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 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.
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.
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