Late March in Brandon Township is mud and meltwater, the oak woods of the state recreation area dripping all day while the yards around Ortonville wake up underneath the mess. Michigan Outdoor Service starts the year right there — spring cleanup, debris hauled off, then mowing, trimming, edging and bed work straight through the growing season. When the wind swings around and the first squalls push through, the work turns to plowing driveways and lots, clearing walkways, and salting the spots that glaze over overnight. The land here never sits still long enough for anyone to coast. That suits the work fine; it is better to be out in it.