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Five Questions with Kati McArdle

October 2, 2024

Meet Kati McArdle who joined the UNC Institute for the Environment’s Center for Public Engagement with Science (CPES) in 2024 as a project coordinator. McArdle pursued her undergraduate degrees (professional writing and environmental studies & agriscience) at Michigan State University, and then earned an M.S. in natural resources from NC State University. McArdle has worked at several National Park Service sites, including at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and with their associated nonprofit friends group, the Conservancy for CVNP, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site and Yosemite National Park. McArdle also has previous experience as the grants and donor communications manager for the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, an environmental advocacy nonprofit, and as a conservation educator with Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham, N.C. 

McArdle standing outside the historic presidential home and library at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, OH.
McArdle standing outside the historic presidential home and library at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, OH. Photo courtesy of Kati McArdle.

Tell us about your career so far.

I’ve been fortunate to work in the environmental/conservation/parks sector for most of my career, which has provided the opportunity to work in different states, settings and roles. After I graduated from Michigan State University, I returned to my home region of Northeast Ohio, where for several years I worked with two units of the National Park Service. I spent time living and working in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including with their nonprofit friends group, the Conservancy for CVNP. I did some of everything there: working in the volunteer office, managing the winter sports center and organizing arts and culture events. After that, I worked as a seasonal ranger at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Graduate school then brought me to Raleigh and NC State University, where I earned an M.S. in natural resources alongside working as a teaching and research assistant in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. After working in another seasonal role at Yosemite National Park in California, I located to Charleston, S.C., where I lived for several years while working in my most recent full-time role as the grants and donor communications manager for an environmental advocacy nonprofit, the Coastal Conservation League. When I moved back to this area in 2021, I worked for a few years with Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham as a contract conservation educator while continuing my role with the Conservation League. I learned much and have fond memories from each of these places, and I am eager to experience that here at UNC, as well! 

McArdle exploring around the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Townsend, TN as part of a Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management course at NC State.
McArdle exploring around the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Townsend, TN as part of a Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management course at NC State. Photo courtesy of Kati McArdle.

What are you looking forward to most in your role (career-wise and life at UNC-wise)?

 I am enjoying the opportunity to again work with a locally-based organization that contributes to the community and the state that I now call home (as well as beyond those borders). I’ve lived in Carrboro for the past several years, but for much of that time, was working in a fully remote capacity. I really did miss the in-person and hands-on opportunities that I am excited about in my new role. UNC is part of a wonderful community and an amazing state—I am glad to be back and to have the opportunity to make an impact as a project coordinator with the Institute for the Environment’s Center for Public Engagement with Science. 

McArdle with Terra the Diamondback Terrapin (native turtle found in brackish water) at Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham, N.C.
McArdle with Terra the Diamondback Terrapin (native turtle found in brackish water) at Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham, N.C. Photo courtesy of Kati McArdle.

Is there a discipline, mindset or practice that has helped you achieve all these things?

Some might describe their career journey as a path, but I like to envision mine as more of a garden—a living, growing, ever-changing place that, with thoughtful intention, will continue to evolve into something beautiful. It may never be perfect, and there will be times when it doesn’t look quite the way you would like, but it is always something of your own creation. And with time and care, it will provide valuable resources, and a bountiful harvest for you to reap and to share with others. 

McArdle at the 'Valley View' lookout along the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, CA.
McArdle at the ‘Valley View’ lookout along the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, CA. Photo courtesy of Kati McArdle.

What has been the most rewarding thing you have experienced in your career so far?

Last year, I completed the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program, a 200-hour program managed by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to build environmental education skills, learn about and experience the many amazing environmental education sites and resources available throughout North Carolina (including right here in Chapel Hill), and be introduced to other educators that are part of the community. It’s also a great way to continue development of skills as you have the opportunity to renew your certification throughout your career, and beyond. I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in environmental and/or outdoor education. 

What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

I really love animals, including snakes—I have been lucky to spot (without incident, thankfully) copperheads on two different occasions here in the Triangle area. Both times, I was volunteering at events with local conservation groups where we were pulling an invasive plant species that is very common in the area, Microstegium vimineum (aka Japanese Stilt Grass). I felt a mixture of surprise and excitement, and it’s a good reminder to always be aware while you’re out enjoying nature! 

See more “Meet the Team!” profiles.