Stewardship Day at Shiawassee River State Game Area

lschultz • September 24, 2019

On Saturday, September 21 On the Water(OTW) which is funded by Consumers Energy Foundation teamed up with MI Birds and the DNR to host a Stewardship Day at Shiawassee River State Game Area. The objective of this event was to clean up trash in and along the Bad Riverwhich is a sub-watershed of the Saginaw Bay watershed that drains into Lake Huron. This habitat is composed of an important wetland complex that supports sensitive species including American Bittern (SC), Least Bittern (T), Common Gallinule, Black Tern, Caspian Tern, and large numbers of migratory and wintering waterfowl.

The Saginaw Bay is also an EPA designated area of concern and doubles as a globally recognized important bird area. The bay is nearly 8,700 square miles, and its watershed is home to 1.4 million people and countless wildlife such as deer, turkey, and small rodents.

Over a three-hour span volunteers were able to pick up about 90lbs of trash and 20lbs of recyclable items. Some of the most picked up items were cigarette butts, plastic and foam packaging, and food wrappers. But the craziest trash items collected were a chrub head and a fire extinguisher.

 

OTW is an amazing way to get outdoors and make a difference in local watersheds. If you would like to attend any of these events, please register online prior to the event and you will receive a free, reusable water bottle and lunch. Anyone is welcome to join for a great day of volunteering before the snow begins to fall. OTW still has a few more events planned this fall, so come on out!

16th Annual Charlotte River Clean-up:  MUCC’s OTW program has teamed up with the Eaton Conservation District, Charlotte Public Schools, City of Charlotte and Well-Head Protection Team in beautifying your hometown river!

On Saturday, October 5 at 9 a.m., volunteers will meet at Bennett Park Pavilion and we will then proceed to the worksite.

Lunch will be provided by MUCC at noon, and volunteers will receive a reusable water bottle and stickers to take home at the end of the event! Personal protective gear (such as gloves), buckets, trash bags, sunscreen, bug spray, trash grabbers and waders will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. There will be a water station, so please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle!

Register  Here !

Flint River Clean-up:  U of M Flint’s Wildlife Club and OTW are teaming up to help out the Flint River!

On Saturday, October 12 at 9 a.m., volunteers will meet in the parking lot behind the University of Michigan-Flint Recreation Center in lot “A”. We will then proceed to the cleanup site. The Flint River is a vibrant ecosystem that supports a wide array of flora, fauna, wildlife and recreational opportunities.

Lunch will be provided by MUCC at noon, and volunteers will receive a reusable water bottle and stickers to take home at the end of the event! Personal protective gear (such as gloves), buckets, trash bags, sunscreen, bug spray, trash grabbers and waders will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. There will be a water station, so please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle!

Register  Here !

We are looking to make connections in your community. Please contact Emma Nehan at enehan@mucc.org if you would like to coordinate a volunteer event soon! For more information and to register, please visit mucc.org/on-the-water.

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