What is your role at TLC? As the Land Protection Associate, I work with conservation-minded landowners to protect properties through easements and acquisitions. I primarily work in Lee and Johnston counties and support other land protection staff.
Favorite TLC Preserve? Although it’s hard to pick, I would say my favorite is the Bailey and Sarah Williamson preserve. I love the on-site partnerships and both hiking and mountain biking there. The plans for the Williamson preserve were just beginning when I was an AmeriCorps member at TLC, and it’s been amazing to see how they have come to life since then.
Melissa rejoined TLC as the Land Protection Associate in August 2023. Born and raised in Durham, Melissa grew up camping and hiking across North Carolina. She has always been fascinated by the natural world, and after graduating from NC State University she decided to pursue a career that would ensure others got the chance to connect with nature too. She spent 10 months with TLC as an AmeriCorps member doing community engagement and environmental education before transitioning to a full time position at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Her time at WRC allowed her to work on land conservation projects across the state, but she missed the local impact and passionate staff at TLC. She is excited to be back and working towards a sustainable future for the Triangle!
