We are excited to introduce Irenee Payne as our new Pollinator Coordinator!
Irenee grew up on a cattle farm in North Georgia, where she spent her childhood learning about native plants and wildlife from her family. Irenee went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in biology from Young Harris College and a master’s degree in environmental science from Oregon State University. Throughout her academic endeavors, she has researched plant biochemistry, human impacts on various ecosystems, and the impact of fire on plant species composition in forests. Irenee has worked as a DPA for Hall County Soil & Water Conservation District for the last two and a half years, where she has educated her community on a variety of topics, including soil health, water quality, native species dynamics, and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems. As the Pollinator Coordinator, Irenee hopes to implement outreach and educational opportunities that address the role pollinators play in maintaining diverse plant communities and ecosystem resilience throughout Georgia.
Irenee will be working directly with the Conservation Districts as she coordinates the implementation and installation of our pollinator gardens and habitats throughout the state!
More information on our Pollinator Initiative at www.gacd.us/pollinators