Blog Category: On the Ground

This year, MUCC’s On the Ground program is partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to host a hands-on volunteer project focused on improving wildlife habitat on public land. This project brings together hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts to make a tangible impact while learning more about the habitats that support Michigan’s wildlife. 

In 2025, the On the Ground program conducted 8 junior projects with schools involving 316 students from across the state. From tree plantings to invasive species removal, these students worked to enhance 39.3 acres of public land after contributing over 200 volunteer hours. Visit our website to learn more information about our On the Ground program and On the Ground Junior . To wrap up the 2025 field season, the On the Ground program worked with two classrooms to enhance wildlife habitat and recreational access. Junior programs like these allow teachers to get their students out of the classroom and into hands-on learning about the importance of habitat work while meeting individuals in the field.

Students Build Brush Piles

Volunteers Diversify Urban Greenspaces

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Michigan DNR for their annual Fall Rendezvous in the Pigeon River Country State Forest in Otsego County. This partnership has been maintained since 2014, with volunteers from across the state attending.

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the City of Portage Parks and Recreation and the Michigan DNR’s Wildlife Division for a stewardship day event at Gourdneck State Game Area in Kalamazoo County.

This project will work to enhance the habitat within Michigan’s first urban game area in honor of National Public Lands Day.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, MUCC's OTG program partnered with the Michigan DNR and the Ruffed Grouse Society for a trail clearing project in Oscoda County.

MUCC will be On The Ground in Pigeon River Country State Forest and Pine Stump Junction this September to improve elk and bat habitats.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan DNR’s Stewardship Unit for an invasive species removal at Muskegon State Park in Muskegon County.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan DNR’s Wildlife Division to remove aquatic invasive species at Shiawassee River State Game Area in Saginaw County.

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

On Saturday, May 17th, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) partnered with Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival (PWMF) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host a clean-up at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Wayne/Monroe County. Trash and debris were disposed of via a dumpster donated by All In Dumpster Rental . The game area consists of 4,040 acres managed by the Michigan DNR along with other partners, including PMWF, as part of one of the largest freshwater marsh habitat restoration projects globally, according to the DNR.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and Michigan Forest Association (MFA) for a native tree planting event in Port Huron State Game Area.