Rachel Harley

“All important ideas must include the trees, the mountains, and the rivers.”

Mary Oliver, Leaves and Blossoms Along the Way

Rachel grew up on the Carolina coast in Charleston, South Carolina. Surrounded by the Lowcountry’s expansive salt marshes, mossy forests, and blue ocean, she developed an appreciation for nature from the earliest stages in life. Her parents fostered Rachel and her four siblings’ love for the natural world through travel and exploration, which has stuck with her ever since. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Clemson University’s Honors College. During the summers of 2021 and 2022, she worked seasonally in Yellowstone and Denali National Parks, developing relationship-building skills and planning logistics for park guests. After immersing herself in the parks, Rachel knew she wanted to protect our greatest asset: the land those parks were protecting. She was drawn to Washington, D.C., for the area’s natural beauty and diversity, as well as the opportunity to work closely with others who are also passionate about preserving our nation’s wild places. 

Rachel currently works as the Development Coordinator for the National Park Trust. In her role, she supports the organization’s rapidly growing fundraising efforts that fuel all programs. She is passionate about her role in helping donors to conserve our national parks and create park stewards for tomorrow.