If you’ve visited Daniel Stowe Conservancy this summer, chances are you encountered a project worked on by one of our four summer interns! Our interns rolled up their sleeves and made a real impact across the entire property, from our Gardens to our trails to our online presence. From sparking creativity in on social media and this very blog, to shaping memorable recreation experiences, to supporting our summer camps and caring for our beautiful summer blooms, each intern brought fresh ideas and energy to our mission. Their contributions not only supported our daily work but also helped us grow in new and exciting ways and we’re excited to share a look back at what they accomplished.

Meet Jay Clarkson, Recreation Intern 

What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on this summer at Stowe? 
I really loved our workshops that we hosted. I taught a seed papermaking workshop, and I think people got a real kick out of crafting and simulatneously learning about native pollinator plants. Another workshop was the Ferns and Phenology workshop, where participants pressed ferns onto paper and walked along Persimmon Trail, identifying plants our phenology team has been documenting for years. It was great watching people learn about their natural world, and I had a fantastic time making connections within my community.

What are your plans now that your internship has wrapped up? 

I’m going to finish my senior year at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I’m studying Political Science with minors in Sustainability and Spanish. This semester, I am continuing to work as an Organizing Fellow with the North Carolina Conservation Network. I hope to work in environmental law or policy after I graduate, but I have a strong appreciation for the environmental nonprofits I’ve had the pleasure of working with!
What is your favorite place in Daniel Stowe Conservancy? 

I love bodies of water. My favorite place on the property is the trail system we have extending to Lake Wylie. It’s a beautiful place, and it lets me think deeply and engage with my natural world. Our connector trail brings me to Lake Wylie along Duke Kimbrell Trail, and I love looking out at the water. In the formal gardens, my favorite place is the Lost Hollow pond, where I can watch turtles, dragonflies, tadpoles and more. Stowe has an absolutely gorgeous property, and I will definitely come to visit even after I graduate.

What was your favorite part of interning at Stowe? 
I served as the Recreation Intern, where every week looked different. Out of all experiences, the summer camps were the most rewarding. I was a counselor for Rachel Andrea, the Recreation Manager, and I was responsible for keeping the children engaged. It was hard work, but they made me laugh and I had a wonderful time leading children through the outdoors, facing their fears and making lasting memories on the way. Paddling camp, where we taught kids the basics of kayaking and rafting, was the most fun part of my summer. I had my fair share of bug bites and wet hair, but it made me proud to work at such a wonderful place.

What do you like to do for fun outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love to play guitar, sing and watercolor. When I’m outside, I really enjoy hiking, birdwatching or reading stretched out on a hammock. I can always be found at a cafe, making new friends with a random stranger who has the same local band stickers on their laptop as myself.

Final Thoughts
This summer has been a fantastic way to work on event planning, education and community outreach. I’m so thankful for Daniel Stowe Conservancy, most specifically my boss Rachel Andrea, for giving me a fantastic work opportunity within my hometown. Their mission really makes this area a better, more environmentally-focused place to live in.

Meet Beau Eyer, Horticulture Intern 

Beau spent the summer working with Stowe’s entire Horticulture team, getting hands-on work in multiple areas, including the Canal Garden, Williamson Conservatory, Lost Hollow Children’s Garden, perennial gardens and more! Here’s what the Horticulture staff experienced working with their first summer intern:

“Beau’s work ethic and willingness to pitch in on group projects was welcomed and having an extra set of hands was always helpful.”– Michaela Karutz, Horticulturist

“Beau’s willingness to be so helpful with any task was refreshing.”– Sachaly Rosario Rivera, Horticulturist

“Beau’s enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring to me.”– Chloe Linton, Williamson Conservatory Manager

Meet Morgan Jepson, Marketing + Communications Intern

What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on this summer at Stowe?

I would definitely have to say that writing for the Garden Buzz Blog as well as capturing content during workshops and events have been my favorite projects. There is so much to experience here— the opportunity to discover and encapsulate so many snippets of Stowe in order to share them with our current and future guests has been nothing short of magic!

What are your plans now that your internship has wrapped up? 
Now that I’m graduated, my hope is to find a communication position where I can specialize in long-form content, similar to what I’ve been doing with the blog! I want to tell impactful stories. You’ll also find me continuing my work as a fashion stylist.
What is your favorite place on the property? 
I would definitely have to say the Butterfly Bungalow. It holds a very special place in my heart! Whenever I step inside, I become a child again.
What was your favorite part of interning at Stowe? 
Without a doubt, my favorite part of this internship has been the wonderful people that work here! What a knowledgeable, kind, passionate group of humans who strive to make the world a better place and uplift their community. It has been an honor to work alongside and learn from them all. I am so grateful.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work? 
Nature walks with my husband Brian and dog Honey are my happy place. I also love to travel, read good books, style fun outfits, go on picnics, sing and act!

Meet Emily Koehler, Education Intern

What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on this summer at Stowe?

My favorite things that I did during my internship was getting to help with all of the different summer camps!

What are your plans now that your internship has wrapped up? 

My plan now that my internship has wrapped up is to move back to Boone to complete my senior year at Appalachian State University and finish up my Environmental Science degree!

What is your favorite place on the property? 
My favorite place on the property is definitely the Adventure Trail and cooling off at Creekside!
What was your favorite part of interning at Stowe? 
My favorite part of my internship was all of the amazing people I got to work with and that I got to help provide a place for kids to spend some time outside this summer.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work? 
Outside of work I like to spend a lot of time with my friends whether that’s a hike, shopping or some arts and crafts!

Each of our interns brought their own unique talents, perspectives and passions to Daniel Stowe Conservancy this summer. Whether it was nurturing plants, planning and instructing workshops, inspiring young learners or sharing our story with the community, their efforts made a lasting mark on our work. We are grateful for their dedication and proud to have been part of their journey. Here’s to the next generation of leaders in conservation, education and community engagement—their future is as bright!