On the Ground: Volunteers improve Wood Duck Nest Boxes at Maple River State Game Area

Americorps • February 21, 2024

On Saturday, February 17, 2024, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to maintain and install nest boxes for wood ducks at Maple River State Game Area. Wood ducks are one of the most stunning waterfowl in Michigan and are very popular among hunters and birders alike. They are cavity-nesting birds, which means they build their nests inside of a sheltered chamber such as a tree cavity. Nest boxes help increase nesting habitat for wood ducks, which were almost pushed to extinction in the late 1800s due to hunting and habitat loss. Since the first nest boxes were deployed in 1937, as many as 3 million breeding pairs of wood ducks exist across North America today.

Wood Duck Nest Box

Nest boxes for wood ducks are normally made of cedar and are attached to a 5-foot metal pole. They are placed on the water’s edge, either in the water or just on shore. Predator guards are also in place to make sure that the ducklings will be protected when they hatch. Volunteers checked each nest box by removing old nesting material and placing new nesting material inside. Nest boxes were also inspected for any signs of ducklings, as well as signs of predation.

Volunteers Benefit Wood Ducks

In total, 20 volunteers installed one new nest box and maintained many others across Maple River State Game Area. Volunteers improved 20 acres of wetland habitat for these birds.

Thank you to our partner, the MDNR for another successful event! This event is hosted annually in partnership with the MDNR and a lot of good work has been done over the years. Thank you to all of our volunteers for coming together to improve wetland habitat for Michigan’s wildlife. Without our partners and our incredible volunteers, this event would not have been possible.

The next On the Ground event will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Port Huron State Game Area. To keep up with upcoming On the Ground projects, click HERE.

The post On the Ground: Volunteers improve Wood Duck Nest Boxes at Maple River State Game Area 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.