The strength of SCNPS comes from its volunteers — people who give their time, energy, and expertise to carry out our mission of protecting, restoring, and educating about native plants and their habitats. This year, we’re excited to welcome several new members to the Upstate Board, each bringing unique experiences and passions to their roles.
Emily Poole — Advocacy Chair
Emily Poole is joining the Upstate SCNPS Board as Advocacy Chair. She’s thrilled to join the Board to further education, advocacy, and protection for native plants and habitats in our region. Originally from Athens, GA, Emily now lives in Greenville with her spouse and two cats. She is a Staff Attorney at the South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP), where she works on cases in the Upstate and on policy issues across the state.
She has always been passionate about protecting the lands, waters, habitats, species, and communities that make South Carolina unique. “My job at SCELP allows me to be a legal advocate for people and places in South Carolina, but I really enjoy leading advocacy efforts outside of the courtroom, too,” she says. Emily looks forward to meeting, collaborating with, and serving the members of the chapter. When asked about her favorite native plant, there was a clear winner: she loves native azaleas.
Marge Scieszka — Field Trip Coordinator
Marge Scieszka has joined the Upstate Board as Field Trip Coordinator. Born in Massachusetts, she moved to Greenville in 1978 with her husband, Dan, and their daughters, Tina and Kim. She spent 42 years in education, teaching math and supporting math and science teachers statewide.
Gardening has been part of her life since childhood. She first connected with SCNPS after hearing Dan Whitten and Rick Huffman speak at Furman’s OLLI program. Today she enjoys volunteering with the Greenhouse Gang. “I love watching the plants grow from seed to mature plant to compost!” she says. While she doesn’t have a single favorite native plant, she is always amazed at the berries on the beautyberry bushes and watching the birds that enjoy them.
We’ll be introducing another new board member in an upcoming update. In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Emily and Marge — and be sure to say hello when you see them at upcoming meetings and events.
