Over the past 7 months I have been working as an intern at Seabrook Island.   Seabrook Island is one of 35 barrier islands in South Carolina. Barrier islands, like Seabrook, protect the mainland from the effects of storms, from the sea and changing tides. The grassy dunes, maritime forests and wetlands of Seabrook Island provide food, cover and nesting for wildlife as well as a background for outdoor recreational activities and coastal living. The preservation and maintenance of all trees, natural features, distinctive flora, native vegetation and natural areas is essential to maintaining Seabrook Island as a barrier island. The urbanization and landscape plans will be compatible with and blend in with existing natural features and vegetation with emphasis on the conservation of water and natural resources.  My experiences range from learning about the plant materials that are most prevalent on the island, designing landscapes, the costs and manpower associated with getting work done, the inner workings of a budget, working with contractors and dealing with the different types of personalities that are present on the island.  I have been available to homeowners to answer any of their horticultural or irrigation questions that they may have.  I have also selected the plant materials that were used for the spring planting this year.  This included the design, plant selection, and layout of the plant materials that were used at the community center on the island.  I feel that these experiences will help me be able to deal with public questions and concerns after I graduate and get a job.