Courtesy photo Volunteers plant a tree as part of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ On The Ground program. The group is seeking volunteers to help during a tree planting project in Menominee County Sept. 18 in the Escanaba River State Forest.

DAGGETT — Volunters are being sought to take part in tree planting in the Escanaba River State Forest in Menominee County on Saturday, September 18. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

The planting is being organized by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ On The Ground program, Caterpillar Inc., and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They will plant and fence more than 100 native trees and shrubs to improve wildlife habitat throughout openings within the Escanaba River State Forest near Daggett Township. These native mast-producing trees will benefit a variety of wildlife including ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, golden-winged warbler, and American woodcock.

Volunteers will meet at the parking lot at the following Google Maps coordinates: 45°30 ‘15.1 “N 87°28 ‘31.8 “W. Test these coordinates before the event and contact MUCC Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Makhayla LaButte (mlabutte@mucc.org) with any questions. More detailed location information will be provided to all registered volunteers before the event.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and run until all the trees are planted. All registered volunteers will receive a free lunch and an OTG volunteer appreciation gift. Shovels and all necessary equipment will be provided, although volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves.

To learn more about MUCC’s On the Ground program or to register for a wildlife habitat improvement event near you, please visit mucc.org/on-the-ground.