OTG Volunteers Needed: Invasive Aquatic Species Removal at Shiawassee River State Game Area

Olivia Triltsch • July 10, 2025

MUCC’s On the Ground program is returning to the Shiawassee River State Game Area to aid in the removal of a persistent aquatic invasive species, European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae). Volunteers are needed on Saturday, July 26th, from 9 AM – 12 PM. For more details and to register, click HERE. 

About the Project

This project will work to enhance the habitat within the game area for waterfowl and other wildlife. Volunteers will meet at the Shiawassee River State Game Area DNR Field Office at 225 E. Spruce St., St. Charles, MI 48655 (43.300191, -84.140384). Closed-toed shoes and long pants are recommended. This event will take place rain or shine, except in the case of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. Volunteers should plan to be outside for the duration of the event. Necessary equipment, including work gloves and waders, will be provided. Volunteers with their own waders are welcome to bring them. We also ask for volunteer assistance in bringing a few wide leaf rakes with a string attached to the end to help retrieve some of the invasive plants from the shore. Some rakes will be provided for volunteers courtesy of MUCC and the DNR. 

Why Remove Frog-bit?

European frog-bit is considered a prohibited species in Michigan, making it illegal to possess, introduce, or sell it except under certain circumstances according to the Michigan DNR. Similar to a lily pad, this aquatic invasive has floating, heart-shaped leaves that range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, stemming from a rosette. The underside of the leaf is a purple-red hue, and a singular white, three-petaled flower with a yellow center can bloom from June to August. In contrast to lily pads rooted into the substrate below the surface, frog-bit is free-floating. 

This species of aquatic invasive is invading popular hunting destinations beyond the Shiawassee River. Once observed, the DNR asks citizens to photograph, mark the location, date, and time to be reported to the EGLE Aquatic Invasive Species Program (EGLE-WRD-AIP@Michigan.gov) or to MISIN online or the app. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, frog-bit is found in the northeastern United States, Washington, and Canada as a non-native species of slow-moving rivers, inlets, ponds, bayous, and ditches. As a free-floating plant, this species can form dense mats at the surface, impeding boat traffic, preventing native food and habitat for waterfowl and fish, and reducing oxygen and light in the water. 

Learn More

As recreationists, boaters should practice washing their boats between water bodies to remove any unwanted aquatic hitchhikers to help limit the spread. To get more involved in conserving Michigan habitat, visit mucc.org/on-the-ground for a list of upcoming projects. MUCC’s On the Ground program works to continue the organization’s mission to conserve, protect, and enhance Michigan’s natural resources. Some of our habitat projects include native plantings, brush pile building (‘rabbitat’), invasive species removal, and river cleanups. Families and people of all ages can contribute to our projects, and registered volunteers receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts. 

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts