Coming to Yadkin Riverkeeper is an exciting time for me. I am currently a Master's in Science student of Environment and Sustainability at UNC-Greensboro. Over the course of my life, science and the outdoors have inspired me both spiritually and intrapersonally to grow. I come from a long line of farmers and engineers and although I grew up in the suburbs of Cary, NC, I longed to be in the wilderness.

Water is my passion, along with making a difference in my community. As an undergraduate at UNC-G I developed a research project with my mentor Dr. Sarah Praskievicz on how and why people drink bottled water in Greensboro, NC. I was awarded a URCA grant to find the patterns of bottled water consumption and perception of tap water quality in Greensboro. Recently, this project was accepted into the Southeastern Geographer Journal and will be published in a special edition on water in 2024. After doing a graduation capstone project on the Deep River, where I kayaked sections collecting data on human impact and river conditions, I knew I wanted to become a riverkeeper. I am hoping to learn as much as I can at Yadkin Riverkeeper and contribute to the efforts to protect this beautiful watershed.

My name is Clayton Rhoads, and I'm currently a senior at Wake Forest University. Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. I am trying to bring these topics together with my passion for environmental policy. Growing up in a rural area has been instrumental in creating my love for nature. My backyard adventures in hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more have not only been hobbies, but have ignited a spirit for environmental advocacy. It's these experiences that have steered me towards a mission of contributing to a healthier planet and a cleaner outdoors through policy-based solutions. This summer, during a Congressional internship, I had the incredible opportunity to delve into water policy within the Ohio River Basin. The exposure was transformative, and it was during this time that my interest in water policy, particularly related to rivers, developed.

I am very excited to start my internship with the Yadkin Riverkeeper, as this role aligns with my passions, offering a chance to make a tangible impact on water quality issues. I am eager to immerse myself in the hands-on work of protecting our water resources and contributing to a sustainable future. The prospect of learning from professionals in the field is something I am particularly thrilled about. This invaluable opportunity to gain insights, refine my skills, and cultivate a deeper understanding of effective environmental stewardship is something I am looking forward to. I believe that being part of the Yadkin Riverkeeper team will not only allow me to contribute meaningfully, but also serve as a stepping stone in my journey towards creating positive change. Thank you for this opportunity to join and be of any help I can.