Originally from New Jersey, Leigh found her way to WNC as a student at Appalachian State University. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology: Ecology, Evolution & the Environment and a minor in Sustainable Development. After graduating, Leigh received a permaculture design certification. She went on to work with an ecological restoration firm, followed by a resource conservation district in California. Most recently, she has worked with a local seed cooperative and native plant nursery in the Asheville area. Leigh is excited to continue on the land stewardship path and integrate her interests in bioregional climate adaptation while serving with Project Conserve at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. In her free time, you can find Leigh gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, or looking at soil microbes under her microscope.