MUCC 2019 Volunteer of the Year: Alex Schaffer

MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter, left, and MUCC Education Director Shaun McKeon, right, present Alex Schaffer with the MUCC 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award

 

The members and staff of Michigan United Conservation Clubs gratefully acknowledge the substantial contributions of Alex Schaffer in his role as a volunteer for the On the Ground program.

Alex has tirelessly donated his time during several weekends over the last two years to help further the cause of conservation by volunteering at OTG events around the state.

Alex has attended eight OTG events over the last two years. Alex’s passion for improving habitat on public land shines through when you have a conversation with him. He attended the chainsaw safety training we hosted in 2019 to build his skills on OTG projects. He has helped build brush piles, assembled and checked wood duck boxes, cleared invasive species from public land, and even helped build a hunter access boardwalk in a GEMS at the 2018 Annual Convention.

Alex shot his first gun at an MUCC-sponsored Learn to Hunt event and quickly became engaged in the organization as a member of MUCC’s Policy Board. That event sparked a passion in him for hunting, and he is excited to broaden his endeavors to hunting ducks and geese this season.

Alex has brought new ideas to the organization and represents a demographic severely underrepresented in the outdoor world — those who have never hunted or fished and are unsure how to get started.

Finally, Alex’s willingness to travel from his Southeast Michigan home is extremely appreciated by the OTG team. It is not uncommon to see Alex at a project more than 2 hours from his house. His early mornings, long drives and dedication to improving habitat on public lands is appreciated at every event.

We appreciate his dedication and passion for our mission and to our organization. We look forward to seeing him at future events as well.