On the Ground Junior: Fall Event Recap

Olivia Triltsch • October 16, 2025

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 Improve Hunter Accessibility 

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, high school students who are part of the Animal Science and Zoo Management program at Potter Park Zoo in partnership with Eaton Regional Education Service Agency Career Preparation Center joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at Dansville SGA. Students cleared an access trail of encroaching growth to help maintain the ADA accessible blind on public land. Using the cut vegetation from the trail and the neighboring timber sale slash, students constructed several large brush piles to provide cover for small mammals and other wildlife. This project created habitat for more wildlife on public land near an accessible blind to ensure equal hunting opportunity and recreation. In total, students improved 0.6 acres of wildlife habitat directly through this project. 

Enhancing Recreational Opportunity 

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, middle school students who are part of the Agriscience and Natural Resources program at Mecosta-Osceola Schools joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Muskegon River Watershed Assembly at Haymarsh Lake SGA. Students cleared an access trail of encroaching growth to help maintain a recreational trail and planted trees and other vegetation to improve the area for bird use. Using the cut vegetation from the trail and the nearby downed timbers, students constructed several large brush piles to benefit small mammals and other wildlife. Students also conducted water quality macroinvertebrate surveys on either side of the dam. In total, students improved 6.4 acres of wildlife habitat directly through this project. 

Learn More

If you are a grade school teacher and are interested in organizing an OTG Jr event with us, please contact our Director of Habitat Conservation and Partnerships, Olivia Triltsch, at otriltsch@mucc.org. These projects fill up quickly, so don’t wait! We would love to help you foster the next generation of conservationists and public land stewards.   

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