Clint DeWitt

09.17.2018 - Kanuga Stories

Kanuga is a special place to many—including our employees. While most of our staff can be seen in the daily workings, some of our employees work hard behind the scenes. Far from being unsung heroes, we rely upon their skill and expertise to make Kanuga the treasure it is today.

Meet Clint DeWitt

Clint DeWitt serves as Kanuga’s Environmental Projects Manager. His expertise can be spotted almost everywhere you look on campus. He oversaw the implementation of the new eco-tours during Summer Guest Period, is responsible for the preservation of Kanuga’s bog, and helped transformed Kanuga’s garden from a wet patch of grass to the thriving Foster Educational Garden Center.

We caught up with him earlier this month to learn more about how he helps make Kanuga tick.

What is your job role at Kanuga?
Clint: As Environmental Projects Manager I have the best job here. I work to ensure our wild places are cared for. In the summer, I work in the Foster Educational Garden Center, help monitor and maintain some of the property’s solar hot water systems, educate staff and guests on the land around them, and work on Kanuga’s new green initiatives. I don’t do it alone—I get to work with some amazing staff, contractors, nonprofits, and government agencies along the way.

What is your favorite thing about Kanuga?
Clint: The opportunity for quiet and contemplation. There are plenty of days when I need to do some trail work or check on a specific population or species on property. During those moments, when I am in the woods alone, I am reminded of how special this place is.

What are some of your favorite work projects?
Clint: I’m probably the most proud of the garden. When we started the garden in 2007, it was a small patch of wet earth in a field with some old apple trees. The first summer, we built a temporary shed and had to water everything by hand using water from the stream. Now we have a real shed, greenhouse, and teaching space. We are also converting all of the garden into raised beds to reduce runoff, increase productivity, and show guests that anyone can grow their own food.

Do you have a special Kanuga memory?
Clint: Like everyone who comes to Kanuga, I’ve met some amazing people, formed lasting friendships, and become a better person because of them. Most importantly, I met Meghan—my wife—at Kanuga. We led a backpacking trip together as instructors at Mountain Trail Outdoor School, and were friends for a number of years. Much later, I asked her to marry me in the middle of the garden. We were married not long after in the Chapel of the Transfiguration. I will always be grateful to this place for bringing us together; it is more than I could ever ask for.