On the Ground: Volunteers Remove Trash from Beaches and Dumpsites in Bay Mills

Kristina Kennedy • August 11, 2022

Students from LSSU took part in cleaning-up dumpsites within Bay Mills Indian Community.

On Saturday, August 6, 2022, 35 OTG volunteers gathered at the Riverside Playground in Bay Mills Indian Community and split into groups to clean-up dumpsites on trust land as well as the beach from Riverside to Gumshoes Campground. In total, volunteers cleaned-up 2 large dumpsites and about 1 mile of beach, removing and properly disposing of hundreds of pounds of trash from the environment. By removing trash from beaches and surrounding public land, volunteers improved 22 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and made these lands safer for the community. After the clean-up, Jen Parks from Bay Mills Indian Community’s Biological Services Department gave information about the new community waste and recycling program that is available to the public.

Volunteers braved the heat and the bugs to help improve wildlife habitat and make the area safer for recreationists.

MUCC would like to thank our partners, Bay Mills Indian Community and LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) as well as all of the dedicated volunteers who attended this project and made it a success! Our next project will take place on Saturday, August 20. Join MUCC in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in improving lekking and nesting habitat for sharp-tailed grouse at Bullock Ranch State Wildlife Management area in Schoolcraft County. Please visit mucc.org/on-the-ground/ for more details and event registration.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Clean Up at Yates Park

By Olivia Triltsch • April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.

OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

By Olivia Triltsch • April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.

White Oaks vs Red Oaks: Why Does It Matter?

By Olivia Triltsch • April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts