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 … Continue reading "Interview With TRPA Fellow Mark Tummons, (Episode 120)" The 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 … Continue reading "Threats to the Social Security System, Interview with Attorney William Benjamin ( Eposode 118)" The 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 … Continue reading "Celebrating 50 years of Parks and Recreation in Gatlinburg, Interview with Marty Nicely and Laurence Evans (Episode 119)" The 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 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 … Continue reading "Celebrating 50 years of Parks and Recreation in Gatlinburg, with Marty Nicely and Laurence Evans (Episode 119)" The post Celebrating 50 years of Parks and Recreation in Gatlinburg, with Marty Nicely and Laurence Evans (Episode 119) 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 … Continue reading "Threats to the Social Security Program, with Attorney William Benjamin, Episode 118" The post Threats to the Social Security Program, with Attorney William Benjamin, Episode 118 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 … Continue reading "Interview with Bethany Crandell, Co-Founder, Neighbors4Natives.org (Episode 117)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview with April Johnson, Assistant Director, Recreation Services, TN Dept Environment and Conservation" The post Interview with April Johnson, Assistant Director, Recreation Services, TN Dept Environment and Conservation 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Michael Robertson, 2024 TRPA Fellow, Director of Field Operations, TN State Parks (retired) Episode 115" 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, … Continue reading "Interview With Author and Naturalist Joanna Brichetto, This Is How A Robin Drinks. Essays on Urban Nature (Episode 114)" 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 … Continue reading "Interview with Michael Officer, Executive Officer Cuan Beo (Bay Life) organization, Galway Ireland (Episode 113)" The 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 … Continue reading "Historic Overton Park in Memphis Tennessee, Melissa McMasters and Eric Bridges of the Overton Park Conservancy (Episode 112)" The 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.  … Continue reading "The Tennessee Smart Yard Program, with Amy Dunlap, Agricultural Extension Agent, University of Tennessee (Episode 111)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Dr Angela Sutton, Fort Negley Descendants Project (Episode 110)" The post Interview With Dr Angela Sutton, Fort Negley Descendants Project (Episode 110) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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 … Continue reading "Interview With Spring Duckett, CWEET organization, (Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee) Episode 109" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Mekayle Houghton, Executive Director, Cumberland River Compact (Episode 108)" The 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.  The historic … Continue reading "Interview With Layla George, President, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville, KY (Episode 107)" The 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 … Continue reading "Murray Crow Interview , Memories of Decades of Service to Tennessee State Parks (Episode 106)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview with Aaron Browning, President, Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, Deputy Director of P&R, City of Knoxville (Episode 105)" The post Interview with Aaron Browning, President, Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association, Deputy Director of P&R, City of Knoxville (Episode 105) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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 … Continue reading "Interview with Richard Hitt, President, Wild Ones, Middle Tennessee Chapter (Episode 104)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview with 2023 TRPA Fellow Award Winner, Michael Gorham (Episode 103)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview with Monika Pretz, PhD, Staff Biologist & Pollinator Program Leader, Tennessee Environmental Council (Episode 102)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Assistant State Naturalist Holly Taylor, Tennessee State Parks, Episode 97" The 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 … Continue reading "Davidson County Highland Rim Conservation, with Kathleen Williams, Episode 96" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Jessica Gossett, Park Manager, T.O. Fuller State Park and the Legacy of Rev T.O. Fuller (Episode 95)" 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Joe Huff, TRPA Fellow 2022, Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County Parks and Recreation (Episode 94)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview With Tennessee State Parks Legend and TRPA Fellow, Charlie Tate (Episode 93)" The 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 … Continue reading "Interview with Author Doug Tallamy, Native Plants to Support Wildlife and Homegrown National Parks (Episode 92)" 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 … Continue reading "Tennessee State Park Friends Organizations with Nancy Schelin (Episode 91)" The post Tennessee State Park Friends Organizations with Nancy Schelin (Episode 91) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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)" The post Passenger Rail For Nashville and Tennessee, Allen Crosby, Southeastern Passenger Rail Initiative (Episode 89) appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview with Writer/Naturalist Joanna Brichetto, Sidewalknature appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With Meg Morgan, RootsNashville Project appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With TRPA Fellow and Past President Craig Price, Morristown Parks and Recreation appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Bobby Hughes, Executive Director, EPCAMR, Legacy of Coal Mining in Northeastern PA appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With Shane Petty, Chief Ranger, Tennessee State Parks appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With Mike Croley, Cumberland Trails Conference, Executive Director appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Lights Out Nashville Project with Melinda Welton and Kim Bailey appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview with Jennifer Bauer, Naturalist and Historian of Roan Mountain Tennessee appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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 post Interview with TRPA Fellow Austin Fesmire, City of Athens, Tennessee appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With Bart Jones, Tennessee Native Plant Society appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With TRPA President Dave Anderson, Director Tullahoma Parks and Recreation appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With Author Deryck Fay, Connecting a Nation, The Story of Telecommunications In Ireland appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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 post Interview With Kitty Frazier, TRPA Fellow, Parks and Recreation Director, Kingsport appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post The History of The Warner Parks, Interview with Lynne Bachleda appeared first on 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" The post Interview with Hobart Akin, TN State Parks Cultural Resources appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With TRPA Distinguished Fellow Sylvia Pinson appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

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" The post Interview With John Seymour, President, Roundstone Native Seed appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.