Mark Fraley Podcast

One of the keys to vibrant communities is the presence of vibrant Parks and Recreation Agencies.  And, the leadership of these local government agencies is of paramount importance. Our guest today, Joe Huff is exemplary of effective leadership in a Parks and Recreation Agency.  Promoted to Executive Director of this consolidated agency  in 1983  he … Continue reading "Interview With Joe Huff, TRPA Fellow 2022, Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County Parks and Recreation (Episode 94)"

A quiet revolution has taken place of the past 40 years within the Tennessee State Parks. This revolution has to do with recognition that interpretive and recreation programing is an essential element of what the parks provide to citizens.  No longer is it just the occasional event or campfire program.  Today programing in the parks … Continue reading "Interview With Tennessee State Parks Legend and TRPA Fellow, Charlie Tate (Episode 93)"

Our guest today, Doug Tallamy , is a professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.  His 2007 book, Bringing Nature Home has awakened citizens to the threat presented to biodiversity by the prevalence of alien trees and plants in our landscapes and to the  importance of incorporating native plants so as … Continue reading "Interview with Author Doug Tallamy, Native Plants to Support Wildlife and Homegrown National Parks (Episode 92)"

Organized to provide volunteer support with programs, events, special projects and fundraising , there are about 50 Friends organizations associated with our Tennessee State Parks. Our guest today, Nancy Schelin is responsible for coordinating the activities of these organizations on a statewide basis. Nancy gives us some interesting examples of the great work these organizations … Continue reading "Tennessee State Park Friends Organizations with Nancy Schelin (Episode 91)"

Tennessee  has a serious problem with litter.  Besides being just plain ugly it is expensive for State and Local government to clean up, it is a public health threat and degrades the natural environment.  Millions of tons of glass, aluminum and plastic ( which would otherwise be recyclable) are wasted each year due to littering. … Continue reading "The Tennessee Clean Act, with Kevin Botts, Policy Director Tennessee Wildlife Federation (Podcast Episode #90)"

Nashville is among the largest cities in the USA without a connection to the AMTRAK rail network.  Once  a very robust  and thriving hub for passenger rail, Nashville lost its last rail service in 1979. The only AMTRAK service remaining  in Tennessee today is the “City of New Orleans” route which travels through Dyersburg and Memphis … Continue reading "Passenger Rail For Nashville and Tennessee, Allen Crosby, Southeastern Passenger Rail Initiative (Episode 89)"

One does not need a park, forest or natural area to observe and learn about nature.  Even in our urban neighborhoods, there are important and interesting things to be noticed and to learn about, if we are aware. Our guest today, Joanna Brichetto has created a blog which can be found at Sidewalknature.com.  Her focus … Continue reading "Interview with Writer/Naturalist Joanna Brichetto, Sidewalknature"

As Nashville  continues to develop and grow it is loosing tree canopy at an unacceptable rate.  In an effort to address this problem, Metro Nashville Government, together with The Cumberland River Compact organization, have established a program called “RootNashville”.    Our guest, Meg Morgan,  is leading this effort which has as its goal  to plant … Continue reading "Interview With Meg Morgan, RootsNashville Project"

Our guest today, Craig Price, has been one of the steadfast leaders in the Parks and Recreation movement in Tennessee over the last three decades.   Craig was the founding Director for the Rogersville Tennessee Parks and Recreation Department and then moved to become Director in Morristown following in the footsteps of the legendary Wayne Hansard.  Craig … Continue reading "Interview With TRPA Fellow and Past President Craig Price, Morristown Parks and Recreation"

The mining of Anthracite coal in Northeastern Pennsylvania over the past century (particularly that done before the establishment of the Clean Water Act and EPA)  has left a difficult environmental legacy.    Most importantly,  abandoned mine drainage continues to  adversely effect the water quality of rivers , streams and the Chesapeake Bay downstream. The Eastern PA Coalition … Continue reading "Bobby Hughes, Executive Director, EPCAMR, Legacy of Coal Mining in Northeastern PA"