Meet MUCC’s Newest Policy Intern, Madison Haddock

Policy Intern • May 16, 2024

 

H ey everyone! I’m Madison Haddock, the new Policy Intern for the summer of 2024. I’m passionate about conservation and also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, camping with friends and family, and creating wildlife illustrations. My primary goal is to explore a variety of regions, observe new wildlife, and embrace different ways to partake in conservation. I’m excited to embark on new adventures!

 

The image shows a sunset over Lake Michigan at Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan.

Sunset at Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan; taken by the author.

Coming from the rolling dunes of Saugatuck, Michigan, I’ve grown up appreciating the natural resources around our great lakes. I can’t imagine a world where one can’t enjoy natural pleasantries such as the evening sun glistening on the scales of leaping fish, the excitement of a Labrador retriever waiting to fetch fallen ducks or even the ghostly call of a loon over a misty lake. This has led me to major in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University where I learn how we manage our resources in the United States and beyond. I’m part of MSU’s Fisheries and Wildlife Club and partook in the Residential Initiative for Sustainability and the Environment, a project-based program meant to gear students for a successful sustainability-oriented career. Both have been helpful opportunities.

The author and her dog are standing on the pier of Wick's Park in downtown Saugatuck, Michigan; where the author lives.

The author and her Norwegian Elkhound, Ryder.

 

Appreciation for the natural world comes in different forms and everyone has unique ways of spending time outside. Knowing this, my mission as an intern at MUCC is to contribute to responsibly safeguarding these natural resources for generations to come. I’m excited to make new connections and gain valuable experience with MUCC!

Want to reach out? Contact me at intern@mucc.org.

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.
By Olivia Triltsch May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.
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