RINCON, Ga. — This month, I am excited to introduce "Rewild Effingham," a new monthly column focused on exploring, learning about and protecting the natural world in Effingham County. The goal is simple: reconnect our community with the wildlife and landscapes we share and highlight practical ways residents can help protect them.
To rewild is to restore something to a natural or wild state. Rewilding can include protecting land, restoring ecosystems or supporting wildlife conservation. But my goal goes beyond conservation alone. Through "Rewild Effingham," I hope to rewild readers’ minds — encouraging greater awareness of the ecosystems around us and the role we all play in preserving them.
Each month, the column will include birdwatching tips and local recommendations, reports on wildlife sightings across Effingham County, ways residents can participate in conservation efforts, educational content for families and students, personal outdoor experiences, and updates on local environmental initiatives.
Roots in Effingham
I grew up in Rincon and attended South Effingham Elementary, Middle and High School. From an early age, I developed a passion for wildlife and the outdoors, earning the family nickname “Catfish.” Whether it was fish, frogs, lizards or birds, I knew I wanted to work with wild animals.
In middle and high school, I was involved in the National FFA Organization, where I competed in wildlife identification contests, and 4-H, where I presented wildlife and marine science programs. My interest in birds took shape after a visit to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in eighth grade, an experience that inspired me to begin birdwatching.
That passion soon grew into community involvement. I began leading birdwatching hikes for local residents, known as Ike’s Birding Hikes, with events at Honey Ridge Agricenter and New Ebenezer Retreat Center. Through these efforts, I became an honorary member of the Ogeechee Audubon Society, where I learned from lifelong birding experts and scientists.
From passion to profession
One of my favorite birds is the painted bunting, which I first spotted in my grandmother’s garden in Clyo. I have traveled locally and nationally to observe birds, including attending a young birders camp in Maine to see a colony of Atlantic puffins.
I pursued my interest academically at Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree in environment and sustainability with a focus on ornithology and wildlife conservation. After graduating in May 2025, I returned home to Effingham County to apply what I learned to benefit my community.
As Effingham continues to grow, development pressures and the loss of natural areas have become increasingly visible.
Looking ahead
In response, I founded Rookery and Roots Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving nature and preserving culture in the Lowcountry. With the support of my family and community members, the conservancy has protected 16 acres of forest and wetlands in Rincon, with plans to establish Scott’s Wild Bird Preserve.
The preserve will serve as a space for bird conservation, environmental education and community engagement. But conservation does not stop there. "Rewild Effingham" is an invitation to imagine what could happen if more residents protected even small pieces of land as natural habitat.
I look forward to sharing this journey with readers and helping Effingham reconnect with the wild places — and wildlife — that make our community unique.
