OTG Volunteers Needed: Stewardship Day at Gourdneck State Game Area

Olivia Triltsch • August 21, 2025

MUCC’s On the Ground program is returning to Gourdneck State Game Area to aid in the removal of a persistent invasive species, glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Volunteers are needed on Saturday, August 30th, from 9 AM to 12 PM. For more details and to register, click HERE.

About the Project

This project will work to enhance the habitat within Michigan’s first urban game area in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will meet at the Hampton Lake trail entrance off Centre Ave at Gourdneck State Game Area in Portage, MI (42.193777, -85.633745). Closed-toed, waterproof 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 loppers will be provided. Registered volunteers will receive a free lunch and a volunteer appreciation gift. We welcome groups of friends and family alike looking to give back to the local ecosystem and protect Gourdneck State Game Area from the expansion of this woody invasive.

Image (right): Volunteer from the 2023 project working to remove a plant at Gourdneck State Game Area.

Why Remove Glossy Buckthorn?

Gourdneck State Game Area provides quality habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbit, among other species that benefit from management activities. Land managers like DNR biologists work to enhance habitat on public lands for these species, utilizing tactics like promoting biodiversity and controlling the spread of invasive species. Native to Eurasia, glossy buckthorn has been historically planted to create wildlife food and cover; however, its aggressive tendencies make it invasive. This plant is easily dispersed by birds and can quickly overtake an area, outcompeting native species for resources like sunlight. Recreationists are often the first to report the presence of an invasive species, making them a critical component for land management. Once an invasive species is observed, the DNR asks citizens to photograph, mark the location, date, and time to be reported to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online or via the app.

Learn More

All recreationists can be familiar with decontamination procedures to help prevent the spread of invasive species, from the bottom of footwear to the ballast of boats. PlayCleanGo is a resource which provides the best methods based on the recreational activity of interest. 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 (‘rabitat’), 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.

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Michigan Legislature passes budget, DNR highlights

By Justin Tomei • October 3, 2025

Early Friday, morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The two chambers and the governor agreed to a deal earlier this week and passed a stopgap to keep the state government open while work on the omnibus bill was finalized. The DNR budget is highlighted by some minor cuts, and new boilerplate language: No license fee increases were included No recreation passport opt-out was included Nature awaits program was removed as an on-going program Reduces 4.0 FTE positions for Fish Production and 15.0 FTE positions for Fisheries Resource Management Reduces 20.0 FTE positions and $200,000 for Wildlife Management Reduces invasive species prevention and control by $1.2 million Appropriates $2.8 million GF/GP (one-time) for fish production and stocking in Great Lakes and inland fisheries Reduces wetland restoration, enhancement, and acquisition funding by $1 million. In-person work prioritization New DNR scorecard and reporting requirements Prohibition on utility scale solar and wind projects on public lands An authorization to increase restricted fund appropriations if a license fee bill is passed The House Fiscal Analysis of the budget can be found HERE . To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully, and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .