Anna Jones is from Spartanburg, South Carolina and is studying Sustainability Science (B.S.) at Furman University. As a child, she enjoyed hiking and camping all over WNC, especially the DuPont and Pisgah State Forests. Being raised outdoors is what gave her a love for environmental science, and she is excited to work with Friends of the Reedy to protect the natural landscapes she values so much. Outside of work, Anna loves going to the gym, gardening, playing with her two cats, and seeing live music. She recently saw Metallica play at Virginia Tech and hopes to get tickets to a Pearl Jam show after she comes back from New Mexico!

Q&A with Anna

Featured in the July 2025 Reedy Recap Staff Highlight

Q: What is the most fun part-time job you've ever had?

A:  Last year, I had the opportunity to be the Student Assistant Manager for the Furman Farm! This was technically a full-time job, but I also spent a lot of my academic year working part-time. The farm itself is a 1/4 acre, organic garden located on my university's campus. While working here, I was not only taught about soil science, ecology, and business, but each day brought something unexpected. We've dealt with everything from skunks and snakes to droughts and sudden plant disease. One of my favorite parts of the job was our farm stand, where we sold our produce for way below market value. We attracted all kinds of people, but often, we had families who normally wouldn't be able to afford such quality food. Being able to combat food deserts is something that was-- and still is-- extremely important to me. Even though field work isn't easy (you try working 8 hour shifts in 100°), I always felt taken care of. Whether it was a customer bringing us cookies or my boss buying the team fruit to keep us hydrated, there was never a moment where I wasn't a part of the Furman community. I still come work on the farm if I have time off at Furman, and continuously being able to remain a part of this community is something I will never take for granted. It's easily the best part-time job I've had.

Q:  What is the best vacation you've ever been on, or one that you have upcoming?

A:  I'm about to go to New Mexico to study cougars in the wild! The program is run through Furman and is known as the Wild Semester. Traveling to study environmental science has been a dream of mine since before I can remember. The plan for this trip is to fly to Hermosa, NM for 3 months. Hermosa is a former ghost town that has been renovated by Dr. Perry, Ph.D., and his company Natural Curiosity. During this time, I'll be taking classes on biology, ecology, and conservation. There are two halves to the program, and the second leg of the trip takes place after Thanksgiving. I'll get to fly to South Africa and travel through several national parks! I've never had the chance to observe elephants or lions in the wild before. Growing up in South Carolina, I certainly have an appreciation for nature. But it's going to be incredible to see something that isn't a deer or coyote for once. Though I am going to miss my friends and family, I am beyond excited for what this trip will hold.

Q:  What is the most interesting thing you've found at a FoRR litter cleanup?

A:  I actually did not find this object at a FoRR litter cleanup, but my friends and I had a creek in my backyard growing up. We would often explore upstream and pick up any trash we found along the way. We once found a working metal detector sitting out in one of the banks. Looking back, we probably stole it from some poor neighbor, but we've put it to good use. We still have it to this day!