Wild Keeper Spotlight: Madison

Meet Wild Keeper, Madison! Madison has been a Wild Keeper for two terms now and is based in South Carolina, where she has been active and connected to the outdoors for as long as she can remember. A place she really loves to explore near home is "Devils Fork State Park (which I work at!). The biodiversity of the area is the best part! It is known as the salamander capital of the world! It also hosts several rare endemic species like the Oconee Bell (known as the holy grail of botany!)"

An experience that shaped her relationship with the outdoors was "my first time visiting the mountains (I grew up by the beach). It was awe inspiring and made me care for this planet even more deeply!" She says that nowadays her favorite ways to experience the outdoors is through "hiking, kayaking, swimming, and volunteering! I am on the executive board for an environmental club at my college as well!"

She shared that the challenges she's faced in regards to the outdoor space is around finances. "I’ve had issues with getting into aspects of the outdoors that cost money, unfortunately gear is expensive! As someone on a college budget, I found that getting my gear secondhand is the way to go. It is not only good for my wallet, but it also is a much more sustainable option! " 

Something she is really passionate about is the conservation of native pollinators! "I am studying conservation and entomology in college and hope to peruse it as a career! Most people only consider honey bees in the conversation, but native pollinators are the ones at risk! Native pollinators are the backbone of ever terrestrial ecosystem and should be treated as such!"

           Learn more about Madison and her Wild Keeping experiences below! 



Keep Nature Wild: What is your favorite thing about being a Wild Keeper?

Madison: Educating others about sustainability and conservation! That is my biggest passion in life!

KNW: What has picking up trash outdoors done for you?

M: It made me realize how easy it is to get out and make a difference. A little goes a long way!

KNW: Roughly how many pounds do you think you've picked up since you became a Wild Keeper?

M: 510 lbs

KNW: What goals do you have for this year? (or beyond?)

M: My goal is to learn as much as I can about the world around me and to have a career in conservation! I also plan on through-hiking the Appalachian trail!