OTG: Caterpillar Foundation to Fund Tree Planting in Menominee County this September

lschultz • July 21, 2021

The Caterpillar Foundation (of Caterpillar Inc.) announced in the spring of 2021 that it would be partnering with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation efforts, to collaborate on and fund tree plantings in 95 communities across the globe. According to the press release from the two organizations on April 22, 2021, these tree plantings will help recognize Caterpillar’s more than 95-year commitment to building a better world while simultaneously supporting restoration efforts that will improve native biodiversity, air and water health, soil stability, and healthier ecosystems. Local conservation organizations in communities around the world were contacted, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) was selected as one of the recipients of funds to host a tree planting in Menominee County, Michigan.

MUCC is the largest state-specific conservation organization in the United States, and our strong membership and proven ability to recruit volunteers from all outdoor recreation arenas are what made us a natural choice to lead the tree-planting effort in the Upper Peninsula.

Ensuring these trees would be planted in an area that would benefit a wide variety of native wildlife was the main goal for MUCC, and we reached out to local Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division staff to help design the project on public land in Menominee County to meet wildlife habitat management goals within the Escanaba River State Forest.

A mix of trees and shrubs including highbush cranberry, hawthorn and crabapple was selected. These are native soft mast-producing species that will benefit wildlife such as wild turkey, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, golden-winged warblers and American woodcock. These trees will also enhance the natural openings where they will be planted while simultaneously supporting the health of the forest they will be planted within.

Volunteers are invited to join MUCC’s award-winning On the Ground (OTG) wildlife habitat improvement program, the Michigan DNR, and Caterpillar Inc. to help plant and fence more than 100 trees and shrubs within the Escanaba River State Forest on Saturday, September 18. Not only will this tree planting benefit overall forest health and wildlife habitat, but it will also improve experiences for recreationists with interests like hunting, hiking and birding.

To learn more about this event or to register, please visit the link HERE . Additionally, please direct any questions about this tree planting event to MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Makhayla LaButte at mlabutte@mucc.org.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts