Rising 3L Logan Byler grew up with a deep appreciation of the outdoors, a connection that stoked his interest in environmental law. As a summer legal intern with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, he’s enjoying the peaceful and inspiring setting of WRLC’s headquarters in Moreland Hills, nestled between scenic polo fields and historic residences.
“My work so far this summer has deepened my appreciation for the fragility of natural ecosystems and the importance of preserving open spaces, working farms and vibrant, healthy communities,” he said.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is one of the largest nonprofit land trusts in the country, with the goal of providing Northeast Ohioans with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. The organization holds conservation easements on over 800 Ohio properties, preserving almost 80,000 acres in the area.
“I initially expected to focus primarily on environmental law and conservation easements, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the variety of projects I’ve worked on,” Byler noted. “These include drafting purchase and sale agreements, amendments and various easements, as well as researching unique legal issues such as cemetery formation and even King George III’s 1774 royal land patent to Thomas Jefferson.”
Byler also joined the stewardship field team to assist with property monitoring and documenting plant and animal species, including one unconventional project.
“A personal highlight—though not strictly law-related—was helping locate and tag eastern massasauga rattlesnakes on one of WRLC’s properties,” he said.
While he plans to pursue a career in transactional law, Byler noted that his internship has provided valuable exposure to real estate transactions, skills he aims to build on when he returns to campus for his fall capstone. He hopes that, through responsible real estate and transactional practices, future generations can have the opportunity to connect with nature in the same way that he did.