On the Ground: Volunteers Clean Up Pointe Mouillee State Game Area

Olivia Triltsch • May 22, 2025

On Saturday, May 17th, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) partnered with Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival (PWMF) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host a clean-up at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Wayne/Monroe County. Trash and debris were disposed of via a dumpster donated by All In Dumpster Rental. The game area consists of 4,040 acres managed by the Michigan DNR along with other partners, including PMWF, as part of one of the largest freshwater marsh habitat restoration projects globally, according to the DNR.

Volunteers Unite to Restore Marsh Habitat

A total of 18 volunteers helped improve habitat in Pointe Mouillee State Game Area by removing approximately 3,560 pounds of trash and debris. Among the volunteers were passionate birders, photographers, anglers, and waterfowl hunters alike, looking to maintain the natural beauty of the area. Trash littered around the area included furniture, tires, and car parts, among other things, left to deteriorate. By removing the trash from the state game area, volunteers improved over 132 acres of fish and wildlife habitat along the shores of Lake Erie.

Why is this Important?

Trash cleanups are critical in protecting habitat for fish and wildlife, which can cause more harm than some may consider if the debris remains. Various species, both aquatic and terrestrial, can ingest litter or get trapped in debris, contributing to a local decline in population depending on the severity. Michigan’s watersheds inevitably lead into the Great Lakes system, whose health impacts the economy of the state. Following large rains, even the debris furthest from the waterways can be transported to culverts and stormwater systems, ending up in lakes and streams. Even a few organized clean-ups a year, along with mindful recreation, can make an impact, creating a cleaner habitat and freshwater.

Learn More

Want to volunteer your time to improve habitat for wildlife? Visit mucc.org/on-the-ground for more information and a list of upcoming projects. The On the Ground program works to conserve and enhance Michigan’s natural resources by hosting volunteer projects to improve wildlife habitat. Common habitat projects include brush pile building, invasive species removal, river cleanups, tree plantings, and more. All ages are welcome to attend, so bring a friend or two if you’d like! Families are welcome as well. Registered volunteers receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts. Additionally, check out the annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival this year on September 13th-14th.

Upcoming Projects:

June 21, 2025 – Native Wildflower and Grass Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (Barry County)

July 12, 2025 – Manistee River Clean Up at High Bridge Boat Launch (Manistee County) - Registration opens soon

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Michigan Legislature passes budget, DNR highlights

By Justin Tomei • October 3, 2025

Early Friday, morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The two chambers and the governor agreed to a deal earlier this week and passed a stopgap to keep the state government open while work on the omnibus bill was finalized. The DNR budget is highlighted by some minor cuts, and new boilerplate language: No license fee increases were included No recreation passport opt-out was included Nature awaits program was removed as an on-going program Reduces 4.0 FTE positions for Fish Production and 15.0 FTE positions for Fisheries Resource Management Reduces 20.0 FTE positions and $200,000 for Wildlife Management Reduces invasive species prevention and control by $1.2 million Appropriates $2.8 million GF/GP (one-time) for fish production and stocking in Great Lakes and inland fisheries Reduces wetland restoration, enhancement, and acquisition funding by $1 million. In-person work prioritization New DNR scorecard and reporting requirements Prohibition on utility scale solar and wind projects on public lands An authorization to increase restricted fund appropriations if a license fee bill is passed The House Fiscal Analysis of the budget can be found HERE . To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully, and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .