OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

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. 

April 25th: Tree Planting and Trash Cleanup in Grayling Forest Management Unit 

Join our award-winning On the Ground program near Grayling, Michigan, to plant crabapple trees and clean up local dump sites. Volunteers will meet at the DNR Grayling Field Office just north of town on Hartwick Pines Road. During the project, we will be working alongside partners from the Michigan DNR, Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Volunteers will be divided into two teams, where a group will set out to plant and fence crabapple trees, and the other group will visit dump sites for a trash cleanup. We will be working outdoors, so closed-toed boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended. Volunteers should plan to be outside for the duration of the event from 8 AM to 12 PM, with lunch being provided for volunteers, after returning to the office. Any necessary equipment, including work gloves and shovels, will also be provided. Snacks and water will be available throughout the day. Register HERE for this project.  

May 2nd: 2026 Jack Pine Planting Day in Grayling Forest Management Unit 

The OTG program is moving to the east side of Grayling County the following weekend for our annual Jack Pine Planting Day. Volunteers will meet at the site prepared by the Michigan DNR, just southeast of the intersection of E North Down River Rd and Morley Rd. We will be working alongside the Kirtland Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, and Michigan DNR to efficiently plant jack pine saplings at the prepared site. We recommend wearing closed-toed boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts as the project will take place outdoors. Volunteers should plan to be outside for the duration of the event, from 9 AM to 12 PM, with snacks and water provided. After the event, volunteers will be treated to a free lunch. Register HERE for this project. 

Why Are Tree Plantings Important? 

Tree plantings are one of the most important ways to create long-term wildlife habitat; however, variations between plantings, including desired species, can serve different purposes. When managing a landscape, these variations and desires are key to making meaningful improvements to the habitat to support the intended wildlife species. Planting crabapple trees are valuable for many wild game species as they produce a fruit (soft mast) that becomes a food source in the fall, in addition to creating added cover in the landscape. In contrast, jack pine ecosystems play a critical role in enhancing the survival of the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, which commonly nests among young, dense jack pine stands. Jack pine plantings are typically done on a larger scale in a method designed to mimic natural disturbances that the species relies on. Tree plantings support biodiversity while restoring habitat types, often with specific species in mind but inevitably benefiting many. Overall, planting the right tree in alignment with habitat management goals ensures the landscape can be conserved to enjoy by future generations. 

Learn More

If you are interested in stewardship or habitat enhancement, consider joining our On the Ground program at one of the upcoming events this field season. OTG travels statewide to enhance habitat through projects like tree plantings, river cleanups, invasive species removal, and ‘rabbitat’ creation through brush piles. Our events are posted to the Michigan United Conservation Clubs website for volunteers to learn more about the project and register in advance to make sure they are accounted for when ordering lunch. 

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