Wildlands Engineering | One + One Initiative

April 10, 2024

The Wildlands Engineering Team continues to make an impact in our communities

Wildlands recently wrapped up another year of charitable endeavors, impacting over 30 unique organizations through dedicated volunteer efforts and substantial financial contributions.

Through Wildlands’ One+One Initiative, each employee is allotted eight hours per year for community engagement. Since this program’s inception in 2015, the enthusiasm of our team members has been the driving force behind the success of our One+One Initiative. From helping to build affordable houses to participating in writing letters to school-age kids, our team members donated over 560 hours of their time in the past year alone, demonstrating a collective commitment to impacting our surrounding communities. Companywide, 76% of the allotted hours for volunteering were utilized, which reflects the dedication and generosity of our team in supporting meaningful causes and making a tangible impact within our communities.

As we look ahead, our goal is to expand the reach of our program, partnering with new organizations and working towards alleviating pressing needs in our communities. By fostering a culture of giving back, we aim to not only enhance our company’s social footprint but also inspire others to make a positive impact in their communities. Here’s to making a great impact in 2024!

This past year, Wildlands supported and sponsored a classroom for the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program. Through penpalship, this organization has given many of Wildlands’ scientists the ability to connect with students from all over the country and inspire them to explore a future in the environmental and water resources industry. Click here to read more about our scientists’ inspiring experience with this program »

November 1, 2023

Wildlands Partners with the Letters to a Pre-Scientist Program

This year, Wildlands has supported and sponsored a classroom for the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program. Through our One + One Initiative, this opportunity has given many of our scientists at Wildlands the ability to connect with students from all over the country and inspire them to explore a future in the environmental and water resources industry.

The mission of the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program strives to maintain a culture where everyone who participates feels supported to be their full selves; at Wildlands Engineering, we aim to portray the same values by ensuring an inclusive environment for every student we write compelling letters to, as well as clients and industry partners we interact with at project sites or industry events.

We look forward to continuously encouraging the younger generation of scientists to follow their dreams in defining their career pathway and becoming leaders in the environmental industry as we know it today!

Hear from some of our scientists on their inspiring experiences with Letters to a Pre-Scientist (LPS):

“I am very excited to be participating in the LPS program. The time commitment is minimal (only four letters). I am most excited about the opportunity to spark a kid’s interest in science and the outdoors. I think that it is really important to get kids excited and interested about science and the outdoors while they are young, because it correlates to involvement in the sciences as an adult. Having the opportunity to share about my experience can hopefully create some excitement in my pen pal. I think it is important for kids to have someone who encourages them and their curiosity – this program achieves those goals. Part of growing up is learning about different jobs, fields, and avenues to reach those jobs. These letters can provide a small exposure to my pen pal so that they can reach for their career goals.” Jeff Turner, Environmental Scientist in Charlotte, NC

“I love that Wildlands consistently participates in a plethora of varied outreach efforts and Letters to Pre-Scientists may be one of my favorites! It’s a heartwarming experience getting to connect with students, impart a passion for science, and act as a resource for them. This program facilitates many students’ first ever interaction with a STEM professional and is a great medium for students to see their own potential through the professionals they’re connected with. I also really value and appreciate the challenge of breaking down typical industry language into a format that’s easier for the student to digest – it pushes me to grasp and look at concepts in a different light! Most importantly, I believe in the goals and values of LPS, ‘being committed to supporting all aspects of diversity in STEM and ensuring an inclusive environment that is welcoming to everyone.” Madison LaSala, Environmental Scientist in Raleigh, NC

“I’m stoked to have received and responded to my pen pal’s first letter! It certainly brightened my day to see a hand-written letter on my keyboard when I came into work one day. I also had fun creating a photograph timeline showing how I got to my current position at Wildlands – along with a few fun facts about me.” Julie Bernstorf, PE, Water Resources Engineer in Asheville, NC

“I love the LPS program! From being matched with a pre-scientist to reading what their interests are and answering their questions. As an adolescent, I would’ve loved a program like LPS to connect with a science professional, so I put myself in their shoes and give it my all. It’s rewarding being a part of the planting crew – planting seeds for life!” Emily Israel, Stewardship Coordinator in Charlotte, NC

March 21, 2023

The Wildlands Engineering Team is making an impact in our communities

Since its inception in 2015, Wildlands’ corporate giving and volunteer program, One + One Initiative, has matured, yet its mission has remained the same — serving the under-served in local communities. Each year, the Wildlands team collectively selects the organizations to support through this initiative. Throughout the year, Wildlands makes monetary donations and gives each employee eight hours of paid time to spend volunteering at our partner organizations.

Our internal Committee on Equality (CoE) recently provided guidance to further shape the focus of the One+One initiative. Their guidance led Wildlands in selecting its company-wide partners, Boys and Girls Club and Letters to a Pre-Scientist. Additionally, in 2022, Wildlands added opportunities to support STEM education while building upon partnerships of years past. CLICK HERE to view the organizations we are currently supporting.

Our Charleston office recently spent the day working with Charleston Waterkeeper to build an oyster reef. Charleston Waterkeeper and volunteers partnered with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program to use recycled oyster shells to reestablish a suitable environment for new oyster growth. Oyster reefs improve water quality by filtering water, and provide habitat for coastal animals such as fish, crabs, shrimp, and birds.

January 11, 2021

Wildlands remains dedicated to our community partners in 2020

2020 was a challenging year, but through efforts undaunted, Wildlands continued to give back and volunteer in the community. We were proud to support these nonprofit organizations and look forward to working with them in 2021 through our One + One Initiative program! CLICK HERE to learn more about our corporate giving program.

March 10, 2020

Snapshot of Wildlands’ One + One Initiative

Through our One+One Initiative, Wildlands’ Raleigh team recently spent the day giving back with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. The team was excited to work on Habitat’s new multi-family town-home community where they helped to complete the framework. Nicole Millns, a senior water resources engineer, shares what the day meant to her, “We love partnering with Habitat! It’s a great opportunity to get our hands dirty and work together with other volunteers to build affordable housing for families in our local community. Often times, we get to meet the future homeowners and share in not only the sweat equity but the joy of building their home together.”

January 13, 2016

Wildlands’ Raleigh office gives back to the community

Our Raleigh team had a great time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. During their day of service, they focused on the roof and siding. Through our One + One Initiative, Wildlands gives multiple volunteer hours a year to each the local community. Learn more about our One + One Initiative »