Spring into April with these On the Ground Opportunities

Americorps • April 12, 2023

Warm weather has finally arrived in Michigan; the birds are singing, and the spring buds are blooming. What better way to enjoy this warm weather than by going outside to help enhance habitat for Michigan’s wildlife?

There are multiple opportunities to volunteer with On the Ground (OTG) this April. From watershed cleanups to building brush piles to enhance wildlife habitat, there are ways for every conservationist to get involved. Click on the links below to view more details about these upcoming April opportunities. 

Upcoming OTG Projects:

Saturday, April 15, 2023 – Clinton River Watershed Clean-Up

Volunteers will assist in cleaning up Dawson’s Millpond at Beaudette Park and Upper Silver Lake at Hawthorne Park in Pontiac, MI (Oakland County). 

Volunteers will assist with building brush piles for game habitat, maintaining and improving wildlife openings, and softening forest/opening edge within a forested landscape to improve habitat for wildlife, particularly game species on public hunting land in Kalkaska County.

If you can’t make it up to the Northwoods on Earth Day, there’s another opportunity to get involved down in Barry County! Join the Michigan DNR at Barry State Game Area for an Earth Day cleanup ! The event will start at the Yankee Springs Township Fire Department, located at 1425 Pine Lake Road in Wayland, MI. We will begin with a short briefing at 9:00 AM, after which participants will disperse to various locations within the game area to pick up trash. Dumpsters and trash bags will be provided by the organizers. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and dedication to keeping our beautiful game area clean and pristine. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help preserve the natural beauty of our environment.

Volunteers will work to remove woody invasive vegetation and create brush piles for wildlife habitat at Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County.

We hope to volunteer with you this spring! Please contact Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Kristina Kennedy at kkennedy@mucc.org with questions regarding the OTG program.

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration:  Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.
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