Blair Dewing '17

Hey everyone!; My name's Blair Dewing and I was the Summer 2017 intern for Friends of Harriman State Park. I grew up in Houston, TX and recently graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA (Class of '17) with a major in Biology and a minor in French. I was lucky enough to receive the Knight Fellowship, courtesy of Albert Knight, to spend a summer out West in Island Park working at Harriman State Park with FHSP.

 

As an undergrad, my interest in the environment, outdoor recreation, and state and national parks was piqued thanks to my four-year research role working with Dr. David Marsh of the Washington and Lee Biology Department. I helped to plan and execute two long-term research projects concerning the effects of climate change on the endemic salamander species of Appalachia (specifically plethodon hubrichti). My research took me all across the Blue Ridge Parkway, throughout Jefferson National Forest, and along the Appalachian Trail. I loved the experiences I gained in the parks and federal land of the Eastern part of the country, but I am so excited to expand my horizons to the Western US as well.

 

Looking forward, I would love to pursue a future working in conservation and/or the management of our Parks system, so I was excited to learn more about the day-to-day operations, fundraising, and park management at Harriman. My interests also include writing and photography, so helping FHSP establish their social media presence is a really exciting and unique opportunity.

 

After the summer ends, I’ll be taking a gap year teaching English in Bordeaux, France but don’t be surprised to find me back out West once I return to the states next May!