Michael grew up exploring the maritime ecology of northeast Florida and visiting family in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Exposure to such extremes Southeast North American flora left an indelible impression that resulted in a deep appreciation for nature and a compulsion to be in it. Guided by a fascination of plant-life and a love of botany, most of his experience revolves around rare plant surveys, invasive plant removal, and continuing research into plant evolution. He studied plant biology at the University of North Carolina—Asheville, interned twice with the Asheville Botanical Garden (ABG), and recently completed a research and conservation internship with the Balsam Mountain Trust. Leisure usually resembles mindless gardening, but can also extend into hiking, amateur photography, and terrarium maintenance. Michael is so excited to be of continued service to the ABG, his Project Conserve host site for the next year.