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May is American Wetlands Month, and WithersRavenel is celebrating! Each week, we’re profiling one of our environmental professionals whose work includes wetlands. Today, meet Environmental Technician Patrick Welsh. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology from North Carolina State University, and came to WithersRavenel in 2021.
WithersRavenel: What sparked your interest in environmental science?
Patrick Welsh: My interest in environmental science started around 2015. I was going to community college in northern Virginia after separating from the Army in 2013 and had no idea what I wanted to do. But I needed another science class, and I was looking for an easy A. Well, it turned out to be the best decision I made because I fell in love with what I was learning and wanted to continue the environmental path.
WR: Tell me about your experience working outdoors in the Open Space Department with Wake County Parks and Recreation.
PW: The Open Space department is tasked with identifying important, rare, or historical habitat/land within Wake County for conservation. Basically, I spend my time walking through Open Space properties and record as many plant, bird, and animal species I can identify to go into a database to keep track of the biodiversity on Wake County property. For example, last year I was able to identify two slender glass lizards (Ophisaurus attenuates) in eastern Wake County which are incredibly rare.
WR: When you aren’t working, what types of outdoors activities do you enjoy?
PW: I really enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, especially low-exertion activities (birdwatching, walking, etc.) so I can be more in the moment and enjoy nature and my surroundings. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be backcountry backpacking for multiple days.
WithersRavenel provides wetlands services to a variety of public and private clients across the state. See all of our wetlands services or contact Environmental Practice Area Lead Troy Beasley.
This post was originally published on May 19, 2021, and was updated on May 3, 20222.