Stewardship Day at Shiawassee River State Game Area this weekend

lschultz • September 17, 2019

There are 63 major watersheds and 267 sub watersheds in the state of Michigan. The Shiawassee River watershed is a sub-watershed of the Saginaw Bay Basin. It is located in central Michigan southwest of Saginaw. It connects with several other river systems, including the Flint River, Cass River and Titabawassee River and flows northeast into the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. The Shiawassee River watershed is a big contributor when it comes to the local plants, animals, humans and the economy.

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.”

 

Studies show that local projects on the management of plastic waste produce results in a short period of time. Thus, common sense and awareness can help to curb the giant tide of plastic. The international community needs to take urgent action to mitigate unnecessary injuries and mortality of migratory birds due to plastic pollution. World Migratory Bird Day 2019 is a unique chance to join efforts to address the serious problem of plastic pollution and to highlight its negative effects on migratory birds. Let’s unite our voices to address this rapidly growing environmental concern! Join MI Birds, Michigan Department and Natural Resources (DNR), and MUCC’s OTW this International Cleanup day to help remove trash from this watershed and important bird area.

OTW funded by Consumers Energy Foundation, is an amazing way to get outdoors and make a difference in local watersheds. 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 and lunch! Anyone is welcome to join for a great day of volunteering before the snow begins to fall. OTW still has a few more events planned this fall, so come on out!

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 5 at 9 a.m., volunteers will meet at Bennett Park Pavilion and 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 12 at 9 a.m., volunteers will meet in the parking lot behind the University of Michigan-Flint Recreation Center in 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.

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