Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hometown: I grew up on the north side of Indianapolis in Carmel, Indiana.
Program of study and related job experience: I graduated from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington with a degree in International Environmental Studies. Prior to joining the National Park Service last year, I held various positions related to marine conservation, sea turtle rescue/rehabilitation, and shark research, as well as program management and development.
Position in our Outer Banks national parks: I am the new Partnerships Program Specialist. I manage the partnerships for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
Where you can be found: My office is in the Outer Banks Group Headquarters, located at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. It’s not uncommon for me to find me at one of our three park locations or visiting with various partners along the Seashore!
Other national parks you have worked at: Although I’m not new to the federal government, this is my first job with the National Park Service!
Currently reading: I’m currently reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage – the story of Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 attempt to reach the South Pole.
What do you like to do in your free time? I absolutely love to explore and try new things. Whether that’s finding a new beach spot, trying a new restaurant, or reading a book, I’m always trying to do something or go somewhere I’ve never been or do something I’ve never done.
What do you like most about the Outer Banks? I’ve lived in a lot of places around the country and the beach has always felt like home to me. The Outer Banks is special, though. I love the history, tight-knit community, and preserved natural beauty of the area. It’s magical here.
How did you end up in your current position with the National Park Service?
Prior to moving to the Outer Banks at the end of September, I lived in Colorado for a few years, and prior to that lived in Wilmington, North Carolina. My last couple years living in Colorado I felt a pull to be back out on the North Carolina coast and by some miracle, this position was open, and all of the pieces fell into place. I am so happy to be here!
What does a typical workday or work week look like for you?
Every day is a little bit different! The Outer Banks Group is such a unique set of parks with a huge diversity of partners, and that’s been an adventure. A typical day looks like anything from meeting with partners in the field to work through challenges or visiting with field staff, to reviewing and drafting agreements, to fielding potential partnership opportunities for the parks.
What do you enjoy most about working in our Outer Banks national parks?
I love the challenge. The Outer Banks Group parks interface with the public in ways that no other parks in the country do. I thoroughly enjoy the ability to find ways to connect the community to our national parks and help develop relationships that both preserve the natural and historical beauty of the area while also strengthening and admiring local culture and tradition.
What is a favorite memory you have from your time working in the Outer Banks?
Aside from working with people, marine biology is a huge passion of mine. Going out into the field with Paul Doskhkov, our Lead Biological Technician for the Bodie Island district, has been one of my favorite days at work so far! It was great to get out into the field and get a better sense of what his team does in a typical day.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or about our Outer Banks national parks?
My door is always open! A huge goal of mine is to create an ongoing and open dialogue between the National Park Service and the public – I am always interested in hearing ideas, thoughts, concerns, and beyond!
Note: If you’d like to connect with Taylor, you can email her at: taylor_evans@nps.gov!