Mark Fraley Podcast

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"

Our guest today, Allen Coggins,  is a journeyman parks naturalist, parks planner and author. Starting his career as a Seasonal Park Naturalist at Big Ridge State Park (North of Knoxville, TN) he progressed to become the statewide supervisor of the regional naturalists  section for Tennessee State Parks. Allen served as one of the first Administrators … Continue reading "Interview with Allen Coggins, Naturalist and Author"

Nashville’s Warner Park Nature Center has  a long history of excellence and leadership when it comes to birds.  They  have been banding birds and promoting awareness of birds for more then 40 years.  Over the past year they  have been engaged in a new program called MOTIS which represents a significant advancement in the technology … Continue reading "Bird Research at Nashville’s Warner Parks (and local bird phenomena) with Laura Cook and Kathy Shaw"

The management and interpretation of important cultural heritage sites presents unique challenges to park managers.   In the case of Red Clay State Historic Park, the events which are the reason for the lands significance took place almost 200  years ago.  And, so, managers must rely on historians to provide  trustworthy information with which to develop … Continue reading "Cherokee History at Red Clay State Park, Dr Danielle Shelton"

This year we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the  Tennessee Natural Areas Act. Our guest today has had a noteworthy career in conservation here in Tennessee.  Serving as  a journeyman park ranger, park manager and ultimately  retiring  as the Director of the Division  of Natural Areas.  For many years Reggie guided the States efforts to … Continue reading "Interview with Reggie Reeves, Retired Tennessee Natural Areas Director and Master Gardener"

Nature study,  birdwatching, the study of ecology and related endeavors are in high demand as leisure activities in Tennessee and all across America.  And, local parks and recreation agencies are responding with appropriate programming. Today Mark talks with Connie Deegan,  Park Naturalist for the  Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department.  Connie has recently been awarded the prestigious … Continue reading "Interview With Connie Deegan, TWF Conservation Educator Of The Year, Johnson City Parks and Recreation"

There is a good bit of “Rough and Tumble” that goes with being a leader of a local government Parks and Recreation Agency.  Leadership in such settings involves managing relationships with elected officials and citizens, while at the same time striving to maintain professional decorum.   It  is a constant challenge.  Our guest today, John Wilbanks, … Continue reading "Interview With TRPA Fellow and Past President, John Wilbanks"

Across Tennessee citizens are working  hard to create more livable, beautiful and environmentally   sustainable spaces though aggressive  tree planting and management  efforts. In support of these efforts  and to build on them , the Tennessee Division of Forestry has formed an alliance with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.  Together they have created the office of … Continue reading "Interview with Ashley Kite-Rowland, Tennessee Urban Forestry Council"