Kick Off the New Year By Helping Wildlife

Sarah Scheitz • January 3, 2024

What’s a better way to start the new year than helping improve wildlife habitat on public lands near you? Join MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) on January 13th and January 27th to help remove invasive vegetation to make room for native plants to grow.

The first OTG project will be held at Gourdneck State Game Area (SGA) in Kalamazoo County on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Volunteers are needed from 9 AM to 12 PM to help remove invasive woody vegetation like glossy buckthorn from an oak woodland/fen habitat. By restoring these habitat types, volunteers are directly impacting imperiled habitats used by rare reptile species, including eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and eastern box turtles.

The second OTG project will be held at Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10 AM to 1 PM to help remove small trees and invasive shrubs that are encroaching in a prairie management area. This will give native plant species a chance to grow. Prairie’s provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

All ages are welcome to attend and registered participants will receive free lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift. Gear will be provided.

Bring your enthusiasm for working outdoors. Closed-toed boots, a warm coat, and a hat are highly recommended. The projects will take place rain or shine unless there is severe weather so please dress accordingly.

To register follow the link below and click on the event you would like to attend.

Registration closes the day before the event. If you need to register after the closing date or have questions, contact MUCC Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator Sarah Scheitz at sscheitz@mucc.org

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