Samuel Pickering
Athens
Summary
I like to think of myself as a person passionate for hands on work with a love and curiosity for the natural world.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Land Steward
Oconee River Land Trust
06.2021 - Current
- I monitor conservation easements held by the land trust and work with landowners to steward their property in a way that is in accordance with their specific conservation easement. Monitors make sure that reserved rights and activities allowed on the property are conducted in specific locations that won't impact waterways, high priority habitats, or encroach on riparian buffers. If poor practices or improper use of the land leads to erosion, sedimentation into waterways, harvesting of timber outside forestry envelopes, or other activities that may negatively impact the land I inform the landowner those activities are not permitted and why. I will also inform how to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again.
- Writing monitor reports, reviewing/ editing baseline reports and the conservation easement before a new project is signed.
- Writing for ORLT newsletter (e.g., spotlights on a particular and interesting species documented on easements, introducing a new project)
Conservation Land Manager
John Pickering
02.2021 - Current
- Aid in the elimination of invasive species, primarily Japanese stilt grass, Chinese privet, elaeagnus
- Help with erosion control by spreading course mulch and planting a number of different native plants to stabilize soil
- Documentation of all plant species on property premises
- Growing a diversity of native plant species from seed
- Planting and reestablishing a diversity of native plant species where invasive species have been removed
- Leading and directing volunteer groups for invasive species removal, planting
- Chainsawing, weed wrenching, and small prescribed fires with backpack burner
Hemp Farmer for CBD Production
Self-employeed
09.2019 - 01.2021
- Prepared and amended soil for five acres with compost and lime in amounts according to soil test analyses.
- Planned and constructed the layout for five acres of drip irrigation and flat lines coming from stored water reservoirs
- Planted, pruned, and harvested large mixed vegetable plot
- Implemented strict organic growing practices
- Planted native plants throughout rows as prairie strips encouraging pollinators and beneficial predatory insects
- Coordinated site visits to test and insure the crop was within legal threshold of 0.3% THC or less
- Planted buckwheat and clover as cover crop to stabilize and condition soil
- Hand harvested
- Post harvest drying and curing
- Coordinated and supplied necessary paperwork to sell to buyers
- Co-led/ managed a core crew of 4 and sometimes up to 15 for planting and harvesting
Custom Woodworker
Gus Darnell
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Constructed custom built furniture and cabinets according to specifications; from milling rough boards all the way to installation.
Woodworker/ Builder for Miniature Golf Course
Mike Taft Of Subpar
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Built according to designs and helped modify designs for 18 holes of miniature golf
- Constructed all courses in shop out of many types of wood and plys in multiple pieces that were then assembled on site
Hospice Care Volunteer
Continuum Care Hospice
10.2016 - 10.2017
- Provided care and company to hospice patients and their family
Greenhouse Technician
UGA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Cultivated poplar trees saplings for biofuel research
- Tasks included: watering/feeding, sanitation, integrated pest management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
University of Georgia
2010
Skills
- Proficient with hand/power tools in woodworking and general construction
- Knowledgeable in growing and cultivating plants
- working and collaborating with others on projects ranging from farming, building, and ecological restoration
- Habitat monitoring and assessment
- I have lectured to public groups about the importance of native plants, biodiversity, fundamentals of ecological restoration, and ways to remove invasive plant species without chemicals
- I have lead and directed volunteer groups for invasive plant removal, planting natives plants, building deer exclusion fences, and tool safety
- Plant identification
Additional Information
References:
Gus Darnell; Oneta Woodworks PH:706-410-5276
Clay Brewster; Woodworker and Construction PH:706-255-2150
John Pickering; PH 706-254-7446
Timeline
Land Steward
Oconee River Land Trust
06.2021 - Current
Conservation Land Manager
John Pickering
02.2021 - Current
Hemp Farmer for CBD Production
Self-employeed
09.2019 - 01.2021
Custom Woodworker
Gus Darnell
06.2018 - 08.2019
Woodworker/ Builder for Miniature Golf Course
Mike Taft Of Subpar
09.2017 - 04.2018
Hospice Care Volunteer
Continuum Care Hospice
10.2016 - 10.2017
Greenhouse Technician
UGA
01.2008 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
University of Georgia
Similar Profiles
Melissa FallertMelissa Fallert
Real Estate Broker Associate at River To River Land & HomesReal Estate Broker Associate at River To River Land & Homes
Tyler ZinkTyler Zink
GIS Lead Field Specialist at Allegany Land TrustGIS Lead Field Specialist at Allegany Land Trust
Robert Two Running Elk CoxRobert Two Running Elk Cox
Program Leader at Pocasset Pokanoket Land TrustProgram Leader at Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust
Elena WhittleElena Whittle
Pharmacist at RETAIL PHARMACYPharmacist at RETAIL PHARMACY
Terrell JonesTerrell Jones
Laborer/ Operator at Allied Paving ContractorLaborer/ Operator at Allied Paving Contractor