We’re thrilled to introduce Alec Sugars, who started his summer internship at the Zilker Botanical Garden in early June and has already been diving in to various projects around the Garden!
Alec is an Austin resident and student at the University of Vermont pursuing a degree in environmental science with a focus in landscape design and a minor in reporting and documentary storytelling. He is excited to work with the Zilker Botanical Garden as an intern and learn as much as possible from its people, landscape, and many plants. During his time this summer, he aims to blend his passions of photography and filmmaking with the environment and its conservation as well as highlighting all the wonderful things that can be found around the Garden.
We caught up with Alec to learn about his interests and hear what he’s excited to work on this summer – read more below:
How did you first get interested in horticulture and the natural environment?
I have been interested in the natural environment ever since I was a kid. Growing up, I would go on many outdoor adventures with my family and have always been fascinated by the environment and the organisms that inhabit it. Going to school at the University of Vermont to take my passion one step further, I found myself drawn to the idea of designing an environment through landscaping and horticulture.
What drew you to the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy’s mission?
To me, it is very important that cities have spaces where nature and communities of people can co-exist. Institutions like botanical gardens play an important part in providing these spaces for the community as well as education about the natural world. Being so passionate about this necessity, I was drawn to Zilker Botanical Garden.
Is there a skill or area of knowledge that you’re most excited to grow during your time at the Garden this summer?
This summer I am very excited to gain hands-on experience in horticulture and landscape design, specifically familiarizing myself with all the many types of plants and how to care for them. I hope to become a plant expert by the end of the summer.
Do you have a favorite outdoor activity to do in Texas? Tell me a little bit about your other hobbies and interests!
During Texas summers, my favorite outdoor activities include anything to do with water whether that be swimming, cliff jumping, or canoeing Lady Bird Lake. Outside of these things, I enjoy all kinds of photography and love to go to the theatre to watch all the new summer releases.
Alec will be working in lots of spaces around our Gardens this summer – be sure to say hello if you see him during your visit!
This summer internship is made possible by the Garden Club of Austin, with a matching donation by a generous community member! Want to support more opportunities like the Summer Internship and other community programs at the Conservancy? Donate today.