On the Ground: Volunteers Join Conservation Partners in Enhancing Elk Habitat in the Pigeon River Country State Forest

Kristina Kennedy • September 28, 2023

Volunteer Zach Dalton waters a newly planted oak tree in the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, a motivated group of volunteers put in some major sweat equity in the Pigeon River Country State Forest by improving habitat for elk and other wildlife.

MUCC joined Michigan Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for their Annual Fall Rendezvous and Habitat Workday in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources . At this fall kick-off event, 47 volunteers planted and fenced more than 60 oak, apple, and serviceberry trees, took down hundreds of feet of old fencing that enclosed an apple orchard, and removed encroaching red pine saplings from this newly-acquired Storey Lake unit. Even better, this site will eventually be home to a new ADA-accessible elk viewing platform!

Habitat improvement projects like this one would not be possible without the many dedicated volunteers who show up ready to work for wildlife. A huge thanks goes out to all of the volunteers, project partners, and the National Wildlife Federation for their generous sponsorship through the Great Northwoods Initiative, a collaborative conservation program dedicated to preserving biodiversity and sustainable forest management, and promoting the mitigation of climate change and inclusivity in recreation.

The post On the Ground: Volunteers Join Conservation Partners in Enhancing Elk Habitat in the Pigeon River Country State Forest appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

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Spring Volunteer Opportunities with On the Ground

By Katelyn Helsel • April 2, 2025

Are you interested in making a difference for local wildlife this spring? Check out our upcoming On the Ground events! We have many projects with a wide range of volunteer opportunities available throughout April and into May. Even though winter is still holding on for some parts of northern Michigan, now is still a great time to get outside and improve wildlife habitat. All necessary equipment is provided for each project, and all registered volunteers receive lunch and a free appreciation gift. We welcome all ages, so bring a friend or two if you’d like! Families are also welcome, and our events provide a great opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty and learn about the outdoors. More detailed information about each of our upcoming projects is listed below. We hope to see you at a future event!