OTG is Back in the Field

lschultz • February 26, 2020
Written by Huron Pines Americorp Member Joe Dewan
Photo Credits to Dave Courey

On Feb. 22, 24 volunteers came out to help Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maple River Wildlife Association improve wetland habitat at the Maple River State Game Area (SGA).

This was the first On the Ground (OTG) event of 2020, and we had a beautiful, sunny day to be out and working on our public land. The volunteers split into three groups to cover and improve 36 acres of habitat. One group of volunteers went out to check existing wood duck nesting boxes for any successful hatches, re-fill them with nesting material and prepare them for the nesting season. Another group went out and installed four new wood duck boxes to increase the amount of nesting habitat in the SGA. A third group went off to remove woody brush from a dike to prevent the roots destabilizing the dike and reduce the amount of future maintenance required.

I helped with the third group, which cleared the woody brush from the dike. I had never attended an OTG event before this Saturday, and this was my first time out in the field as the Huron Pines AmeriCorps member with MUCC. While I have enjoyed each day I have spent with MUCC, Saturday stands out as my favorite because it was such a great day and I cannot believe that I had never been out to an OTG event before. I enjoyed learning from the DNR about how these projects would improve wetland habitat and seeing how much we accomplished in only 3.5 hours.

We had a strong showing from the Maple River Wildlife Association — a local group of duck hunters who promoted the event and brought some great volunteers. I want to thank all of those who came out to volunteer, and I cannot wait to get out in the field again and work side by side with some more amazing people.

Thankfully, I will not have to wait long — this Saturday, Feb. 29, MUCC will be partnering with the DNR and the Shiawassee Flats Citizens and Hunters Association (SFCHA) at the Shiawassee River SGA. We will be working to improve wetland habitat by placing new wood duck nest boxes and checking and preparing existing boxes. It should be a great educational opportunity for all volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to dress in warm layers and bring proper winter gear for this event, but PPE and a delicious free lunch will be provided by MUCC. We will begin at 9 a.m. at the St. Charles DNR Field Office at 225 E Spruce St, St Charles, MI 48655.

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