Michael Trusclair District Conservationist, LA “ I love people and seeing our programs implemented … you can see the impact they have on the natural resources and the people down here.” – Michael Trusclair

Pride, Passion and Purpose…
Embedded in Family, Work and Future

In one day, you can feel the pride he has in his work, the area that he assists and the conservation of natural resources. Michael Trusclair is the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist in the Boutte Field Office, which provides services for six parishes; Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, Orleans and Plaquemines.

Michael grew up in Baton Rouge and was raised primarily by his grandparents. “My grandfather was good provider,” said Michael with great dignity. “He worked for 45 years at Exxon in charge of their shipping warehouse. He couldn’t read nor write, but it never stopped him. He proved that you can overcome obstacles and succeed.”

To help Michael excel in education and prepare for his future, his grandfather took money out of his retirement to send him to college until Michael’s sophomore year when his grandfather died. “Now, here I am…the first generation out of my family to go to college. I want to also succeed, not let obstacles stand in my way and also provide for my family.” Michael was graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1996 and received his Masters in Environmental Science in 2003.

With the esteem of his family’s love, faith and heritage, Michael shares those same elements with his job, which has seen many obstacles…namely Katrina. After Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana’s infrastructure, natural resources, businesses, homes, lives…everything was impacted. However, obstacles are receding and communities are coming back. NRCS programs and services provided through the Coastal Wetland Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Emergency Watershed Protection Program, and partnerships with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Resources Conservation and Development Councils have played a vital role in the restoration of the hurricane devastated areas that Michael services.

“I am honored to be in the position that I am in now,” said Michael. “I love people and seeing our programs implemented … you can see the impact they have on the natural resources and the people down here.”

Are things coming back? Are people returning?

“A small percentage of the people are coming back each month,” said Michael. “I see the changes and the communities are coming back, and people are utilizing all the resources available to them to help them come back, improve the infrastructure that will help protect this area from future storms.”

He has a very positive outlook for his area. Michael is also proud to be a part of the growing natural resource awareness movement that has pervaded the six parishes. “With this assistance of the NRCS and other agencies, the public is becoming more and more interested in our natural resources and just how important they are to this area,” said Michael. “We are needed more than ever down here and outreach, education and partnerships are key in natural resource awareness.”

Michael Trusclair is an inspiring example of how family molds a generation. From his roots in Mississippi, his passion for success and his love for his job – this district conservationist has a deep-rooted passion to share will his co-workers, customers and the land. He quickly ascribes this characteristic back to his grandparents.

“What do I want? I want to have an impact on society,” said Michael, “My grandmother taught me that to do that you must keep God first, treat people like you want to be treated, and that it is always better to give than to receive.”

< Back to Louisiana Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion.