OTW event updates from around the state

lschultz • September 12, 2019

The On the Water, program funded by Consumers Energy Foundation has been quite busy lately! On Saturday, September 7th ten volunteers came out to Lake Lansing Park South to help clean up the beach and the surrounding areas after labor day activities. In total 5 bags of trash and recyclables were picked up whichcame out to roughly 150 lbs of trash collected in a three-hour span. Two of the items that were picked up the most were cigarette butts and metal bottle caps and the most interesting items found where a rusty fence and a kid’s toy boat. ” This was an eye-opening experience.” wrote Kirk Byrens.

Then on Tuesday, September 10th OTW took part in the 17th annual Rouge River Water Festival held at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Over a four-hour span, OTW Coordinator Emma Nehan and Education Director Shaun Mckeon educated 4th and 5th graders on the importance of habitat and Michigan waterfowl to 93 students and chaperones.

OTW is an amazing way to get outdoors and make a difference in local watersheds in the state of Michigan. If you would like to attend any of these events, please register online prior to the event and you will receive a free reusable water bottle, OTW sticker, and lunch! All are welcome to join us for a great day of volunteering.

OTW still has a few more events planned this fall so come on out!

Stewardship Day at Shiawassee State Game Area : Join MI Birds, MI DNR, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ On the Water Program this International Clean-up day to help remove trash from this watershed and Important Bird Area.

This year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme is to ‘be the solution to plastics pollution’ and we need your help to keep our marsh birds, water birds, and waterfowl safe! According to https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org , “the number of seabirds dying from the effects of plastic every year is currently 1 million and growing.  Research highlights the urgency of the matter: not only do 90 percent of seabirds are estimated to have plastic in their guts, but at this rate, the proportion of seabirds ingesting plastic will reach 99 percent by 2050.”

Knee-high boots recommended, but not required. Supplies and snacks provided.

Register here !

16th Annual Charlotte River Clean-up: MUCC’s OTW program has teamed up with the Eaton Conservation District, Charlotte Public Schools, City of Charlotte, and Well-Head Protection Team in beautifying your hometown river!

On Saturday, October 5th at 9 am volunteers will meet at Bennett Park Pavilion, we will then proceed to the worksite.

Lunch will be provided by MUCC at noon and volunteers will receive a reusable water bottle and stickers to take home at the end of the event! Personal protective gear(such as gloves), buckets, trash bags, sunscreen, bug spray, trash grabbers, and waders will be provided on a first come first serve basis. There will be a water station so please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle!

Register Here !

Flint River Clean-up: U of M Flint’s Wildlife Club and OTW are teaming up to help out the Flint River!

On Saturday, October 12th at 9 am volunteers will meet in the parking lot behind the University of Michigan-Flint Recreation Center it is called lot “A” we will then proceed to the cleanup site. The Flint River is a vibrant ecosystem that supports a wide array of flora, fauna, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

Lunch will be provided by MUCC at noon and volunteers will receive a reusable water bottle and stickers to take home at the end of the event! Personal protective gear(such as gloves), buckets, trash bags, sunscreen, bug spray, trash grabbers, and waders will be provided on a first come first serve basis. There will be a water station so please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle!

Register Here !

We are looking to make connections in your community please contact Emma Nehan at enehan@mucc.org if you would like to coordinate a volunteer event soon! For more information and to register, please visit mucc.org/on-the-water.On The Water Logo

 

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