Project: Cadillac Michigan Earth Day Adopt-A-Forest Clean-Up
Location: Michigan
Description: On April 18, 2026, a dedicated group of 50 volunteers partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a large-scale cleanup across forest lands in the Cadillac, Michigan area. This annual Adopt-A-Forest event, held in conjunction with Earth Day, continues to play a vital role in protecting Michigan’s public lands.
Over the course of two days, volunteers contributed approximately 450 collective hours to remove significant amounts of debris and illegal dumping materials. Their efforts resulted in the removal of approximately 150 cubic yards of waste, including general trash, construction debris such as shingles and building materials, and 53 discarded tires. All materials were properly collected and disposed of, greatly improving the environmental health and usability of the forest area.
The scale and impact of this cleanup highlight the continued commitment of volunteers and partners to responsible recreation and land stewardship. This ongoing annual effort not only restores natural spaces but also strengthens community engagement and awareness around protecting public lands. Participants are already looking forward to continuing the tradition at the 2027 Earth Day Cleanup.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
-Michigan DNR
-Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association
-BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails
-North Country CISMA
-General Motors Off-Road Driving Team
“We are so thankful to GLFWDA’s members for volunteering with Adopt A Forest to donate their time and expertise. These volunteers are the eyes and ears across millions of acres of state forestland. By reporting and cleaning up dumpsites they protect important habitat and recreation access.“ – Andrea Stay, Volunteer and Engagement Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
“Partnering with Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association for the Adopt-A-Forest cleanup gave us the opportunity to see stewardship in action. The group I worked with from Michigan Jeepers showed incredible dedication—traveling from across the state to clean up illegal dump sites and abandoned camps they had no part in creating. That kind of passion is what keeps our trails open. At North Country CISMA, we build on that momentum by promoting ‘Ride, Clean, Repeat,’ helping prevent the spread of invasive species and protect these landscapes for the future.” – Michael Ramsey, Outreach Coordinator, North Country CISMA
“The General Motors Off-Road Driving Team recently partnered with the Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association’s Adopt-a-Forest cleanup in the Cadillac, Michigan, area, putting their passion for off-road adventure to work for the environment. On Friday, April 17, 10 GM volunteers joined approximately 20 additional volunteers from GLFWDA to remove trash, improve access routes and demonstrate responsible trail behavior to help keep public lands clean, open and enjoyable for everyone. The effort underscores GM’s commitment to environmental stewardship and supports the idea of Tread Lightly principles that guide how we explore the outdoors in any vehicle used for off-road recreation.” – Derek Donovan, GM Off-Road Driving Team
“Thank you to our partner, BFGoodrich Tires and the Outstanding Trails Grant, for funding one of the dumpsters that helped support the Adopt-A Forest cleanup within the Michigan DNR recreation area. And a huge thank you to Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association, Michigan Jeepers, and GM Off-Road Driving Team for the boots on the ground to accomplish this valuable cleanup effort. Motorized recreation is maintained for future generations with a combination of corporate partners, joyful volunteers, and riders who follow the 5 Tread Lightly principles that foster respect for the lands so precious to us. Working together we can Protect the Adventure for generations to come” – Lowell Eckart, Program Manager, Tread Lightly!
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
