Fall Lady Slipper Award Winner
Congratulations to Susan McHugh, our 2021 Fall Lady Slipper Award recipient!
Susan began her journey with Conserving Carolina in 2018 when a 100-acre plot of land was proposed to become a tactical gun range in her neighborhood. Not only was this plot home to untold wildlife, numerous freshwater springs, and mature, healthy hemlock trees, but a low elevation seep created a unique bog area on the land. Knowing that this plot had unmeasured ecological importance, Susan stepped up to protect the area. Thus began Susan’s connection and deep appreciation for the necessity for Conserving Carolina’s work.
“It was what caused me to realize the urgent need for future planning and preserving these extraordinary resources, which make our area so unique,” Susan says.
Now, Susan serves on the Conserving Carolina Board, offering her time and energy to support its mission to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world. In this position, she has come to know Conserving Carolina and the many staff members that strive to fulfill their mission every day. It is a most rewarding experience, Susan says, to see the “laser focus” and commitment Conserving Carolina’s staff has for the protection and conservation of WNC’s natural resources.
When Susan isn’t donating her time to Conserving Carolina, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family—especially her two wonderful nephews! She is also very involved in the Polk County School system, supporting scholarship programs and educational needs.
“Keep on, keeping on. Stay the Course. With Urgency.”
As the world continues to spin and the future becomes the now, Susan is hopeful for the mission of Conserving Carolina. Striving for lofty environmental and ecological goals through community engagement, education, inclusion, and financial sustainability is what Susan sees in Conserving Carolina’s future. She is optimistic for future outreach to local governments, and for broadening the scope of Conserving Carolina’s greenways, trails, and greenspaces.
As grateful as Susan is to be a part of this mission, Conserving Carolina is so grateful for all Susan’s time and support! Thank you, Susan!