On the Ground: Students from Reese High School Improve Habitat In and Around the Cass River

Kristina Kennedy • September 22, 2022

Volunteers from Reese High School learn about freshwater mussels from AmeriCorps member, Madison Paulk.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, juniors and seniors from Reese High School joined MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program in cleaning-up public access sites along the Cass River in Vassar Township.

Conservation students picked-up multiple bags of litter and removed large items of trash from the Cass River and surrounding access sites including tires, vehicle parts, and large pieces of scrap metal. They also picked-up and properly disposed of litter at the newly-built Vassar Township Park on Caine Road.

Juniors and seniors from Reese High School took to the Cass River in their waders for a good cause! By removing trash from these access sites, they made the area safer for wildlife and recreationists alike.

Some of the sites that students removed trash from are popular fishing/river access sites that are managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Removing litter from waterways not only improves the quality of fish and wildlife habitat, but it also makes the river safer for recreational users.

In total, students impacted about 5 acres of aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Along the way, they observed a variety of wildlife like songbirds, wood frogs, and freshwater mussels!

If you are interested in learning more about MUCC’s OTG Jr. program, please visit mucc.org/on-the-ground/ or contact Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Kristina Kennedy at kkennedy@mucc.org.

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch January 22, 2026
Michigan winters are long, but that just means fishing season doesn’t stop, it adapts to the weather. For many anglers, winter means ice fishing: drilling holes in frozen lakes, scouting for perch or pike, and enjoying fresh air with family and friends. This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is making it even easier to get out on the ice by holding a Free Fishing Weekend that’s perfect for both experienced anglers and folks trying ice fishing for the first time.
By Olivia Triltsch January 15, 2026
Squirrels have been part of Michigan’s forests and woodlands since before European settlement, thriving in diverse habitats from dense hardwood forests to
By Olivia Triltsch January 8, 2026
Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are not year-round residents in Michigan, but they have a long history of passing through the state during seasonal migrations
More Posts