The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl is a volunteer-based organization that promotes the conservation of local ducks and the local waterfowl population. Birch is the secretary of the chapter and is passionate about involving the community with their mission.

Birch moved to the UP when he was a kid and grew up hunting and fishing, hobbies that have motivated him to participate in the Sunrise Waterfowl Delta Chapter. Birch explained that he has been a member of Ducks Unlimited, a national waterfowl conservation nonprofit, for many years but wanted to contribute more on the local level.

The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl has given Birch that opportunity.

Birch said that the chapter takes a “boots on the ground approach” to their conservation efforts. This means that the chapter contributes to local projects to improve the local waterfowl population and actively maintains any projects that they contribute to the local community.

Courtesy Photo Volunteers with the Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl are seen in this undated courtesy photo.

Also, Birch stressed that any donations made to the chapter are directly funneled right back into the community and local conservation efforts.

“If you put money in our chapter…it will go right back into the community,” Birch said. “It’s refreshing to see the investment.”

A recent project that the chapter led was the installation of “hen houses” at Island Park in Alpena.

These hen houses give the local waterfowl population places to safely lay their eggs. Birch explained that without these hen houses, it is much easier for predators to get at waterfowl nests.

Though these hen houses were intended for nesting species of waterfowl, Birch said that there have been further, unintended positive benefits from the hen houses. Other species of birds scavenge the boxes for straw, which they use for their own nests, further benefiting the local bird populations.

Courtesy Photo Volunteers with the Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl are seen in this undated courtesy photo.

Besides leading local waterfowl conservation projects, Birch explained that the chapter is also motivated to educate the local youth about waterfowl hunting and conservation. Birch said that he is passionate about encouraging the youth of Alpena and neighboring communities to appreciate the resources that northern Michigan has to offer.

“To bring kids into the beauty all around them,” Birch said.

Another project Birch was involved in with the chapter was taking a group of college students to the UP and teaching them hunter safety and how to duck hunt. Birch said that it was a great experience to see young adults enjoy the outdoors and embrace the sport.

Birch said that besides involving and encouraging the local youth to embrace hunting, promoting and educating the community about waterfowl conservation is also a top priority of the chapter.

“Our chapter advocates for improving resources for the local waterfowl population…(we have a) collective agreement to enhance and improve waterfowl numbers,” Birch said.

To do so, and to fund projects, the chapter has begun to reach out to the community and partner with organizations like Huron Pines and the Sportsmen Club.

Birch said that the chapter has partnered with Huron Pines in the past to participate in beach cleanups and trail maintenance. Birch explained that the chapter plans to continue to partner with more local organizations to find where their chapter fits in with the community.

“We are limited in scope because we are brand new … (but you will) see a lot more of us in the future,” Birch said. “We are a brand new chapter and need to find where we fit in.”

Further, Birch said that the Sunrise chapter is 100% volunteer-based, which limits their reach a bit. Birch said that the chapter is actively working on networking and making more connections to build up a longer list of community members who are interested in volunteering with the chapter.

When not actively involved with the chapter, Birch is encouraging his five children to embrace the outdoors.

Birch also works as a field technician with RS Scott Associates in Alpena. Prior to this position, Birch has worked at Community Mental Health, Compassionate Care Home Health Services, and Hospice.

Beyond advocating for conservation of the local waterfowl populations, Birch also stated that he enjoys working with people with disabilities.

“(I like to) impact their lives in a positive way,” Birch said.

Overall, Birch is passionate about giving back to the community and is committed to making the Sunrise Chapter’s mission more visible to the local community. He envisions a future in which his grandchildren can enjoy Michigan’s beauty just as he has.

“I envision a future where my grandchild can see the same songbirds that I have,” Birch said.

Birch is committed to manifesting that type of future with the help of the Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl and all the volunteers that contribute to their mission.