to give her a shout-out!

OTG volunteer Valerie Knurr helps measure and cut fence to be placed around newly-planted trees in the Shingleton Forest Management Unit.

Valerie earned a degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 and has been working in the field of natural resources ever since. As a Trails Technician for the U.S. Forest Service, she gets to spend a lot of time outdoors. “Getting involved in habitat restoration as a volunteer was a great way to scratch my wildlife habitat itch!” Valerie noted.

One great way to get involved in conservation, she continued, is to take advantage of volunteer events during your travels. Are you planning a weekend camping trip in a new area? Connect with a local conservation organization and volunteer on a new piece of public land that you haven’t explored yet! It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy the many beautiful natural areas that our great state has to offer.

A variety of tree species were planted during the stewardship work day including red oak, apple, and mountain ash.

“My favorite part about volunteering to improve public land habitat is knowing that the work I did will help wildlife for many years to come,” Valerie said. “I also enjoyed feeling the satisfaction of helping finish a big project and I liked meeting other people who were excited to be doing the same thing.”

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, Valerie took to the field on the Garden Peninsula along with 19 other volunteers to plant and fence 130 mast-producing trees including oak, apple, and ash trees. “It was a great experience working all morning with other like-minded people and sharing a delicious meal after we finished planting all the trees,” she concluded.

Thank you, Valerie, for your volunteer stewardship with the OTG program! We greatly appreciate your dedication to improving Michigan’s public land habitat.

Would you like to be our next volunteer steward? Visit mucc.org/on-the-ground/ to register for upcoming projects!

The post On the Ground Volunteer Highlight: Valerie Knurr 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.