EXAMPLE PAGE - REPORTS - FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY - Flipbook - Side 33
2023 Impact Report
Stewardship Interns
Each summer, we all look forward to introducing a
few young professionals who are passionate about
Western North Carolina to our conservation work. They
tend to bring a spirited energy, and a willingness to
learn and explore that is refreshing and inspiring. This
year9s Stewardship Interns, Emme Clark and Sarah
NCSSM Mentorship
Sophie Miller and Michelle Tan, two students from the
North Carolina School of Science and Math, mentored
by FCNC Community Engagement Manager, Brittany
Watkins, are researching, designing and implementing
a native landscaping project to transform the property
around Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina9s
headquarters on Avery Avenue in Morganton into a
Wilson, were no exception.
certioed wildlife habitat under the guidelines of the
They spent about 12 weeks assisting Stewardship
of Foothills Conservancy9s nature-based educational
Director, Ryan Sparks, with everything from annual
program, Our Big Backyard.
National Wildlife Federation. This mentorship is part
monitoring and reporting for more than 40
conservation properties, to treating weeds and invasive
species, planting trees, and clearing roads and trails. A
lot of our stewardship work, especially in the summer,
involves long, hot days spent in the backwoods all
over FCNC9s mountain and foothills region. It requires
commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and courage.
Emme and Sarah excelled in all these areas, and
more. If you, or someone you know, is a current
college student or recent college graduate with a
background or interest in conservation, send an email
to our stewardship director, Ryan Sparks (Rsparks@
foothillsconservancy.org), to express your interest in our
2024 summer stewardship internships.
Emme Clark
Currently studying Natural Resources and Economics
at North Carolina State University
Sarah Wilson
Currently studying Environmental Resource
Management at Virginia Tech University
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