Each year, Access Fund rallies dozens of exceptional climbing advocates from across the country and this year was no exception. Peter had the chance to catch up with two prominent advocates based in the southeast and discuss some of the things happening in their respective areas. First up is Caleb Timmerman, marketing and outreach director with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC). Caleb’s expertise goes beyond marketing and he has a great pulse on everything that’s happening with the SCC, including one area he and Peter discuss at length: Castle Rock. The story and protection of Castle Rock is quite unique and shows what can be accomplished when multiple parties work together to conserve climbing areas. Next, Mike Reardon is the executive director of the Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC). In 2019, Mike became CCC’s first full-time executive director, but his history with the organization dates way back to 2010 when he first joined the board of directors. Mike has helped spearhead many conservation successes including the most recent acquisition of the Maibauer Boulders in North Carolina. Caleb and Mike’s excitement for southeastern climbing is exemplary, so follow along as they give us a glimpse into their work and how they help make climbing happen in their local communities. Caleb 6:28- Intro/banter9:43- Recording on location: Castle Rock11:55- Caleb’s intro14:21- Caleb’s first day climbing post-injury15:25- The protection of Castle Rock24:57- Tennessee’s Outdoor Recreational Use Statute26:04- SCC’s Acquisition Committee26:46- SCC’s role at Castle Rock31:28- Happenings in Alabama and Georgia34:17- Most exciting part of hosting the conference in ChattanoogaMike35:56- Field trip to Denny Cove37:33- Mike’s intro42:01- Rocky Fork State Park46:07- C4: Carolina Climbers Conservation Corps50:42- Leaning on past successes52:11- The influence of purchasing Laurel Knob56:59- Maibauer Boulders acquisition1:00:30- Climbing Conservation Loan Program1:05:10- Most exciting part of the conferenceSoutheastern Climbers Coalition: https://www.seclimbers.org/SCC’s Instagram page: @seclimbers Carolina Climbers Coalition: https://carolinaclimbers.org/CCC’s Instagram page: @carolinaclimberscoalition Maibauer Boulders donation page: https://carolinaclimbers.org/maibauerPlug Tone Audio: https://www.plugtoneaudio.com/Plug Tone’s Instagram page: @plugtoneaudio