Margot and Carolina Hemlocks on High Top
Margot Wallston is coming into this position with a background in land conservation, plant ecology, outdoor and environmental education, and experiential learning. Based out of Asheville, NC, she has worked for the Carolina Vegetation Survey, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, The American Chestnut Foundation, the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center, and the Outdoor Academy of the Southern Appalachians. Her interest in the plight of the hemlocks has been woven into each of those previous work experiences, but she is excited to be able to dedicate more focused attention on efforts to reduce the impacts of the adelgid to ensure these important species remain active members of our Appalachian bio-community.
“I first came to know hemlocks as a great source of tinder for fire building when I was a little girl attending summer camp in Transylvania County,” said Margot. “My counselor pointed out the delicate twigs of the old, dead branches closest to the ground. They were always dry and easy to light. This was over a decade before the hemlock woolly adelgid arrived in the Southern Appalachians. Years later, I developed an interest in ecosystems and natural plant communities; and I began to notice hemlocks and understand their importance in a whole new way. I am thrilled to be coming on board and look forward to working with the many partners who have contributed time, energy and support to this project!”
You can contact Margot at coordinator@savehemlocksnc.org