30 Years of The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee:
What It Means to Me
 

In their own words, our supporters talk about what The Nature Conservancy's work in Tennessee means to them and their loved ones.

Richard and Molly Schneider
"What I love about The Nature Conservancy is quite simply that they're saving our land — from industrialization, from overdevelopment, everything. They're saving it.

"Rickey and I have always been advocates for recycling, respecting land, and conservation — but not in an overly fervent, picket-sign kind of way. The Nature Conservancy works for our wishes and at the same time brings together our great loves of horticulture and hiking." (Photo of the Schneiders at Mount Denali, Alaska)

Jane Holladay
Jane Holladay first heard about The Nature Conservancy when she was a student at Vanderbilt University in the late 1970s. As part of the Vanderbilt Environment Group, she learned about the Conservancy’s efforts to protect Roane Mountain, and the group sent a contribution from funds raised through recycling.
 
After college, Jane read more and more about the Conservancy’s mission and projects, and became a regular contributor. She has consistently invested in The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals through gifts to the Tennessee Chapter, to the Conservancy’s home office and to our international conservation programs. And in the early days of the Tennessee Chapter, she helped create the main trail that runs through the Conservancy's beautiful Taylor Hollow Preserve north of Nashville, encouraging hikers to stay off areas that are filled with the brilliant blossoms of Blue-eyed Mary flowers each spring.

As someone who has spent 30 years contributing to the care of our environment, she offers this insight to young people: “Diversity of species is really important for the long-term health of the planet. It’s your future. You need to do what you can to preserve and protect what’s still here! If you don’t, it won’t be here for your grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. The Nature Conservancy is the number-one group I’ve found for saving those last great places.” (Photo of Jane Holladay in New Zealand)

Ken Adams
"I appreciate all the good work you have done and wish to share a story. In December 1973 I drove along the Tennessee-Alabama state line. I have always remembered coming to a certain stunning overlook and thinking, 'Wow! I never knew that such country existed here!' For thirty-five years I never went back and had only that memory. In September of 2008, however, my wife and I did an overnight hike down to the Walls of Jericho. It was such a great feeling knowing that this magnificent landscape has been preserved. Thanks again for all you do."

Jack and Joanne Sites
Jack: "I am a native of Clarksville and grew up in rural Montgomery County (near Dunbar Cave). My dad was an avid hunter/fisherman/canoeist and a scout leader, and I must have gone into the woods with him probably before I could walk. As far back as my memory goes, I was picking up frogs, snakes, etc. and keeping them in tanks and cages. So I developed an interest in nature at a very early age. Upon graduation from Austin Peay State University, I completed the MS program in biology at APSU and then got a job with The Nature Conservancy to help set up the Tennessee Heritage Program. The Conservancy hired me as the vertebrate biologist. I did this for a year and really felt like we accomplished a lot by setting up the database that (upgraded and refined) the state still uses to this day to keep track of rare plants, animals and ecological communities across Tennessee.

"In 1976 Joanne and I moved to Texas where I got my PhD in evolutionary genetics. After that I took a job as Professor of Biology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I have retained an interest in conservation in my native state ever since moving away. I canoed the Duck River many times in my youth as well as the Harpeth, Buffalo, Cumberland and other rivers, and it is still one of my favorite ways to relax."

Carol Shelton
"I was first exposed to the woods when I was a sophomore in high school in biology class. We were required to make a book on wildflowers. My friend and I spent many hours exploring the woods where she lived, hunting for specimens. I still ahve my book (I'm now 74 years old). I made A++ on it, and I treasure it.

"My second exposure was a trip with my boys and a friend when I was about 30 years old. Ramsey Cascade was our destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After that, I hiked many trails there, including Mount LeConte. I was now hooked on hiking and formed a nature lovers hiking group which I named 'The Tennessee Trail Trompers.' For 25 years this was my greatest joy. I was the leader, acquiring many hiking guidebooks and planning our trips. The memories of our adventures, mainly in Tennessee and North Carolina, will be with me always.

"Supporting The Nature Conservancy and other such organizations gives me great joy! We are stewards of God's glorious creation. We have been given a wonderful treasure to preserve. Thank you so much for your work. It is a blessing to me to have a small part in it."