Leaving a Legacy

lschultz • December 20, 2021

MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter poses with her two daughters and husband, Marc, during an Upper Peninsula vacation.

By MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter

At our MUCC Annual Convention in September, we had a lengthy list for our Moments of Memory — MUCC members we have lost since our last in-person convention in 2019. Several of them I knew personally: many had served as active board members, committee participants, dedicated time at camp, were Tracks Magazine promoters and/or helped to sustain our policy efforts in both Lansing and Washington D.C. Many of the departeds’ families chose MUCC to be honored with memorial contributions.

Everyone has a choice in how they serve during their time on the planet and what they leave behind as their conservation legacy.

With your generous donation of $25, $50 or $100 , you can help us ensure that your rights to hunt, fish and trap are not infringed upon and that your voice is carried through the halls of our Capitol in Lansing, to policymakers in Washington D.C. and at every NRC meeting.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit,” said Nelson Henderson. For some individuals, they will have spent their time in life serving in some way to create more hunters, anglers, trappers and conservationists by educating and mentoring new people in the outdoors. Others spent their time fighting to protect the natural resources and the outdoor pursuits we all enjoy. Some have done both.

Your donation of $25, $50 or $100  will help plant one new tree, remove one more invasive species, pick up one more pound of trash and carry the message of stewardship to public landowners throughout Michigan.

What trees are you planting now? How will you be remembered? How will you pass on your conservation legacy? That is up to you.

You can choose to ensure the traditions we know and love are around to be passed on to the next generation. You can also ensure there are engaged individuals and a trusted organization around for the long run to stay on guard, ready for the next offensive or defensive move. What you do now can guarantee that is the case.

Recruit your replacements now before it’s time to retire or move on. Make sure the next generation has hunters, anglers and trappers by making sure enough individuals have the skills and knowledge to carry on in the outdoors.

If you have taken on leadership roles within the conservation movement, make sure there is room for your future replacements now — just like in the outdoors, people need mentoring in how to run meetings, organizations and fundraise to keep them afloat.

Through your donation of $25, $50 or $100 , you can help ensure that conservationists are educating the next generation of conservation stewards and warding off the attempts of anti-hunting organizations to indoctrinate our youth.

You can also plan to leave a legacy now in your estate planning by including those organizations like MUCC that protect and defend the outdoor traditions you cherish. This requires conversations now with your family and friends and thinking about their future needs. But this requires no real investment at the moment, out of your pocket, but can make a meaningful difference and an impact long after you are gone.

At this time of gift-giving and annual celebrations and the start of a new year, please remember the old Chinese proverb: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

Yours in Conservation,

Amy Trotter

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap
By Olivia Triltsch March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.
By Tyler Mehigh March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: