On the Ground to partner with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Michigan DNR for fall tree planting project in elk country

Kristina Kennedy • August 10, 2023

MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program is excited to be partnering-up with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) for their annual rendezvous work weekend in Elk Country!

Join us on  Saturday, September 23 from 10am-2pm  as we plant approximately 100 oak and apple trees in the Pigeon River Country State Forest outside of Vanderbilt, MI in Otsego County.

OTG volunteers place fencing around a newly-planted fruit tree in Kalkaska County.

This project is in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with sponsorship from National Wildlife Federation, and is an effort to establish hard and soft mast that will benefit various species of wildlife including elk and white-tailed deer.

Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and are encouraged to wear long pants and long sleeves. Attendees are also encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, although bottled water and snacks will be provided throughout the day. This project will take place rain or shine, unless there is severe weather so please dress accordingly.

All ages are welcome to attend. Registered participants will receive free lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift. We ask that volunteers please register through RMEF. If you wish to sign-up after online registration closes, please send an email to kkennedy@mucc.org.

Please note:  Campsites are still available for Friday and Saturday night at  Elkwood Campground in Wolverine. Please feel free to join us for a social gathering after the project at the campground.

See you when the elk bugle!

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