My name is Drew Parker and I am currently a senior Environmental Conservation and Sustainability major at the University of New Hampshire. I am delighted to be working with Nature Groupie as a summer intern, completing projects with state, local, and private agencies for the conservation and sustainability of natural resources in the Seacoast region. Some of the agencies I am particularly excited to interact with are: the NH Fish and Game Department, the Southeast Land Trust (SELT), and the UNH Shoals Marine Laboratory.

I was born and raised just outside of Atlanta, GA where I developed a love and passion for the natural sciences and the outdoors through Scouting. As a young child, I fell in love with New Hampshire on a family vacation and always knew I wanted to return. After serving five years in the Marine Corps, I decided to move to here and attend UNH; fulfilling my dream of living in the Granite State.

I am very excited to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained through my coursework to engage individuals and local communities in practical conservation projects with Nature Groupie’s partner agencies. I look forward to seeing people connect with their local communities and enjoy the aesthetic and tangible benefits provided by nature. One class I have enjoyed was Conservation Biology, where we learned about the importance of conserving biodiversity. I can’t wait to seeing how our partner agencies are incorporating this in their work. I am hopeful that the hands-on experience and contacts I gain from this internship will help guide my future career in the conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources in the region.