Spring Volunteer Opportunities with On the Ground

Join On the Ground in partnership with Land Ethic LLC on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM as we build brush piles for wildlife in the Traverse City Forest Management Unit (Kalkaska County). Brush piles provide cover and habitat for a wide range of species including rabbits, grouse, squirrels, snakes, and other ground-nesting birds. Predators like foxes and birds of prey also use brush piles as hunting grounds.  

Volunteers will meet at the two-track opening on Riverview Rd SE, east of Birch Run Rd and west of Sunset Trail SE (44.60516, -85.03512). All necessary equipment will be provided. We will be moving large logs and branches, so closed-toed boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended. This project will take place rain or shine except in the case of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. Be prepared to work outside for a minimum of three hours. As always, lunch and a volunteer gift will also be provided. Snacks and water will be available throughout the day. Registration closes on April 4th at 2 PM, so don’t wait!

Join On the Ground on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM as we help clean up the Clinton River! We will be partnering with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council to improve the quality of fish and wildlife habitat by removing trash and other debris from the Clinton River and surrounding areas. This project will help create a cleaner and safer environment by reducing the risk of water pollution and preventing ingestion of trash by fish and other wildlife. 

 Volunteers will meet at Yates Park located in Rochester Hills, MI (1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307). All necessary equipment will be provided including waders, trash bags, and trash grabbers. Volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproof or rubber boots and long pants. This project will take place rain or shine except in the case of severe weather so please dress accordingly. Be prepared to work outside for a minimum of three hours. MUCC will provide lunch and a free appreciation gift to all registered volunteers. Registration closes on April 18 at 2 PM, so get your registration in by then! To register, click HERE.

Join On the Ground in partnership with the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance and Huron Pines for the 2025 Jack Pine Planting Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM in the Grayling Forest Management Unit (Crawford County). We will be working to improve and enhance habitat for the rare Kirtland’s warbler by planting jack pine seedlings. The Kirtland’s warbler is highly specialized and only nests in young jack pine forests, so creating the next generation of jack pine trees is critical for the survival of these birds. 

Volunteers will meet on Smoore Rd between Goose Creek Rd and Jack Pine Rd, west of Grayling, MI (44.713271, -84.837506). Dibble bars, work gloves, and all other necessary equipment will be provided. Closed-toed boots and long pants are recommended. This project will take place rain or shine except in the case of severe weather so please dress accordingly. Be prepared to work outside for a minimum of three hours. As always, lunch and a volunteer gift will be provided to all registered volunteers. Snacks and water will be available throughout the day. Registration closes on May 2 at 2 PM, so don’t forget to register by then!

Join On the Ground in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Michigan Forest Association, and the Michigan DNR on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as we plant trees for wildlife at Port Huron State Game Area. Trees provide cover, forage, nesting habitat, and numerous other benefits to many wildlife species. Common wildlife that use trees as part of their life cycle include deer, bears, turkeys, grouse, squirrels, and songbirds. 

Volunteers will meet at a parking area located at Port Huron State Game Area (exact location to be announced). All necessary equipment will be provided including work gloves. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toed boots and long pants. This project will take place rain or shine except in the case of severe weather so please dress accordingly. Be prepared to work outside for a minimum of three hours. Lunch and a free appreciation gift will also be provided to all registered volunteers. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day. Registration opens soon for this project, so keep an eye out!