OTG at Gladwin State Game Area

lschultz • July 25, 2019

On Saturday, July 20, eight volunteers came out to the Gladwin State Game Area in Harrison to improve habitat for rabbit and small game. This portion of the state game area was recently acquired by the DNR and is beginning to be managed for a variety of wildlife species. Saturday’s project gave volunteers the opportunity to have a direct and immediate impact on wildlife habitat in the area. The goal for the day was to limb the trees downed by the DNR and then assemble three large brush piles.

Teaming up with three DNR Wildlife Division staff and being led by DNR Wildlife Biologist Bruce Barlow, the volunteers quickly spread out across the five-acrelandscape and began to cut and assemble the brush piles. Despite the thunderstorms rolling across the region that morning, our volunteers lucked out and remained dry the entire length of the project.  The overcast conditions provided relief from the heat as well, and one returning volunteer called it “a perfect July day to be out making a difference”.

Volunteers from a variety of different clubs, organizations, and companies were present. These included Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, Quality Deer Management Association, the Ruffed Grouse Society, MUCC, Consumers Energy, and others. These members came together to improve their natural resources, and their efforts will have a lasting impact in this region. In fact, many volunteers mentioned their interest in returning to the project site in the future for the improved hunting opportunities.

Although three large brush piles were the goal for this project, our volunteers built five in just three hours. As you can see, these brush piles are significantly larger than normal and will serve as excellent habitat for rabbit and other small game species. It’s impressive what a like-minded, motivated group of conservationists can accomplish in just a few hours on a Saturday morning.

We have many events lined up between August 3 and September 6. We will be at Rose Lake State Game Area on August 3 and 27,  in the Pigeon River Country State Forest on August 17, and at Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area on September 6. For more information and to register, please visit mucc.org/on-the-ground or contact MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Makhayla LaButte at mlabutte@mucc.org or 517-346-6456. Come out and volunteer for wildlife!

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts