On the Ground: Volunteers Clean-Up the Clinton River at River Bends Park

Kristina Kennedy • April 14, 2022

Last Saturday, April 9, 2022, a group of 25 volunteers joined MUCC’s On the Ground program (OTG), Metro-West Steelheaders and Clinton River Watershed Council in a morning of picking up trash in and around the Clinton River at River Bends Park. Volunteers picked-up and properly disposed of over 25 large bags of trash, multiple tires, construction cones, bikes, car parts, and much more from the river, trails, andsurrounding forested areas. In total, volunteers improved about 15 acres of fish and wildlife habitat in this area.

Not only does cleaning-up trash enhance wildlife habitat by improving water quality and removing potentially hazardous debris from the ecosystem, but it also provides a safer and cleaner place for the public to recreate. River Bends Park expands over 850 acres and is enjoyed by thousands of people over the course of the year. This park provides recreationists with access to picnic areas and shelters, fishing platforms, multi-use trails, a disc golf course, trap and archery ranges, and the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center.

MUCC values its volunteers and would like to extend our gratitude to all volunteers who participated in this event. If you are interested in volunteering with OTG, you can find information on upcoming projects, volunteer registration, and an interactive project map at mucc.org/on-the-ground.

Our next OTG project will be planting native shrubs at Potterville State Game Area (SGA) on Friday, April 22, 2022. Join MUCC OTG and the Eaton Conservation District at 9:00am to plant 200 shrubs within the SGA to benefit wildlife like pheasant, cottontail rabbit, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. All necessary equipment will be provided. Volunteers will receive free lunch, as well as a volunteer gift. To view more details or to register, please click here.

 

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