The soul of Lowcountry Land Trust is our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Lowcountry landscape while fostering strong community ties. This summer, we are excited to welcome Meredith McLeod, our GIS intern, who brings her passion for conservation and community engagement to our team.
Meredith is currently a Clemson University student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in business. Her academic journey has been diverse and enriching, providing her with a robust foundation in research and practical skills. One of the highlights of her academic experience thus far was an independent research project focusing on the human impacts on wetlands in the Southeast. This project honed her GIS skills and deepened her understanding of environmental issues.
Meredith’s journey to Lowcountry Land Trust began with a desire to gain hands-on experience in conservation work. The mission of Lowcountry Land Trust resonated with her, particularly the organization’s promise to protect landscapes and waterways forever and its efforts to connect with local communities with conservation. As a sociology major, Meredith is particularly drawn to Lowcountry Land Trust’s mission of nurturing relationships between people and place. “The organization’s dedication to connecting the Lowcountry community to conservation is well-known, and I was eager to contribute to this movement through my GIS skills,” Meredith shared.
This summer, Meredith will provide geospatial data and analysis support to the organization’s land protection team. Her work involves creating maps for various purposes, including baseline documentation reports, grant applications, internal reports, and field data collection. Lowcountry Land Trust can more effectively plan and implement its conservation strategies through her contributions.
One of Meredith’s favorite aspects of her internship has been visiting conservation easement sites such as Boone Hall Plantation and the Angel Oak Preserve. “These visits gave me an even greater appreciation for the work being done by this organization, and I enjoyed hearing about the conservation legacy at each site,” she said. These field experiences have enriched her understanding of the importance and impact of Lowcountry Land Trust’s conservation efforts.
Meredith believes her internship at Lowcountry Land Trust will significantly influence her career path. “This experience will help me gauge which path I want to pursue in the field of conservation,” she explained. By engaging in hands-on work and learning from experienced peers, she hopes to gain greater insight into the various avenues within the conservation field.
We are thrilled to have Meredith McLeod on board this summer and look forward to the positive impact she will make through her work. Her passion for conservation and dedication to community engagement aligns perfectly with the mission of Lowcountry Land Trust, and we are excited to support her as she continues to explore her career in conservation.
We will be accepting intern applications for next summer in February of 2025. If you would like to receive more information about upcoming internships when it is available, please sign up for our email list.
