OTG Jr: Morrice Elementary Volunteers at Rose Lake SGA

lschultz • November 1, 2019

Written by MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator, Makhayla LaButte

On Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30, two groups containing 53 fifth grade students, teachers and chaperones from Morrice Elementary removed large groves of invasive autumn olive and other woody brush from a portion of the Rose Lake State Game Area. The project site was the location of the old DNR field office along Stoll Road until its recent removal, and the DNR has plans to restore the site to native grassland habitat and increase user access to the area with a viewing platform overlooking Rose Lake. However, before the DNR can accomplish this, much of the invasive woody brush needed to be removed from the area.

The volunteers from Morrice Elementary worked through wind and rain to accomplish the project, and by the end of the workday on Wednesday, more than 5 acres of wildlife habitat had been improved through their efforts. The only invasive woody brush left standing were those too large in diameter to be removed with loppers and hand saws, and these trees will be removed with chainsaws by wildlife professionals before the site is restored. To further enhance wildlife habitat in the area, the woody brush was stacked into brush piles following its removal to serve as rabbit habitat (“rabbitat”). Students spent the remainder of the afternoon at the Glassen Education Center at the Rose Lake Shooting Range learning waterfowl identification and practicing shooting archery.

Morrice students starting the autumn olive removal project on Tuesday, October 29.

The project site after the Morrice students completed the autumn olive removal on Wednesday, October 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This OTG Jr. event officially wraps up the OTG field season for the next couple of months. We appreciate all of the hard work our OTG and OTG Jr. volunteers completed during 2019, and we look forward to returning to the field for more habitat projects in the upcoming winter of 2020. Thank you to Morrice Elementary students for all of their hard work this week and to all of our 2019 volunteers for improving wildlife habitat on public land across Michigan.

If you have any questions or ideas regarding the OTG or OTG Jr. programs, please reach out to MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Makhayla LaButte at mlabutte@mucc.org.

Recent Posts

March 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap

Leaping into World Frog Day: Blanchard's Cricket Frog

By Olivia Triltsch • March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.

MUCC Celebrates Conservation Leaders at 2025 Annual Awards Banquet

By Tyler Mehigh • March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: