Volunteers will work alongside MUCC, Land Ethics LLC, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to construct brush piles using downed woody material found on-site. These structures mimic natural habitat features and play an important role in supporting species like rabbits, grouse, and other ground-dwelling wildlife. Volunteers should be prepared for a day of outdoor work, including lifting and moving brush to construct habitat piles. All necessary tools and guidance will be provided on-site, and no prior experience is required. Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves, dress for the weather, and come ready to get their hands dirty. Lunch will be provided to all registered volunteers in addition to being entered into a giveaway for a guided upland bird hunt, courtesy of Land Ethics LLC. Other winners can be selected for a Mystery Ranch backpacking backpack and Land Ethics LLC merchandise. Volunteers must be present to win.
OTG Volunteers Needed: Brush Piles for Wildlife in Kalkaska County
Improving wildlife habitat doesn’t always require heavy equipment or large-scale restoration; sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a pile of brush.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is calling on volunteers to join an upcoming On the Ground (OTG) habitat project in the Traverse City Forest Management Unit, where participants will help build brush piles to enhance cover for a variety of wildlife species in Kalkaska County. We will be setting back forest succession by removing and treating undesirable trees and brush while using the slash to create the brush piles within the grassland. This hands-on volunteer day will focus on creating critical shelter for small game, songbirds, and other wildlife that depend on dense, low-lying cover for protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Brush piles provide immediate habitat benefits and are especially valuable in areas with limited natural cover.
What to Expect
Why it Matters
Projects like this are a key part of MUCC’s OTG program, which works to improve habitat on public lands across Michigan while giving conservation-minded individuals an opportunity to get directly involved. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to habitat work, this project is a great way to make a tangible impact on the landscape. In addition to habitat benefits, OTG events offer opportunities to learn about forest management practices, meet others passionate about conservation, and spend time outdoors while giving back to public lands.
Habitat projects like brush pile building may seem simple, but they play a critical role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations. By increasing available cover, these efforts help improve survival rates for many species, particularly during the winter months and nesting seasons. Every pile built contributes to a stronger, more resilient ecosystem, and that impact starts with volunteers willing to step up and take part.
Get Involved
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to Michigan’s public lands, this OTG event is a great opportunity to do just that. Your time and effort will leave a lasting mark on the landscape and support wildlife for years to come. Ready to get involved? Sign up today to reserve your spot and join MUCC On the Ground in Kalkaska County.
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