Protecting Land, Honoring Legacy: Julianna Welch’s Journey

From an early age, Julianna Welch’s passion for the outdoors was fostered by her upbringing in national parks and the influence of her parents’ careers in conservation.

Welch’s parents both worked as park rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and as she grew older, her mom took on seasonal work at other parks during the summer months.

“From living in Yellowstone to New River Gorge National Park, I was always outside and knew I wanted to have a similar career to my parents,” Welch said. 

Welch volunteered at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in high school and later served as a rafting guide, experiences that reinforced her aspirations to work outdoors. 

As she was preparing for college, Welch focused on finding academic programs that would align with her goal of working in conservation.

That’s when she discovered the College of Natural Resources at NC State, where she enrolled as a fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology major with a minor in applied ecology. 

Inspired by a dendrology course taught by Steph Jefferies in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Welch decided to double major in plant biology.

“Dr. Jefferies made the class so engaging, and I use what I learned almost daily, or whenever I see a tree,” Welch said. 

Welch also enrolled in the University Certificate in Field Botany program, which provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in vascular plant identification.

This interdisciplinary path has provided Welch, who is graduating this fall, with a unique perspective on conservation, allowing her to fully realize the interconnectedness of plants and wildlife.

“In an ecosystem, plants and wildlife are so connected, and learning about the parts of a system helps us understand the entire ecosystem,” Welch said. 

Reconnecting with Her Indigenous Roots

While at NC State, Welch’s studies also deepened her connection to her ancestral roots, as she is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

“Growing up, I didn’t know that much about Cherokee culture. It wasn’t really taught in schools, and I didn’t search it out,” Welch said. 

Welch didn’t expect to miss her cultural background when left home for college, as it hadn’t been a significant part of her identity at that time. 

But the longer she was away, Welch’s desire to reconnect with her culture grew, leading her to participate more in events focused on Cherokee traditions and heritage back home.

In August 2024, Welch joined the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, through which she learned about the Indigenous Conservation Corps (ICC).

The ICC is a partnership between Conservation Corps North Carolina, the U.S. National Forest Service and the EBCI to promote environmental stewardship and cultural preservation through collaborative conservation efforts.

Last summer, Welch served as an assistant crew lead for the ICC alongside her sister Rebecca, learning about Cherokee ecological knowledge and EBCI Natural Resources Department’s efforts to restore their relationship with the land.

“I’m so thankful that I participated in this program with my sister,” Welch said. “It helped me realize that I want to combine what I’ve learned at NC State with honoring Cherokee land stewardship and deepening my understanding of the culture.”

Exploring, Learning and Gaining Experience

Reflecting on her journey, Welch emphasized that her experience with the ICC was made possible in large part by the College of Natural Resources’ emphasis on hands-on learning.

As part of the fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology curriculum, all students are required to complete an experiential learning opportunity, such as an internship or field practicum, to graduate.

“The college sets students up for success by providing internship opportunities, supporting clubs and offering events,” Welch said. “One of its greatest strengths is enabling students to learn beyond the traditional classroom.”

Welch specifically highlighted the 6-week field practicum, known as Summer Camp, as being crucial to preparing her for fieldwork. The practicum allows students to gain practical experience in wildlife management and conservation practices.

“This experience was my first real introduction to wildlife management, and I’ve used so much of what we learned in just two internships,” Welch said. 

In addition to her experience with the ICC, Welch also completed an internship with Discover Life in America at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024.

Through these internships, Welch gained invaluable firsthand research skills, immersing herself in the complexities of fieldwork and learning to navigate logistical, environmental and organizational challenges.

Looking ahead, Welch plans to work seasonally before pursuing a master’s degree. Eventually, she hopes to return to her home in western North Carolina to pursue a career in conservation or a related field.

Welch expressed gratitude for the support and guidance she received throughout her time at NC State, specifically thanking her advisor, Lara Pacifici, and Kaly Wall, an academic services specialist.

When asked for advice to current students, Welch encouraged them to embrace every opportunity, stressing that hands-on experience is key to career success and building professional connections.

Additionally, Welch highlighted the importance of flexibility in fieldwork, noting, “Things won’t always go as planned, but a positive attitude makes all the difference.”