The SC Botanical Garden is a hidden gem right off Clemson’s campus. Whether visitors choose a guided tour or a self-guided visit, spend an entire day or an hour exploring gardens- it is a place to discover plants and experience the natural world. The Education team provides programs for adults and for school/children’s groups that can include a tour to visit the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Fran Hanson Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery and specific areas of the Botanical Garden.
They are so passionate and really hold together most of our outreach and education programming. They bring natural resource education not only to our university community, but the entire Upstate community. In FY25 our educators offered 42 educational programs and conducted 46 guided tours, providing education to 4200+ participants!
- Shannon Barrett, Director of Planning and Engagement
Meet the Team
James Wilkins – Environmental Education and Natural Resource Coordinator
I love sharing the natural world and the Garden with everyone, and I’m lucky to help lead tours for the University community, visiting schools, and groups of all ages. My monthly programs (bird walks and Friday Forays) are favorites, along with our Junior Naturalist and summer camp programs.
I maintain and monitor our bluebird boxes and bird-feeding and observation station. I also support our invasive plant management efforts through seasonal workshops and by working with volunteers. These efforts help keep my hands dirty and my days well-rounded.
Over the past year my family has grown to include three horses, nine chickens, and one rooster. I’m loving the learning curve that comes with putting sustainable land management into practice in our pastures and woodlands.
Sue Watts – Education Program Coordinator
I create and implement environmental education programs for all ages. In spring and fall, I run Garden Sprouts (3–5-year-olds) and Junior Naturalists (6-11-year-olds); for families, I hold a Nature Center Open House once a month on a Saturday afternoon. My goal for this program is to have hands-on and interactive activities for all ages based on a monthly theme. In the summer months, I hold three camps, each with a different theme. In addition, I administer the South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Program. This is a partnership between the Botanical Garden and the South Carolina Native Plant Society to educate people about native plants, plant communities, sustainable landscaping practices and more. In addition, the educators conduct tours for school groups and other interested parties throughout the year.
I also produce the Garden’s newsletter and some of the educational signage. I love to write and produce educational material for several local organizations.
I was born in England and as an adult have had the good fortune to be able to travel and live in several countries, including Canada and New Zealand. I now live in Pendleton but still have itchy feet to travel. I recently visited Florence and am planning a trip to Venice in the new year. I have two grown children, and I am an animal lover.
Allison Jones, Education Program Coordinator
As an Education Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Botanical Garden, I design and lead a variety of educational programs. This includes monthly classes like Tot Tales & Trails for preschoolers and parents, Homeschool Days for elementary and middle school students and learning guides, SCBG Nature Journaling Club for adults. I also offer a variety of Garden Creativity classes (arts and crafts- Join us for the upcoming Wintry Wreaths classes on Dec. 3 and 4!) and Discovery classes (varied nature-based classes for families). Along with my team members, I guide garden tours, give presentations for local garden and community clubs, host annual summer camps, and participate in other community outreach. I also administer the SCBG Events Calendar and program registration systems.
In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting and antiquing, nature journaling, and spending time outdoors with my husband, our two daughters, and our Papillon.
The Clemson Champion is Staff Senate’s spotlight for exceptional staff and teams at Clemson. Stay tuned and meet more Clemson Champions in future posts.
