Welcome! Summer 2026 Interns and Seasonals

Katie Wright

Katie is joining for the summer of 2026 as an engagement intern. She is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Asheville majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecology. Her love for the mountains drew her to Asheville, where she is engaged with environmental restoration and education. She loves active field work and has special interests and experience in fish and bird ecology. In her free time, you can find Katie in nature hiking, paddle boarding,and longboarding. Katie is excited to work with SAHC to help connect and educate the community about the local environment.

Lewis Gray

A student at the University of North Carolina – Asheville pursuing a degree in Ecology, Lewis is interning at the SAHC Community Farm to gain hands-on experience in conservation, environmental stewardship, and community agriculture. His passion for conservation comes from a lifelong love of the outdoors, and some of his favorite activities include camping, hunting, fishing, and just about any kind of outdoor adventure. Whether he’s on a new trail, spending time on the water, or just working outdoors, Lewis enjoys connecting with the natural world and learning more about the ecosystems around him.

“During my internship, I’ll be helping with farm operations and maintenance, assisting with educational tours, and contributing to various restoration projects,” says Lewis. “I’m looking forward to learning from the SAHC staff, developing practical conservation skills, and gaining experience that complements what I’ve learned in the classroom. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend the summer with SAHC and excited to contribute to projects that support conservation and environmental stewardship throughout the region. I look forward to learning as much as I can, meeting new people, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”

Julianna Hearne

A rising high school senior at Nesbitt Discovery Academy, Julianna has lived in the Asheville and Leicester area her whole life and currently lives on a conserved farm in Sandy Mush (protected by SAHC conservation easement). She is considering pursuing a degree in environmental science or sustainability in college. She has enjoyed running cross country and track throughout high school, and loves playing her guitar.  Through her summer internship with SAHC, Julianna is learning about different aspects of our work and assist with communications, outreach events, and farm projects.

Madison Glenn

Maddy grew up in Northern California, where her love of the outdoors began between the Mayacamas Mountains and the coastline of Bodega Bay. She graduated in 2022 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences, a concentration in Hydrology, and a minor in Spanish. She then spent a few years working as a soil scientist. Madison is now pursuing her Master of Environmental Management degree at Duke University, focusing on ecosystems ecology and policy. As a Stanback Fellow from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, Maddy is helping SAHC develop a land management plan for a recently conserved property. In her free time, she loves climbing, reading, hiking, and volunteering at the Duke Campus Farm. She  is excited to explore the southern Appalachians this summer with SAHC.

Austin Bennett

Austin is a student at Appalachian State University pursuing a B.S. in Recreation Management with a minor in Biology and a focus on Parks. He is from Denver, NC, a small town about 30 minutes from Charlotte, and enjoys hiking, cooking, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

“Studying biology and spending time outdoors has developed my current appreciation for the environment,” says Austin. “I’m very passionate about protecting and preserving natural beauty for sustainable uses that provide leisure services for the community. Once I graduate from App State, I hope to build a career in natural resource management. Connecting with people through broader communities has given me a passion to share what I enjoy to do. I’m excited to apply my studies with the SAHC team through hands-on land conservation fieldwork to contribute stewardship for Roan Mountain’s remarkable landscapes and all the diverse life that calls this place home.”