south fork watershed Manager

As the South Fork watershed manager, Jenn works to advance the goals and mission of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. Jenn partners with groups such as the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the South Fork Collective, as well as local stakeholders, to prioritize projects that will improve local water quality and increase biodiversity. Jenn also aids in projects such as our Swim Guide program and the expansion of outreach and recreation programs. 

Jenn found her passion for aquatic biology while pursuing her Bachelors degree in natural resource conservation and management at Western Carolina University. With a focus on aquatic habitat and fisheries management in her studies, Jenn conducted research on fish habitat in the Little Tennessee River and its effects on native fish assemblages. Jenn started her career in aquatic conservation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission in the foothills region, monitoring populations of native fish, crayfish, and mussels. This introduced Jenn to the Catawba River and its beautiful wildlife, and she hopes to continue her work conserving these unique species with the Catawba Riverkeeper. 

In her free time, Jenn loves to hike, sew, and do Colorguard.