Olivia Triltsch Joins MUCC as New Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator

Olivia Triltsch • September 25, 2024

Hello, 


My name is Olivia Triltsch and I am the new Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator at Michigan United Conservation Clubs. 


I grew up in a family who thrived outdoors which sprouted my own interests in natural resources. In childhood, I was introduced to hunting and angling alongside my older brothers and fell in love with outdoor recreation. Typically, I enjoy hunting white-tail deer and waterfowl in the fall and fishing in the summer and winter months. My favorite outdoor hobbies include hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, rock hounding, foraging, and experimenting with new wild recipes. Fortunately, I have been able to travel to various national parks and forests which I hope to continue exploring. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, playing board games, and traveling. 


I graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in fish and wildlife disease ecology and management. Additionally, I earned a B.S. in Zoology with a concentration in animal behavior and neurobiology. Furthermore, I hold two minors in Environmental Sustainability Studies and Leadership in Integrated Learning. Before MUCC, I worked professionally in nuisance wildlife management as well as various seasonal jobs surrounding wildlife including with nature centers and the Michigan DNR creating habitat.  



In short, I am excited to be a part of MUCC’s team and utilize my previous education and outdoor experiences to improve the program. As the coordinator, I will coordinate On the Ground projects to interact with volunteers and create hands-on experiences. I hope to work with many of you at events in the future and improve wildlife habitat.

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts