Mark Fraley Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mark Fraley Podcast
Today we feature Bobby Inman, a native of Roane County Tennessee and now a resident of Falmouth in Cornwall, England. Bobby is the first American born Town Crier for the Town of Falmouth. Together with his partner he operates Falmouth Uncovered, a small business conducting history oriented walking tours of the Town. Bobby is like an Interpretive Ranger, only for a whole town!
We talk with Bobby’s about how he came to be in this uniquely beautiful area as well as the landscape of Cornwall and its remarkable history.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/bobby-inmman-interview-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview With Bobby Inman, Town Crier, Town of Falmouth, Cornwall, England “Falmouth Uncovered” Episode 128 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation maintains a list of impaired streams in Tennessee. Much of the pollution of our streams is caused by agricultural runoff of chemicals and soils into the waterways. Excess nutrients can deplete oxygen in the water, soils can smother aquatic life on the bottoms of streams.
The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) has established a Water Quality Initiative and they are working to rehabilitate impaired water ways. TEC is working with grants from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and with corporate sponsors. Today we talk to Jordan Young, TEC Director of Field Operations, about this initiative and about an ongoing project to restore Lytle Creek in Rutherford County.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Jordon-Young-final-edit.mp3The post Interview With Jordan Young, TEC Chief of Field Operations, Water Quality Initiative Episode 127 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
From the early 1980s and through the mid 1990’s, Dare Bible was a force to be reckoned with in Tennessee State Parks. Coming to State Parks from a position as the first Parks and Recreation Director for Trousdale County, she headed the Program Services Section for several years and then served as Middle Tennessee Recreation Program Services coordinator. She brought many creative programs to the parks.
Dare also served in leadership roles in the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, Resource Management Section as well as being a board member of the Wilderness Education Association.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Dare-bible-with-intro-and-effects.mp3Picture thanks to Tennessee State Park Alumni, Dare in pictured beside Bob Fulcher and Charley Tate
The post Interview With Dare Bible, Tennessee State Parks Recreation Program Services, retired, Episode 126 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Cumberland Mountain State Park, just to the South of Crossville Tennessee, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. The park is a contributing element to the larger Cumberland Homesteads Historic District. The park represents the heritage of the New Deal era and the work product of the Civilian Conservation Corp. The wider district represents the legacy of Elenore Roosevelt’s Cumberland Homesteads Project.
Recently the Cumberland Mountain Park has assumed ownership and management of an important collection of buildings which were central to the Homesteads project. These include the prominent Water Tower and offices which were the early headquarters of the Homesteads. ( see below picture)
Today we talk with Park Manager Mark Houston about the Park and the challenges presented with these historic structures now under his purview.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Interview-with-Mark-Houston-with-intro-and-effects.mp3Water Tower Museum, looking eastThe post Interview With Mark Houston, Park Manager, Cumberland Mtn State Park, Cumberland Homesteads Buildings Episode 125 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Estimates are that 10 to 15 percent of the American population have Irish Heritage. And, this percentage is much higher in cities like Boston and Chicago. Many people are exploring their Irish heritage through DNA testing and through travel.
Our guest today, Jonathan Smyth, is the author of a book entitled Faith, Hope and Endurance, Tales of the Cavan Diaspora. This book is a collection of well researched articles about men and women who left their home in County Cavan Ireland (often under difficult circumstances) and went on to make their mark on the world. Jonathan shares several of these stories and we have a conversation about how to make your visit to Ireland meaningful in a more purely personal way.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Jonathan-Smyth-interview-with-music-and-effects.mp3https://www.cavanlibrary.ie/services/national-initiatives/creative-cavan/creative-cavan-archive/creative%20cavan%202023/faith-hard-work-and-endurance-jonathan-smyth/
The post Interview With Irish Author Jonathan Smyth, The Cavan Diaspora and Insights Into Irish Heritage , Episode 124 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today is Alisha O’Dell, former State Parks Manager at Reelfoot Lake State Park in Northwest Tennessee. Alisha has for several years been posting content to social media under the moniker “Boykins-N-Boat”, all about Reelfoot Lake and her beloved Boykin Spaniel dogs.
We discuss her career in Conservation and her recently launched Podcast called “Wild Hearts and Home Fires”. We also hear about her experiences with breeding and training champion Boykin Spaniel dogs.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Alisha-ODell-interview-with-Music.mp3The post Interview with Alisha O”Dell, Wild Hearts, Home Fires and Boykin Spaniels Episode 123 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Today we interview Alex Wyss the Executive Director of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. Alex comes to this position after many years of dedicated work with the Nature Conservancy.
We discuss the Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to make Tennessee State Parks more accessible to underserved populations.
The Conservancy is presently involved in a major effort to assist in the restoration of David Crockett Birthplace State Park. This park was destroyed in the East Tennessee flooding of September 2024. The have established the “Go Ahead” Fund, adopting Davy Crocket’s famous motto ” Be always sure you are right, then go ahead!” This effort is focused on the interpretive exhibits to be installed at the new park visitors center when complete ( see images below).
Here is a link to their Go Ahead Fund: https://tnstateparksconservancy.org/david-crockett-birthplace-state-park/
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Alex-Wyss-Podcast-interview-with-effects-and-music.mp3The post An Interview With Alex Wyss, Executive Director, The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, David Crockett Birthplace Campaign, The “Go Ahead Fund”, Episode 122 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
The Cedar Glades, which occur in the rocky and hardscrabble areas around Lebanon Tennessee, are among Tennessee’s most special places. They are home to many rare plants and plant communities adapted to these harsh conditions and which occur nowhere else in the world. The Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) is a prominent example of the beauty that can be found there.
The Center for Cedar Glade Studies at Middle Tennessee State University is working to increase our understanding and awareness of these special places.
Our guest today, Dr Kim Sadler is a scientist and educator. We learn about the features of Cedar Glades and about their ongoing efforts to understand and protect them.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Kim-Cleary-Sadler-Podcast-Interviewwith-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview With Dr Kim Sadler, MTSU, Center for Cedar Glade Studies (Episode 121) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today, Mark Tummons, received the coveted Fellow Award from the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association in 2005. He is also a Past President of TRPA and a Lifetime Member.
Mark has served the State of Tennessee in various roles over the years including Program Administrator for the Parks and Recreation Technical Advisory Service (PARTAS), as well as Director of the Recreation Services Division within the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Mark also served the City of Clarksville as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and later as Director of Parks and Recreation. More recently he has now returned to Tennessee after serving as Director of Parks and Recreation for Leander Texas.
We talk with Mark today about his stellar career and get his thoughts about the importance of Parks and Recreation to the vitality of local communities.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/mark-tummons-with-effects-and-sound-1.mp3The post Interview With TRPA Fellow Mark Tummons, (Episode 120) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
In the first couple of months of the Trump administration, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency has made numerous baseless claims about waste fraud and abuse in the Social Security program. They have also proposed several thoughtless changes to the way that the program is managed, as well as unwarranted cuts to program staff.In todays program we will chat about the threats to the Social Security program and attempt to debunk some of the falsehoods. We will also offer some informed prospective on the management of the Social Security program. Originally posted April 4, 2025https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/william-Benjamin-second-interview-with-music-and-effects-1.mp3The post Threats to the Social Security System, Interview with Attorney William Benjamin ( Eposode 118) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
It was April of 1975 when your host moved to Gatlinburg to start the Parks and Recreation Program for the City of Gatlinburg.Now 50 years later, this agency has become one of Tennessee’s best. Consistently winning statewide recognition for exceptional facilities and innovative programs. All the credit goes to my two guests, Marty Nicely (Director 1978-2020) and to Laurence Evans the current Director.We have a fun conversation, reminiscing about the origins of the agency and the elements which make it outstanding today. Check it out at Markfraley.comhttps://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Marty-and-Laurence-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Celebrating 50 years of Parks and Recreation in Gatlinburg, Interview with Marty Nicely and Laurence Evans (Episode 119) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
It really does matter what you have growing in your yard! If you choose to grow native plants, trees and shrubs, you will be making a positive contribution to the ecology of our urban living space. Native plants make an attractive home for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
Neighbors for Natives is a non profit in Nashville which has as its purpose making choosing natives an easier and less expensive choice. Each year this organization conducts two plant sales through which they make curated plants kits available to the public.
Our guest today is Co-Founder Bethany Crandell. She gives us all the details about the group and about the sale that is going on right now.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Neighbors4nativesinterview-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview with Bethany Crandell, Co-Founder, Neighbors4Natives.org (Episode 117) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Since the early 1950s, the State of Tennessee has had an interest in assisting Tennessee cities and counties in building strong communities through strong Parks and Recreation programs. Recreation consultancy services by the State to local governments continue today, and our guest April Johnson is at the forefront of that effort.
April’s effort has been recognized by her piers with the prestigious Fellow Award, presented by TRPA in 2021.
We talk with April today about her professional development and get her observations about the importance of Park and Recreation for healthy Tennessee communities.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/April-Johnson-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview with April Johnson, Assistant Director, Recreation Services, TN Dept Environment and Conservation (Episode 116) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today is Michael Robertson the recent recipient of the TRPA Fellow Award. This award is given each year in recognition of significant and sustained contributions to the field of Parks and Recreation. Mike has recently retired as head of Tennessee State Parks operations.
Tennessee State Parks are recognized as among the best in the nation. In 2021 Tennessee State Parks were Finalists for the Gold Medal Award presented by the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration.
In this interview we review milestones in Mike’s career and some highlights of his time as the leader of Tennessee Parks.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/interview-of-mike-robertson-with-sound-and-effects.mp3Musical credit: Ron Tramel
A free transcript of his podcast is available on Apple Podcasts.
The post Interview With Michael Robertson, 2024 TRPA Fellow, Director of Field Operations, TN State Parks (retired) Episode 115 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
For her second appearance on the Mark Fraley Podcast, we interview Joanna Brichetto about her new book, This Is How A Robin Drinks, Essays on Urban Nature. Joanna is a Certified Tennessee Naturalist and the producer of the well known blog/Instagram called Sidewalk Nature.
The book consists of 52 essays, arranged by seasons (Summer, Winter, Spring Fall). She shares amazingly detailed observations and stories of natural things which are available for us all to see on our city streets and park, but which we often miss.
Embedded within the interview is a special message/lesson for the managers of city parks everywhere. Pictured below is Joanna with the Nashville Mustard at Nashville’s Elmington Park.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Interview-with-Joanna-Brichetto-edited.mp3Photo Credit: Maggie Rose
The post Interview With Author and Naturalist Joanna Brichetto, This Is How A Robin Drinks. Essays on Urban Nature (Episode 114) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Today I talk with Michael Officer of the Cuan Beo organization in Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Michael and his organization are involved with the restoration of the oyster fishery in the Galway Bay. There have a multifaceted approach to their work. Priority is given to managing the quality and volume of the fresh water entering the bay from the watershed around Galway, North and South. Also, they are making efforts to improve areas of the bay to be more suitable habitat for the oysters. They have also involved themselves in the outdoor recreation opportunities which are now possible with improved water quality.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/michael-officer-interview-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview with Michael Officer, Executive Officer Cuan Beo (Bay Life) organization, Galway Ireland (Episode 113) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Located in Mid Town Memphis, Overton park is a 342 acre gem. Established in 1902, this park is one of the rare local parks which predates the establishment of the State Park System and even predates the general enabling authority for Tennessee cities to have parks. Designed by George Kessler, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park is well known as the venue for the Memphis Zoo and the Brooks Museum of Art. Also within the park boundaries is the 125 acre Old Forest State Natural Area.
Overton Park was also the subject of a landmark US Supreme Court decision which protected the park from the encroachment of planned route for Interstate 40.
The park has recently been awarded significant funding which will allow for the expansion of the protected forest preserve and new hiking trails.
We talk today with Melissa McMasters and Eric Bridges from the Overton Park Conservancy. The Conservancy is a not for profit organization charged with overall management of the park.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/eric-and-melissa-full-interview-with-music-and-psa.mp3The post Historic Overton Park in Memphis Tennessee, Melissa McMasters and Eric Bridges of the Overton Park Conservancy (Episode 112) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
It is long past time that we reexamine the traditional notion of the American Yard.
The highly manicured weed free turf grass lawn with associated ornamental shrubs can be highly wasteful in terms of the use of energy and water consumption. The widespread use of herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides by homeowners can be detrimental to the environment. Of prominent concern is the pollution of rivers and streams by chemical and soil runoff in storm water.
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension has developed a comprehensive program to assist homeowners and property managers in making the transition to a style of yard stewardship which is, at once, more practical and also more thoughtful environmentally. Hence, The Smart Yard!
Our guest is Amy Dunlap, Agricultural Extension Agent ( Agriculture and Natural Resource specialist ) for Davidson County Tennessee.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/amy-dunlap-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post The Tennessee Smart Yard Program, with Amy Dunlap, Agricultural Extension Agent, University of Tennessee (Episode 111) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Fort Negley is a historical park in Nashville, Tennessee. Operated under the auspices of the Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation, the park contains the remnants of a Civil War era Union Army fortress. The fort was mainly constructed by black laborers, many were escaped slaves, who had settled in an encampment surrounding the fort area.
Our guest, Dr Angela Sutton, is a social and digital historian affiliated with Vanderbilt University. She serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Research Assistant Professor in the History Department. Dr. Sutton has involved herself with the Friends of Fort Negley and has established The Builders and Defenders Database ( which makes available the names and biographical information of the enslaved and free Black people who built and defended the fort) as well as the Fort Negley Descendants Project, which is an oral history archive of the descendants.
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One subject which continues to inspire grassroots community organization in Tennessee in water quality. Tennessee wants fishable and swimmable waterways. People in Tennessee recognize that clean water is imperative to our health, the environment and to our way of life.
The CWEET organization in Cocke County has been working to protect the Pigeon River and waterways in neighboring communities for many years. The Pigeon has endured a century of pollution from a paper mill on the North Carolina side of the Tennessee/North Carolina border. This has been the subject of much controversy and litigation over many decades. Now that the paper plant is closed, the river is slowly recovering and a new economic vitality has emerged in that otherwise distressed area. River based recreation industry had made a huge economic contribution.
Today we talk with Community Organizer Spring Duckett about the CWEET organization. We discuss their current activities to continuously monitor the health of the river and their various program activities which enrich that community. CWEET is constantly working to assure that developmental activities do not degrade the natural beauty of the area.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/spring-duckett-with-effects-and-music.mp3The post Interview With Spring Duckett, CWEET organization, (Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee) Episode 109 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
The Cumberland River Basin is an area which extends from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky down through Middle Tennessee and finally into Western Kentucky. This is an area of about 1800 square miles. The river provides life supporting water for the citizens who make this place home and supports some of the most ecologically diverse places in North America.
For the last 27 years the Cumberland River Compact has had a leadership role in water quality initiatives throughout this area. This organization works to address the root causes of water pollution through an array of land management and educational programs.
Today with talk with Mekayle Houghton about the Cumberland River, clean water and the various programs and initiatives of her organization.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Mekayle-interview-with-effects.mp3The post Interview With Mekayle Houghton, Executive Director, Cumberland River Compact (Episode 108) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
The City of Louisville, Kentucky, is one of only four cities in the world which can claim a system of parks designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted and his family firm of landscape architects. Now over 100 years old, these 17 parks are a treasure to the citizens of Louisville and to the nation. These historic parks continue to serve their function and are an integral part of the fabric of that city.
Our guest, Layla George, is the President of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. This organization serves as a non profit partner to the City of Louisville working to protect and enhance these Olmsted Parks.
In this interview Layla gives us an orientation to the Olmsted Parks of Louisville. We discuss some major projects as well as ongoing management challenges.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Layla-George-Interview-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview With Layla George, President, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville, KY (Episode 107) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Now retired after decades of distinguished service to the Tennessee State Parks, Murray Crow sits down with Mark and shares memories of his remarkable parks experience.
Beginning with his schooling at UT Martin, continuing through postings at parks throughout the state, both smaller parks and resort parks and ending with many years at central office with statewide responsibility, Murray had never regretted his choice of parks as a career. Notable among these varied experiences are the preparation for the 1996 Olympic Whitewater events at Ocoee River State Park, and the implementation of the controversial fee system during the Sunquist years.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Maurray-Crow-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Murray Crow Interview , Memories of Decades of Service to Tennessee State Parks (Episode 106) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today is Aaron Browning, recently installed President of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association. A native of eastern Kentucky and former college tennis player, Aaron serves as Deputy Director of the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department.
TRPA is the leading professional organization for persons working in the field of Parks and Recreation in Tennessee. Aaron shares with us his goals for his year as TRPA President and also acquaints us with remarkable improvements to the Parks and Recreation system in Knoxville.
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There is a growing movement of concerned citizens which is encouraging people and communities to be more thoughtful about how they manage their home landscapes. Encouraging the reduction of turf grass and exotic ornamentals and encouraging the use of native plants.
The Middle Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones is a group which has this as their mission. “Healing the earth, one yard at a time”.
Today I talk with the President and one of the founders of this organization Richard Hitt. We learn all about the organizations history along with current projects and activities.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/intervieweith-sound-and-effects.mp3The post Interview with Richard Hitt, President, Wild Ones, Middle Tennessee Chapter (Episode 104) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Each year the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) recognizes one or more persons with the Fellow Award. This is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Parks and Recreation Profession.
Our guest today is Michael Gorham, the 2023 TPRA Fellow. Mike served as President of TRPA in 2001-2002, at which time he was Parks and Recreation Director for Portland, Tennessee. Mike is a graduate of the UT Martin Parks and Natural Resources program and attained his Masters Degree in Recreation Administration from Western Kentucky University.
We have a conversation about Mikes widely varied career which included service in both municipal recreation and also military recreation.
Mike retired in 2019 as Chief of the Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Division at Fort Campbell.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/mike-gorham-interview.mp3The post Interview with 2023 TRPA Fellow Award Winner, Michael Gorham (Episode 103) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
It has now become commonplace to hear scientists express concern for loss of habitat for wildlife. This is true across the broad spectrum of plants and animals. Much attention has been placed upon the decrease in population of important pollinator species such as bees, butterflies and moths. This loss has been caused by many factors such as the widespread use of insecticide, but also by the loss of host plant species upon which these pollinators rely for food and reproduction.
Our guest today, Monika Pretz, PhD is now leading a program for the Tennessee Environmental Council called “Generate Some Buzz”. This program is aimed at educating the general public about the important role which pollinators play in the environment and about the mitigation of pollinator loss through the establishment of wildflower gardens filled with the native plants upon which these insects rely .
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Monika-with-effects-and-music.mp3The post Interview with Monika Pretz, PhD, Staff Biologist & Pollinator Program Leader, Tennessee Environmental Council (Episode 102) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Remember when the NFL draft occurred at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville and several ornamental Japanese Cherry Trees were to be removed to accommodate the stage for this production? The trees in Nashville can not speak for themselves. And, with the dramatic and sometimes unwieldy growth and development pressures in Nashville it is important to …
Continue reading "Jim Gregory, Executive Director, Nashville Tree Conservation Corps an Update (Episode 101)"
The post Jim Gregory, Executive Director, Nashville Tree Conservation Corps an Update (Episode 101) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Fort Pillow State Park was created in 1971 so as to preserve the site of the Civil War era military fort and notorious battle. It is a National Historic Landmark. The fort was originally built by the Confederacy to serve as a protection for Memphis. When Memphis was taken by the Union it was abandoned …
Continue reading "Interview With Robby Tidwell, Area Manager, Fort Pillow State Historic Park (Episode 100)"
The post Interview With Robby Tidwell, Area Manager, Fort Pillow State Historic Park (Episode 100) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today is Undrae Johnson who is currently serving as President of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA). Undrae is the current Parks and Recreation Director for the consolidated Brownsville/Haywood County Parks and Recreation Department. He has served in that role since May 2018. Haywood County is presently the focal point of one …
Continue reading "Interview With Undrae Johnson, TRPA President, Parks and Recreation Director Brownsville/ Haywood County Tennessee (Episode 99)"
The post Interview With Undrae Johnson, TRPA President, Parks and Recreation Director Brownsville/ Haywood County Tennessee (Episode 99) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today, Alice Hudson Pell, has recently been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the TennGreen Land Conservancy. TennGreen (previously Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation) has been on the leadership front in conservation and land protection efforts for the past 25 years. TennGreen has been and continues to be a valuable partner …
Continue reading "An Interview with Alice Hudson Pell, Executive Director, TennGreen Land Conservancy (Episode 98)"
The post An Interview with Alice Hudson Pell, Executive Director, TennGreen Land Conservancy (Episode 98) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Today we chat with Assistant State Naturalist Holly Taylor from our Tennessee State Parks.
Holly works on a statewide basis, offering programs directly to the public (groups). She also provides training to seasonal and fulltime State Park staff. Her knowledge about Tennessee natural history is extraordinary, ranging from birds to native plants and ecosystems and even insects (native bee species and fireflies).
Today we talk about her work and about the Tennessee Naturalist Program which is available to citizens with a desire to expand their knowledge of Tennessee Natural History.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Holly-Taylor-with-music-and-effects.mp3The post Interview With Assistant State Naturalist Holly Taylor, Tennessee State Parks, Episode 97 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Several recent planning studies for Nashville, Davidson County have pointed to the hilly and forested portions of Western and Northwestern Davidson County as being an important natural resource worthy of being protected. Indeed, several existing park areas already protect disjunct portions of this forest (Radnor Lake, Warner Park and Beaman Park).
Our guest today is the award winning Conservationist, Kathleen Williams. Kathleen has launched a new project seeking to begin taking action on those planning goals. Join us as we discuss this new venture.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Highland-Rim-Project-with-music-and-psa.mp3The post Davidson County Highland Rim Conservation, with Kathleen Williams, Episode 96 appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
Our guest today, Jessica Gossett, has recently been promoted to be Park Manager at the historic T. O. Fuller State Park in Memphis. She is the first black women to be a Park Manager in Tennessee. A remarkable achievement.
The story of the Fuller Park is an important one in Black History in Tennessee. Situated in the extreme Southwest corner of the state and right on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, it was developed in part by a black Civilian Conservation Corps troop and was established as Tennessee’s first “State Park For Negroes”
Jessica shares with us her research on the development of the park and its namesake, the esteemed educator and pastor Rev. T.O. Fuller. She also shares her plans for future programs at the Fuller Park.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/jessicagossetinterviewwithmusic.mp3(our guest, on right, pictured with her father Jesse Gossett)
The post Interview With Jessica Gossett, Park Manager, T.O. Fuller State Park and the Legacy of Rev T.O. Fuller (Episode 95) appeared first on 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 continues to build and to innovate. Joe has lead his department to much success and recognition for excellence.
Joe was the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Fellow Award as presented by the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/joehuffwitheffectsandmusic.mp3The post Interview With Joe Huff, TRPA Fellow 2022, Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County Parks and Recreation (Episode 94) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
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 is uppermost in the minds of park managers. What can we to enhance the experience of the park visitor?
At the forefront of this revolution is our guest today Charlie Tate. For many years the Chief of the Recreation Services Division. Through his quiet leadership, Tennessee has developed a deserved reputation of excellence in parks programing.
Charlie has also made a major contribution to the manner in which Tennessee State Parks manages its natural and cultural resources. More then ever before the park system is working to identify and preserve the elements of the parks the warrant special protection.
Charlie received the prestigious Fellow Award from the Tennessee Parks and Recreation Association in 1998.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/finaleditcharlietate.mp3The post Interview With Tennessee State Parks Legend and TRPA Fellow, Charlie Tate (Episode 93) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
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 to support wildlife. His 2019 New York Times Best Selling book, Natures Best Hope called upon citizens to evaluate there home landscapes and to restore biodiversity by creating Home Grown National Parks. His most recent book The Nature of Oaks brings focus to the importance to these keystone trees.
https://www.markfraley.com/wp-content/uploads/Tallamyinterviewwithmusicanditro.mp3Learn more about Home Grown National Parks at: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
The post Interview with Author Doug Tallamy, Native Plants to Support Wildlife and Homegrown National Parks (Episode 92) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
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 are doing and extends an invitation for anyone interested in getting involved as a volunteer with our Tennessee State Parks.
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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)"
The post The Tennessee Clean Act, with Kevin Botts, Policy Director Tennessee Wildlife Federation (Podcast Episode #90) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.
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)"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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At the heart of visitor safety and security in our Tennessee State Parks are the 250 commissioned Park Rangers. Our guest today, Shane Petty, has been the Chief Park Ranger for Tennessee for the past 25 years. He oversees the hiring and training of this talented group of people. Shane shares with us his career …
Continue reading "Interview With Shane Petty, Chief Ranger, Tennessee State Parks"
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The Cumberland Trails Conference is an important not for profit organization dedicated to supporting the State of Tennessee in the development and completion of the Cumberland Trail State Park. Stretching from its beginning point near Chattanooga, the Cumberland Trail extends about 300 miles to the North and East along the edge of the Cumberland Plateau …
Continue reading "Interview With Mike Croley, Cumberland Trails Conference, Executive Director"
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An energetic group of bird enthusiasts here in Nashville have begun a new organization to be known as BirdSafe Nashville. The group is all about reducing the many threats to bird safety imposed by our human activities. Their first project is called Lights Out Nashville. As migratory birds fly at night, it has been demonstrated …
Continue reading "Lights Out Nashville Project with Melinda Welton and Kim Bailey"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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 of the Tennessee Natural Areas Program. He was responsible for the early Master Plans for Radnor Lake and several other Tennessee State Parks.
His 2011 book, “Tennessee Tragedies , Natural, Technological and Societal Disasters in the Volunteer State” arose from his work with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. This is a comprehensive work of Tennessee history worthy to be included in anyone’s personal collection.
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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 of bird research. This program uses tiny radio transmitter tags powered by solar energy together with a network of radio receiving stations to track bird movements and travel patterns.
We talk with Laura Cook, the head of the Warner Park BIRD program, together with Kathy Shaw park volunteer (former TN State Park Ranger/ Naturalist) about this new technology. We also take the opportunity to learn from them about the remarkable roost of purple martin bird currently occurring in downtown Nashville.
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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 the parks storyline and interpretive approach.
Our guest, Dr Danielle Shelton has just completed her PhD in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University. Her doctoral work focused on the Cherokee Nation and specifically on the Red Clay Park, being the last Council grounds before their removal to Oklahoma . She has developed important new information about the events at Red Clay and about the site itself.
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