OTG Volunteers Needed: Clean-up at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area

Americorps • July 31, 2024

Get ready, because the next On the Ground event is coming up fast! MUCC’s On the Ground program will be partnering with the Michigan DNR and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Wayne/Monroe County on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 AM – 2 PM for a clean-up event. We haven’t had an On the Ground event at this location since 2015, so this will be a great opportunity to revisit an area and continue existing improvements to fish and wildlife habitat. For more details and to register,  click  HERE.

About the Project

The purpose of this project is to enhance the quality of fish and wildlife habitat by removing trash and other debris from the state game area. Volunteers will meet at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area headquarters building ( 37998 Point Mouillee Rd, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI, 48173 ), and then disperse from there. Any necessary equipment will be provided including work gloves, trash grabbers, and trash bags. Snacks and water will also be provided  throughout the day. This event will take place rain or shine except in the case of severe weather so please plan and dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive  lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts!

Why is it Important?

Trash cleanups are important because litter can affect local populations of fish and wildlife in many ways. These species are not accustomed to trash in their environment, and they might mistake it for food, therefore ingesting it. The trash can block their stomachs or airways, leading them to choke or starve to death. Fish and wildlife can also become entangled in the debris which hinders their ability to move. This debris may also cut into their skin and cause an infection.

With managed waterfowl hunt areas like Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, cleaning up trash is even more important. Many different types of plastics can degrade and leach toxins into the water, causing many issues for both fish and wildlife. Species like fish, turtles, and birds can mistake glittery chip bags for food, or become entangled in fishing line, plastic six-pack holders, and plastic rings from pop and water bottles.

Learn More

On the Ground has several more events planned for September, and we are always looking for more volunteers! Visit mucc.org/on-the-ground for more information on upcoming projects. All ages are welcome, so bring your family or a friend to join us in restoring Michigan’s public lands for future generations to enjoy.

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