AUTUM BLANCHARD
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ?
I grew up in Lugoff , South Carolina . I lived in Clemson , South Carolina , while attending Clemson University from 2019 to 2022 . I ’ ve lived in Charleston for about a year now and am an MS Environmental and Sustainability Studies + Master of Public Administration student at the College of Charleston .
HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS AN INTERN RELATED TO
WHAT YOU ’ VE STUDIED AT SCHOOL ?
This summer has been a blast ! I ’ ve learned so much and been able to apply a variety of information obtained in both my undergraduate and graduate school courses to legitimate work that ’ s leading to the preservation of our natural resources . The other land stewardship intern , Kalli , and I have monitored numerous properties to ensure that there are no alarming changes to the landscape — natural or human caused — as well as assisted in maintaining the Conservancy ’ s demonstration gardens to encourage native plant growth within residents ’ landscaping . I never could have dreamed that , as an intern , I could have this kind of impact and it ’ s been really eye-opening to the kind of career I would like to see myself in by the time I wrap up my masters .
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE CONSERVANCY ?
A multitude of things , honestly . Lee ( Bundrick ) was such an informative professor and I knew there was so much more that I could learn from him . Working for and alongside him seemed like the best way to continue our mentorship past the conclusion of the semester . When he mentioned that the Conservancy would be hiring interns , I jumped at the chance and submitted my application to him . The idea of learning more about what he did for the organization but also what the Conservancy ' s goals and aspirations looked like from an insider perspective motivated me to join . When Lee interviewed me and discussed some of the projects we would be working on , I knew that I had found the perfect organization to not only intern with but to work with toward the completion of my thesis project , as well !
WHICH PROJECTS FROM YOUR INTERNSHIP WERE
ESPECIALLY INTERESTING TO YOU ?
I would have to say that going out and stewarding the Conservancy ' s preserved properties was the most exciting part of my summer . As someone who had no prior knowledge or experience with the island , I had very little idea of what to expect . Kiawah Island is , by far , one of the most beautiful places I have seen and having the opportunity to see its different ecosystems during our property monitoring was wonderful . Each site had so much to offer in terms of plant diversity , and the wildlife was such a treat . Nothing like the reward of stumbling upon a doe and her fawn after a long day of fieldwork , you know ?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEXT ?
I have been lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to stay on with the Conservancy past the original conclusion of my internship and will be assisting in the completion of a variety of monitoring projects related to the various preserved properties on Kiawah . I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I have had with the Conservancy and look forward to the next chapters !
ROOTS 2023 • 43