2019: Another Successful Year for OTG

lschultz • September 17, 2019

The OTG season for the 2019 fiscal year officially came to a close on Friday, September 6 following an event in the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area. Now that school is back in session, we have four more events planned for the month of October with our OTG Jr. program. This field trip-based program enables youth to get involved in hands-on conservation efforts across the state and encourages education and stewardship in future conservationists.

Regarding the past 2019 season, our OTG and OTG Jr. programs successfully completed a total of 26 projects and impacted 512 acres of public land. Additionally, 625 volunteers donated a grand total of 2,570 hours of their time to make this level of achievement possible. As our program enters its eighth year, we would like to take a moment to thank the 2,853 volunteers and countless DNR wildlife biologists, technicians and seasonal workers who have helped us grow into the nationally-recognized conservation program we have become.

While MUCC as an organization provides its members with a voice in the legislature, it is programs like OTG and OTG Jr. that give MUCC members and all Michiganders the opportunity to “practice what they preach” and complete boots-on-the-ground work for the habitat and species they value. Whether you hunt big game or small game, prefer to kayak or fish, or simply enjoy being outdoors, On the Ground is the perfect way to give back to your natural resources and truly leave the land better than you found it. Additionally, our program gives volunteers the opportunity to explore their abundant public lands and share quality time with family, friends and like-minded individuals across Michigan.

We already have events being scheduled for the winter and spring of 2020, and more information can be found on our website and Facebook page as it becomes available.

In 2020, we invite you to truly “get your hands dirty” for conservation and volunteer with the award-winning On the Ground program. Please contact MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Makhayla LaButte with any questions or ideas regarding the program at mlabutte@mucc.org.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to support and grow the OTG program. See you in 2020!

Recent Posts

June 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • June 12, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today in Bay City. There were no orders for information or action on the agenda. The big news was the commission brought back up the order to reinstate the year-round coyote season, and a vote will happen in August to satisfy posting and notice requirements. MUCC created the Coyote Coalition to put pressure on the NRC, and with today’s inaction, we know that it’s working. With the continued support of the coalition, we will continue fighting to protect proposal G. Consider joining the Coyote Coalition , and let the commission know that inaction is not acceptable, and to follow their legal charge and responsibility. Chair Becky Humphries announced new committee memberships. Wildlife Committee will be chaired by Commissioner John Walters, Governance, Finance and Policy will be chaired by Chair Humphries, Fisheries will be chaired by Commissioner Dave Anthony. There were no other orders for information or action. The next meeting returns to Lansing on July 10.

Conservation Cohort: Training Young Conservationists

By Olivia Triltsch • June 12, 2025
Last week on June 3rd and June 4th, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) hosted a two-day training for young professionals.

PlayCleanGo Awareness Week: Taking Action on Invasive Species

By Katelyn Helsel • June 11, 2025
This week marks the annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week , taking place from June 7-14. Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), this week encourages outdoor enthusiasts to help stop the spread of invasive species through simple actions. This year’s theme, “Partnering Together to Protect Our Favorite Places”, focuses on the importance of collaboration with Invasives Canada and CONABIO to illustrate how actions can create meaningful change across North America.
More Posts