Matalynn Padgett
This summer, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) student Matalynn Padgett gained firsthand experience in the forestry industry through an internship with the Weyerhaeuser Company at the organization’s Timberlands Office in Thomasville, Alabama. The role introduced her to the daily operations behind one of the largest private landowners in the United States and gave her a deeper understanding of how sustainable timber management functions at an industrial scale.
A primary part of Padgett’s internship was her summer intern project, an important element of Weyerhaeuser’s program. Each intern is assigned a project to develop throughout their employment and present to company leaders at the end of the summer. Padgett’s project focused on stream crossings, where she documented and organized crossings data within Weyerhaeuser’s ArcGIS system. Her work contributes to a long-term effort to improve monitoring and ensure the company’s timberland crossings remain safe, functional and environmentally responsible.
Outside of her project, Padgett spent much of her time riding along with managers, observing their daily responsibilities and assisting with fieldwork. These experiences gave her a day-to-day view of land management, from navigating active harvest sites to coordinating with contractors and loggers.
“I found the ride-alongs and advice I received from the many managers at the office were the most beneficial,” Padgett says. “Through these ride-alongs, I was able to see what a manager’s workday is like. The managers were very open about their experiences and answered any questions I had.”
Her internship also took her beyond the Thomasville Timberlands Office. Padgett visited several mills and other Timberlands offices across the South, giving her a broader understanding of how Weyerhaeuser’s operations connect to the mills. One of the most memorable parts of the summer for Padgett was the intern event in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where southern Timberlands interns gathered for a week of tours, meetings and professional development. Interns were offered a deeper look at the company’s structure and explored the many career paths available within Weyerhaeuser.
Padgett credits her Auburn coursework for preparing her for this opportunity and says her classes gave her both technical skills and practical knowledge that proved essential during the internship. Her time with Weyerhaeuser also helped clarify her future goals, opening her eyes to new career paths and strengthening her interest in forestry.
“My ArcGIS class was very beneficial since I spent a lot of time mapping and navigating Weyerhaeuser’s GIS system,” Padgett said. “My harvesting class was also extremely important because it helped me learn more about harvesting operations. This made me more knowledgeable when conversing with loggers and contractors. My internship sparked a high interest in land management and silviculture as possible future careers. It has also made me think about pursuing a master’s degree in some type of forest business.”
Reflective of the CFWE’s mission to advance student experience through experiential learning, Padgett’s internship ultimately proved to be an invaluable opportunity to build confidence, strengthen technical skills and explore the professional possibilities within timber management.
