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 April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.
By Olivia Triltsch April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.
By Olivia Triltsch April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts