Our guest today, Jennifer Bauer, presently serves as Park Manager of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton Tennessee.  She has had a 40 year career in State Parks, being among the first women to become a commissioned Ranger.   She was a Ranger Naturalist at Roan Mountain State Park for many years before attaining her present … Continue reading "Interview with Jennifer Bauer, Naturalist and Historian of Roan Mountain Tennessee"

Todays interview is the latest in a series featuring award winning leaders in Parks and Recreation in Tennessee.  This time a focus on excellence in  local government and a conversation with Austin Fesmire, the highly regarded Director of Parks and Recreation in Athens, Tennessee. The City of Athens has  established and maintains  a multifaceted local Parks … Continue reading "Interview with TRPA Fellow Austin Fesmire, City of Athens, Tennessee"

The backbone of the Conservation movement in Tennessee is the array of citizens groups who are about the business of environmental stewardship.  One such group is the Tennessee Native Plant Society.   Formed in 1978,  this volunteer organization works to promote the understanding of native flora and the key role it plays in our ecological systems. TNPS … Continue reading "Interview With Bart Jones, Tennessee Native Plant Society"

Since its formation in 1952, the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association has had a history  of strong leadership.  Our guest today, Dave Anderson, continues that tradition as the newly installed President of the organization.  We talk with Dave about  his career path, including   his experience with both the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Parks and Recreation departments.  We also talk … Continue reading "Interview With TRPA President Dave Anderson, Director Tullahoma Parks and Recreation"

Today we chat with Deryck Fay about his new book, “Connecting A Nation, The Story of Telecommunications In Ireland”. Many American citizens are proud of their Irish connections. Ireland has figured prominently in the history of world telecom, with the first transatlantic cables emanating from Valencia Island in County Kerry. And, Telecom in Ireland has … Continue reading "Interview With Author Deryck Fay, Connecting a Nation, The Story of Telecommunications In Ireland"

Our guest today, Kitty Frazier, has truly been a pioneer in the field of Parks and Recreation Administration here in Tennessee.  Kitty served as the first Parks and Recreation Director for historic Jonesborough before moving to her current post in Kingsport. She was the first women to hold a municipal directors position in Tennessee. Kitty … Continue reading "Interview With Kitty Frazier, TRPA Fellow, Parks and Recreation Director, Kingsport"

The Friends of Warner Parks have recently published a wonderful new book all about the history of Nashville’s spectacular Warner Parks. Our guest today is Lynne Bachleda, the author and editor of the new book.  Lynne, together with more then a dozen contributing writers, take us on a timeline from the parks development up to … Continue reading "The History of The Warner Parks, Interview with Lynne Bachleda"

Tennessee State Parks have a noteworthy array of historic and cultural features.  From pre  history, exhibited in world class archeological sites, all the way to modern history with areas which tell the story of our development as a state and nation.  And, of course, the Parks system itself is a proper subject of history study. Our … Continue reading "Interview with Hobart Akin, TN State Parks Cultural Resources"

Our guest today is Sylvia Pinson, 2012 recipient of the TRPA Fellow Award. Now retired after a long career in Parks and Recreation, Sylvia served in the Tennessee cities of Bartlett and  Jackson and as Parks and Recreation Director for her hometown of  Shelbyville.  Sylvia now serves as an elected official as a County Commissioner in … Continue reading "Interview With TRPA Distinguished Fellow Sylvia Pinson"

Whether it is to establish a small garden for pollinators or a large meadow or prairie to provide habitat for Bob White Quail,   seeds for native grasses wildflowers and forbs are a necessary ingredient for many conservation projects.   Our guest today, John Seymour, is the “go to guy” for these seeds and for knowledge about … Continue reading "Interview With John Seymour, President, Roundstone Native Seed"