Experts & Their Biographies
Robert (Bob) S. Allen was born, raised, and educated through high school in Sevierville. Allen earned his BS from UT Knoxville in Business Administration and was an Investigator for 28 years, 14 years as an FBI Agent. He spent 10 years as a Sevier County Business owner. Since 2008, he has authored three nonfiction books, Schoolboy: Jim Tugerson: Ace of the ’53 Smokies, The Perry’s Camp Murders and Murder in Harrill Hills. His first two books concerning Sevier County events of 1949 and 1953. His most recent book, Murder in Harrill Hills, examines the unsolved murder of a 27-year-old housewife in a 1951 Knoxville suburb. Mostly retired now, Bob, 68, makes his home in west Knoxville.
Email: rsallen88@comcast.net
Anne Allison is retired from the Florida school system. As a member of The American Bear Association, she volunteered for several years at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in MN, where she had the opportunity to observe black bears and their behavior. More recently, she has become a board member and volunteer educator for Appalachian Bear Rescue in TN. In 1999, she and Kathy Sherrard created a children’s activity book about bears, which they revised for ABR in 2007. Anne has presented programs in MN, NC, TN, KY, and annually at Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge.
Email: wildscove@hughes.net
Dr. Fred Alsop III is currently Professor of Biology (former Chairman), Department of Biological Sciences at East Tennessee State University. He has a PH. D. Degree in Zoology with emphasis in Ornithology from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He holds a M.S. Degree in Zoology from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as a B.S. Degree in Biology and Fine Arts from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN. He is an avid field biologist and naturalist, lecturer and teacher, traveler, international natural history tour leader, wildlife photographer and author. He has published more than 100 articles and notes on birds in scientific journals, as well as a number of books. He has 45 years experience as an Ornithologist. His research, field studies and birding expeditions have taken him across all 50 states and 19 countries. Fred and his wife, Jo Ann, reside in Johnson City, TN.
Email: alsopf@etsu.edu
Jeff Alt is a talented speaker, hiking expert and award-winning author. Jeff’s Appalachian Trail book, A Walk for Sunshine, has won six awards including a Gold medal in the Book of the Year Awards in the Adventure & Recreation Category. Jeff has walked the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and he carried his 21-month old daughter on a family trek across a path of Ireland. Jeff is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). His hiking advice has been featured in numerous publications including the Boston Globe and National Geographic Adventure. Jeff presents in and around the National Parks. Jeff is a speech-language teacher with a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders. He has been featured on ESPN, Hallmark Channel, CNN-Radio, Fox News, and in the AP, the Knoxville-News Sentinel and more.
Email: jeff@jeffalt.com
American Eagle Foundation is a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization dedicated to the mission and vision of preserving the USA’s majestic eagles and fragile environment for future generations to enjoy. They are also dedicated to caring for other birds of prey, many of which have been injured or orphaned. Their goal is to rehabilitate raptors for reintroduction into the wild, yet provide a home for those that are permanently disabled. At the Dollywood based facility, they are federally licensed caregivers to more than 60 resident birds that are non-releasable due to physical handicaps or accidental imprinting on humans. Some are trained for educational purposes, while others are placed in captive breeding projects. As a result of their reproduction efforts, they have released dozens of eagles into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Email: aefeagles3@comcast.net
Louise Bales is a self-taught artist who lives “off the traveled path” in Gatlinburg, as her family has for generations. The quality of Louise Bales’ delicately detailed watercolors reflects her dedication to her craft. The scope of her subject matter and the rich and abundant wildlife of her mountain home are the expression of a woman whose roots are deeply planted in the rich soil her family has owned for generations. Website: www.louisebales.com
Stephen Lyn Bales is a native of Gatlinburg and graduate of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School. His great-grandfather was Jim Bales, whose cabin is preserved on the Cherokee Orchard Motor Nature Trail. Currently, Stephen is a senior naturalist at Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville and is also a nature writer and natural historian with published articles in regional newspapers and magazines including The Tennessee Conservationist and Smithsonian. He is also the author of two books: Natural Histories and Ghost Birds, both published by UT Press. Stephen also maintains an online nature blog at: http://stephenlynbales.blogspot.com.
Warren Bedell has been interested in photography nearly forever and got his first 35mm SLR in the late 1960’s. Two years of study in Atlanta, Georgia, in the late 1980's introduced him to architectural subjects and close-ups in particular. In 2004, having been a computer programmer, Warren found digital photography to be a natural evolution, particularly post-processing on the computer with Photoshop. He teaches workshops and community education classes on image processing and has presented programs at several area photography clubs, including the Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers.
Boogertown Gap – As a husband and wife duo, Ruth Barber and Keith Watson, perform the traditional Old-Time music played and sung by their ancestors in the Great Smoky Mountains and throughout the country from its early European and African settlement. Keith is a direct descendent of the first permanent settler in Gatlinburg and his paternal great-great-grandfather settled in Boogertown in 1852. Ruth’s family settled in the area around 1884. Website: www.boogertowngap.com.
Email: boogertowngap@comcast.net
Mike Braun is a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitors Center, Backcountry Office.
Tom Brosch owned and operated a popular hiking store near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 15 years. His deep knowledge of history on the park, the people who lived here and the location of the many trail systems provides him with ample skill to serve as the Wilderness Wildlife Week Assistant Transportation Director.
Email: amtnhiker@bellsouth.net
Fred Brown is a retired Senior Writer for the Knoxville News-Sentinel and has recently been named to the Friends of Literacy East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame for excellence in Journalism. He was a working journalist for more than 45 years and is still a contributing writer to the Knoxville News Sentinel and Knoxville Magazine. Besides his columns and stories for the News Sentinel, Fred has published numerous books and writes frequently for historical magazines and journals.
Email: tennwriter@bellsouth.net
Cades Cove Preservation Association – The Association has been established to preserve the heritage of the Cades Cove community, located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Membership is available to all interested individuals and organizations. Website: www.cadescovepreservation.com.
Judy Carson retired from teaching at Northern Illinois University and moved to Tennessee. Having some prior music background she learned to play the autoharp. With her distinctive style, she plays at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, TN. and at other venues.
Email: KeimBob@aol.com
Glenn Cardwell retired as a Park Ranger from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He grew up in “Big Greenbrier” and now lives in Pittman Center, TN where he serves as Mayor.
Jack Carman is a graduate of Mississippi State University and a retired aeronautical engineer. An amateur botanist and recipient of several photography awards, Jack is the author of Wildflowers of Tennessee, Tennessee’s first color photographic field guide.
Email: jcarman@WildflowersTn.com
Stuart Carroll has been a Ranger Naturalist (Interpretive Specialist 3) at Fall Creek Falls State Park for more than twenty-five years. He received his B.S. Degree from the University of Tennessee, Martin. Stuart also has a Master’s Degree from Tennessee Technological University. He has been a recipient of several conservation and achievement awards such as the coveted “Ranger of the Year” award from Tennessee State Parks and additional numerous conservation and education awards, including the Jim Robb Resource management Award.
Email: stuart.carroll@tn.gov
William J. Carter retired after spending 42 years as a pastor and administrator in the United Methodist Church. He now lives in Johnson City, TN, with his wife, Belle. During the last 25 years, Bill has researched, visited and photographed hundreds of waterfalls in the United States, Canada and South America. He welcomes conversations with other hikers and waterfall nuts.
Email: billjcarter@aol.com
Kendall Chiles is a freelance nature photographer with more than 30 years of photography experience. His photographs have appeared in numerous books, magazines and brochures. He is an instructor for the University of Tennessee/Smoky Mountain Field School and is President of Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers.
Email: kchiles@knology.net
Herb Clabo grew up in the Spruce Flats area of the Great Smokies. He and his family spent many, many hours collecting herbs for the family’s medicine and for selling. He has a broad knowledge of the uses of many of these herbs that he learned from his mother. Clabo tells that he and his brothers rode “Old Doll,” their horse, over to Greenbrier to sell their time-consuming collections.
Virginia (Ginny) Cliett has been playing the lap dulcimer since 2004. She is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club. She plays and performs in two groups – T.N.T. and Highstrung. The group’s first CD Starting
Off with A Bang! came out in the Fall 2007 and their new CD, TNT-Having A Blast came out in April 2009. Web site: www.tntdulcimers.com
Email: dulcinote@aol.com
Dr. Thomas L. & Pat Cory – Thomas L. Cory, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with a passion for photography. For over 30 years Tom and his wife Pat have instructed photographers with individual lessons, photo workshops including a variety of short presentations and local workshops near their home near Chattanooga, and photo tours to US and international locations such as their 2012 locations, Ireland and Iceland. Website: www.TomandPatCory.com
Email: TomPatCory@aol.com
Bill & Rosemary Deitzer – Bill is an adjunct physical education instructor at Cincinnati State College, leading hikes and map/compass usage classes. Bill has hiked in all 50 states and leads trips to the Smokies for a local health club. He is a member of the Highpointers Club, the Appalachian Trail Conference and the 900 Miler Club having completed all 800 trails in the Smokies. Rosemary is a board member and active volunteer with the University of Cincinnati's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Email: billdeitzer@fuse.net
E. Kim Delozier grew up living and working on his family’s farm raising cattle, chickens, tobacco and hay in Sevier County. Kim attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He began his career with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1978 working as a wild hog hunter. In 1980, he was hired permanently by the GSMNP and enjoyed a 32 year career in wildlife management. Kim retired after 32 years of service in GSMNP in December 2010. During his career with the GSMNP, Kim’s involvement primarily focused on nuisance black bear management, wild hog control, white-tailed deer management, small (skunks, raccoons, bats) animal management and re-introduction efforts for elk, peregrine falcons and red wolves.
Warren Devine has been a volunteer for Tennessee’s Cumberland Trail Conference since 1998. He has led trail design teams and construction crews, and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Warren is also a director of the Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition and the Great Eastern Trail Association. Warren and his wife, Carol, are Appalachian Trail 2,000 milers. , Long Trail End-to-Enders and have backpacked thousands of additional miles throughout the United States.
Liz Domingue, M.S., Wildlife and Conservation Biology, is a freelance naturalist, educator, photographer and writer. As the founder and operator of Just Get Outdoors, Liz leads guided interpretive hikes and Naturalist Adventure Tours, and conducts environmental education programs for youth, adults and fellow educators. Through photography, observation, and research, Liz has studied wildlife, plants, and the natural world throughout the United States and abroad. She now resides in Walland, TN.
Website: www.justgetoutdoors.com
Email: Liz@justgetoutdoors.com
Ellie Doughty is an avid and passionate hiker who resides in Maryville, TN. She started hiking with Margaret Stevenson, legendary hiker of the Smokies, over 25 years ago. She has hiked all the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a member of the 900 mile club. “Lady Samantha” (Ellie's AT trail name) completed her AT journey September 23rd of 2009. Ellie helps organize and coordinate hikes and maintains an e-mail list of over 275 hikers for the “Margaret Stevenson Wednesday Hiking Group” and has recently joined the Appalachian Bear Rescue Board. Ellie graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.A. in Chemical Engineering. Her goal is to pass on her passion for hiking as it was passed on to her by Margaret Stevenson.
Kenneth H. Dubke was born and raised in the area of Mankato, MN, and attended public schools in the area prior to joining the army. After his discharge from military service, Ken attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society and has been tracking the states nesting Osprey for more than 40 years. More recently he has been working with Golden Eagles in the Southern Appalachians and the endangered Whooping Crane in the Eastern United States.
Mark A. Dunaway is a Biology Instructor at Walter State Community College. He holds both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Biology form East Tennessee State University, and specializes in avian communication and nature recordings. He is currently working on an educational project for elementary schools in Hamblen County Tennessee, in coordination with the Natural Sciences Department at Walter State Community College, to bring a hands-on approach to Biology to the classroom. This project is designed to educate both students and teachers in the methods of identifying birds by sight and sound. He also co-authored and provided recordings for “Bird Songs of the Smokies,” and is currently partnering with Dr. Fred Alsop on a CD set for the Blue Ridge Parkway titled “Bird Songs of the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
Email: madbird1@gmail.com
Doug Duncan has hiked for numerous years in the Smoky Mountains hiking approximately 200 miles per year for his own enjoyment. He has come out of retirement to conduct guided hikes for Smoky Mountain Outfitters both on trail and off trail. Doug enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Smokies with others and seeing their eyes opened to the wonder of these mountains and their history.
Harry Dunn is a freelance wildlife and nature photographer who has been involved in photography for 40 years. His interest in photography has led him on adventures ranging from British Columbia to Florida and from California to Newfoundland. Harry is a photography instructor and has been honored with a number of photography awards. He is recognized for both his photography, as well as his exciting stories. Harry is a Board Member of SANP, which is one of the largest nature photography associations in the area.
Email: Harry@NatureChaserPhotography.com
Wilma Durpo's enthusiasm for hiking, study of wildflowers and photography within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has led to the creation of a program showcasing the park in order to inspire people to explore it themselves. Currently, Wilma is serving on the faculty of the College for Seniors at the NC Center for Creative Retirement – UNCA.
Email: wilma@durpo.com
Jim Eastin is a retired pastor and an active photographer and storyteller. Over the years Jim has designed easy and fun ways to teach photography to beginners and children. His business, Taking Better Photos, teaches hundreds of people each year how to use their cameras and leads them on tours to practice what they have learned. Jim also teaches in schools, homes and clubs, as well as home school groups.
Email: takingbetterphotos@gmail.com
Bob Ebsen
Terry & LaValla Edgington – Terry is a retired agricultural education teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Administration. Terry has been an educator for more than 30 years and is a Certified Hunter Education Instructor with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.
Email: terrye@charter.net
Robert “Red Hawk” Eldridge is a Cherokee Native American Storyteller who lives in Knoxville, TN. He currently serves as President of the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Association.
Email: robertredhawk@comcast.com
Nikki Edwards has worked as a Keeper/Trainer with the Knoxville Zoo Free-Flight program for nine years. She trains birds and performs with them at the zoo as well as for school outreach programs during the winter.
Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, and storyteller known for his lively, fun, informative presentations. He has performed and presented programs at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers and schools from Canada to the Caribbean. He has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, TN. Doug has lectured and performed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and conducted workshops for the Smithsonian Institution. He has led ranger training sessions for the National Park Service and guided people on wilderness experiences from down-east Maine to the Florida Everglades. He was named harmonica champion at Fiddler's Grove Festival in Union Grove, NC. Doug is the author of four books, many articles in regional and national magazines and recorded a number of award-winning albums of stories and songs. www.dougelliott.com
Lois English is a Sevier County Master Gardener. She retired in 2007 and spends her free time at her home in Kodak, TN raising monarch and swallowtail butterflies. Her passion is to photograph and then release the butterflies. She does power point butterfly programs at schools and volunteers at the Sevier County Senior Center and UT gardens. Her garden is a Natural Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Habitat and a Monarch Way Station.
Judy Felts moved to Nashville to pursue her career in music by performing at Opryland. After leaving Opryland, she began singing and playing keyboards for Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson. She recorded her first Christian CD in 1995. She is the founder & President of Christian Women in the Marketplace, a Nashville-based organization. She is also on the board for ACT (Artists in Christian Testimony) and a board member for the Community Resource Board for the Tennessee Prison for Women. Judy and her husband, Mike, have two children and live in Franklin, TN.
Email: judy@judyfelts.com
Bill Fortney is a professional photographer with 39 years experience. He has been a newspaper and magazine photojournalist. Bill was the official photographer for the Washington Redskins in their strike-shortened Super Bowl Championship season. Bill has done medical-photography, and for the last 17 years has been one of America’s leading nature photographers. His best selling books include The Nature of America, America From 500 Feet, and Getting Serious About Outdoor Photography. Four years ago Bill joined Nikon as an NPS Technical Representative. He covers the southern U.S. and the entire country for the natural history market. Bill lives in Corbin, KY with his wife, Sherelene.
Email: wfortney@nikon.net
Keith Garnes works in the hospitality industry in Pigeon Forge and is an avid hiker and promoter of all things Tennessee. After viewing Twin Arches in the Big South Fork in 1990, Keith began combing Tennessee's bluff lines in search of hidden arches. Today Keith has several arches documented on the acclaimed Tennessee landforms website and wants to inspire people to hike and enjoy arches and natural bridges along trails in Tennessee.
Steve & Regina Garr have been presenting programs on attracting Backyard Wildlife for decades with a special emphasis on attracting desirable wildlife to almost any setting. They are co-founders of two separate State Bluebird Societies, and Steve is a past President and life member of the North American Bluebird Society. Together they are lifetime members of the Hummer/Bird Study Group and recipients of an “Environmental Stewardship Award” from the Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation. Steve is also a monthly columnist for the Nature Society News. Steve and Regina are the owners of “Birds-I-View” wild bird and nature store in Jefferson City, Missouri where they host many free education seminars each year. Web site: www.birds-i-view.biz
Email: steve@birds-i-view.biz
Eric Gebhart has been a full-time professional photographer for nearly 20 years. He specializes in wedding, nature and commercial photography. Also, Eric is a featured artist at the Art Market Gallery in Knoxville. Website: www.EricGebhartPhotography.com
Robin Goddard is retired from a 32-year teaching career. She received many education honors including Tennessee Environmental Teacher of the Year, Who’s Who Among American Teachers and VIP National Park
Service – Little Greenbrier School Interpreter. Robin also teaches at Tremont.
Email: rlgoddard@aol.com
Sabrina Gray portrays the Quiltin’ Granny. She has performed as the Quiltin’ Granny on the streets of Gatlinburg and at many other locales and functions. Sabrina loves inspiring young people to enjoy the beauty of quilting with humorous stories and songs, as well as historical quilting stories. Sabrina, herself, has homeschooled three children and is now a proud grandmother and quilter.
Missy Tipton Green has a proud and lengthy Cades Cove lineage, descending from “Preacher Johnnie” and Louisa Myers Tipton among others. Her passion for her Cove heritage has resulted in publication of Precious Memories, which documents her Cove roots. She is co-author of From Mineral Springs to Bedsprings-A History of Hotels and Resorts in the Foothills of the Smokies. Missy is also Co-Director of the Cades Cove/Thompson-Brown Museum.
Mary Gregory is a descendent of the Gregory, Lane, Oliver, White, Burchfield, McClannahan, Baines and Wilcox families of Blount and Sevier County. Mary began her education in the two-room Howard School near the Lanier community. She then attended Greenback School before graduating from Friendsville High School. Mary graduated from Maryville College with a B.A. in Business Management. Her professional career included electrical designer, project manager and quality analyst. As an amateur historian, Mary has organized and completed the 501-3C paperwork for three historical organizations that preserve local Tennessee history. Mary was encouraged to become involved with the mission of preserving local history by deceased Blount County Historian, Ms. Inez Burns, and her sister, Mrs. Edith Little, who complied several books documenting Blount County and area history. Currently retired, Mary is a mother to a daughter and son; the grandmother to three grandsons, two granddaughters; a great grandson; and three great granddaughters.
Mike & Kathy Gwinn (Hills-N-Hollows) love to share the ‘coming home’ feeling through their stories and songs. They will share their talents so that you can meet some of the interesting and colorful characters that called these mountains “home.” Mike and Kathy have entertained numerous groups including church, military and corporate groups. Kathy has been a guide with the Smoky Mountain Tour Connection for the last 11 years. They have been sharing their music and stories for the last six years.
Email: gmikegwinn@yahoo.com
Lucas Harkleroad works with the Sevier County Electric System and is associated with Green Power, a cooperative program involving the Sevier County Electric System and Tennessee Valley Authority. The program is concerned with fuel alternatives that work with the environment.
Email: lharkleroad@sevces.org
Tom Harrington is a retired Insurance Agent. He is a Volunteer Interpreter with the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park assigned to Resource Education in Cades Cove. He also works with the National Parks Community Outreach Program. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University. Tom has been hiking weekly in the GSMNP for 26 years.
Email: t3hiker@ntown.com
Shannon Harris, age 43, has hiked in the Smoky Mountains for 37 years. His first hike was to Alum Cave at the age of four. For the last 15 years, Shannon has been the president of Alpine Adventure Trail Tours, Inc. and has led hiking groups in Hawaii, the Switzerland and Austrian Alps and on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. He also enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing and mountaineering.
Email: alpine@swisshiking.com
Paul and Nora Hassell – Paul, a born and raised Knoxvillian, found what makes him tick and organized his life around that calling: Photography. As an undergraduate the University of Tennessee, Paul designed his own major: Freelance Photography and Writing for the Natural Environment. Paul is a member of several professional photography groups, including the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers (SANP). Although Paul and his wife, Nora, still call Knoxville their base camp, do not be surprised, if you follow his Blog or follow him on Facebook, to see him take you around the world, from South Africa to Laos to California to Alaska to Chile. Website: www.paulhassell.com
Robert (Bob) Hatcher received his Master’s Degree at Auburn in 1962 and was employed by TWRA, 1963-2001. He served as TWRA’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Coordinator, 1978-2001, including coordination of the bald eagle recovery program. Since retirement, he serves as consultant to the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) and answers eagle-related e-mail inquiries at EagleMail@eagles.org. He is chairman of AEF’s Bald Eagle Grant Advisory Team, overseeing eagle project grants nationally. He has been associated with the release of over 340 young bald eagles at 7 Tennessee hack sites during 1980-2011.
Email: hatcher2@bellsouth.net
Ila Hatter has been delighting people with her extensive knowledge of plants and their folklore for almost 30 years. She edited an etnobotany book: Plants of the Cherokee and has produced a wild foods cookbook, Roadside Rambles, and an instructional DVD series: Wild Edibles & Medicinals of Southern Appalachia, and Mountain Kitchen. She has been featured in magazines such as Blue Ridge, Country, Our State and TV shows, including CNN, Turner South, RFD-TV, and A&E. Ila also hosts the UNC-TV (PBS) Folkways Program.
Email: ila@wildcrafting.com
Dr. Alan S. Heilman retired from the Dept. of Botany at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a Professor for 37 years. With over 65 years of experience photographing plants, he continues to photograph pants, as well as conducting photography workshops on a regular basis.
Roger Helton is a singer, songwriter, entertainer and multi-instrumentalist. He has been entertaining audiences and ministering in churches for over twenty years. Now residing in Sevierville, TN, Roger has performed regularly in theaters such as Dixie Stampede and Dollywood, as well as performing with the bluegrass band, Greenbrier. Roger has a great rapport with audiences of all ages with his blend of song, humor and instrumental stylings.
Email: rogerhelton@charter.net
Joey Holt grew up in the foothills of the Smokies. Joey has been a lover of the outdoors all his life enjoying activities such as camping and hiking. He has been an avid hiker for several years. Joey is a member of the Great Smoky Mountains Association and a volunteer with the Appalachian Bear Rescue. He has been presenting a hiking program at a local camp resort for the past few years where he also does guided hikes for their guests, church groups, and others who just enjoy the outdoors.
Email: joeytodd@bellsouth.net
Thomas Horsch is the Principal Owner of Plan B Marketing, a sales representation agency serving various outdoor product manufacturers in the Southeastern U.S. He is also the southeast representative for Ruff Wear Dog Gear and has been representing them since 2008. When Thomas is not working, he is active in many outdoor sports including mountain biking, cycle touring, kayaking and hiking. He enjoys traveling and exploring the many cities, towns and outdoor recreational opportunities of the southeast. Thomas lives right next to the Appalachian Trail, Trans-America Bike Route and the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA. The view from his office window often includes thru-hikers and their dogs and touring cyclists riding cross-country. Thomas’ family consists of his wife, Jill, son, Logan, and two Jack Russell Terriers, Jackson and Sonny.
Christine Hoyer serves as Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She completed a BA and BS at Elizabethtown College in Psychology and Philosophy. Christine began her trails career with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy trail crew leader in 2005 and started her NPS career as a trail crew leader in Cataloochee in 2008. Christine has spent three years in the Facility Management Division and has been in her current position as the Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator for two years.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm
Don Huskey & Marcia Huskey Nelson: Don is a long time Pigeon Forge resident and once was a miller for the Old Mill. He has been singing gospel music since he was a young man. His daughter, Marcia Nelson, has also been singing gospel music since she was a small child, and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Celebration Choir and Orchestra. Marcia also composes gospel music and works at the Pigeon Forge Public Library.
Richard Iceland has been a photographer/instructor for 41 years. His work has been published in People Magazine, The Sunday New York Times, The Bergen Evening Record, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Inside Track Magazine and National Speed Sport News. He retired as a photographer from the NASCAR circuit and is currently conducting photo sightseeing tours in the Smokies.
Email: photo.fast@yahoo.com
Paul James is the Executive Director for Ijams Nature Center, a 275-acre wildlife sanctuary and environmental learning center in Knoxville, TN. James has written numerous articles for the Tennessee Conservationist and is author of Ijams’ Lost Species exhibit guide and a new book chronicling the Ijams Family Legacy, through vintage photographs, maps and illustrations throughout Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains.
Jim Jenkins graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Wildlife Management. He works for Rocky Top Tours taking people on guided tours into the GSMNP. Jim is very knowledgeable about plant and animal identification and has hiked extensively in the Park. Jim has been a tour guide for 32 years.
Ken Jenkins, professional photographer and creator of Wilderness Wildlife Week, is known throughout North America. He is an accomplished author of numerous books covering black bears, grizzlies and other wildlife. He and his wife, Vicki, own Beneath the Smoke, a nature company and gallery in Gatlinburg. Because of Ken’s vision 22 years ago, WWW is now an award-winning event, having won the prestigious International Festivals and Events Association’s Pinnacle Award for Best Environmental Event and Best Educational Program from among approximately 1500 award entries.
Judy Myers Johns, born in 1952, grew up in Cades Cove and lived in three houses in the Cove. She is the 7th generation from Russell Gregory (Gregory Bald fame), 6th generation from John Oliver, and the 5th generation from John P. Cable (Cable Mill). Judy worked for the Great Smoky Mountains History Association performing live demonstrations at Cable Mill and later as a National Park Ranger before joining the Department of Energy to serve in the protective detail for two Secretaries of Energy. Judy also served as Vice President of Domestic and International Security for Raytheon Engineers and Constructors. Currently, Judy is working at the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Y-123 site as the Director of Homeland Security Initiatives. Judy has a passion for her parents and their memories of Cades Cove, photography, Cades Cove history and her own heritage in the Cove. She is a widow with one daughter, son-in-law and one grandchild.
J. Greg Johnson grew up in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Tennessee Technological University and a master's degree in public and community health from Austin Peay State University. He is a former teacher, college football coach, and academic advisor. He has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. In 2003, he began writing a weekly column for The Mountain Press. In 2005, Greg became an opinion columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Park, Greg wrote and published Sanctuary: Meditations from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sanctuary is available at all Smoky Mountains Associations stores and at amazon.com. Greg is the proud father of son, Reed, and twin daughters, Haley & Micah. Greg and his wife, Diane, live and write in Sevier County, TN.
Email: flatcreekpublishing@gmail.com
Kristine Johnson is the Natural Resource Specialist for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She holds a Master’s Degree in Forestry from the University of Tennessee. Her duties include forest insect and disease management, control of exotic plants and ecological restoration. Email: kristine_johnson@nps.gov
Dr. Harley E. Jolley is a retired historian with a master’s and Ph.D. in History. He served as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service for more than 26 years. He is a recipient of the “Thomas Wolfe Literary Award” and “The Edward H. Abbuehl Environmental Education Award.”
Stuart Jolley is a public school administrator in Yancey County, NC.
Glenna & W.C. “Dub” Julian are Sevier County Master Gardeners. They volunteer often at the UT Gardens and at the Sevier County Senior Center and Kodak Library. Glenna had an article “Beauty and the B's” which appeared in Tennessee Conservationist magazine in March/April 2009. W.C. did the pictures for the article. She is a retired USPS Rural Carrier. Their 2-acre garden is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Habitat and a Monarch Way Station, which “creates, conserves and protects Monarch butterfly habitats.” Their garden in Kodak has been featured in the Knoxville News-Sentinel and The Mountain Press. “Dub” received his BA from Carson Newman College and is a retired Senior Chief with more than 30 years in the military.
Email: Julian55@bellsouth.net
Joe Kelley served as a National Park Service Ranger for more than 30 years, mainly in the Smokies and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He retired in 1994 as Superintendent of Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee. He actively conducts talks and provides instruction of “old ranger skills” such as tracking, search and rescue and map and compass use. He also serves as a guide with the Smoky Mountain Tour Connection.
Email: KelleyTown@Frontiernet.net
Veta King has been the organizer of “Our Search for the Past” for many years. As historian for the Pigeon Forge Public Library, Mrs. King preserves and promotes the awareness of area heritage. In 2010 Arcadia Publishing released a new book by Mrs. King – “Images of America, Pigeon Forge” with over 200 vintage photographs of the town. Her first book, “Mountain Folks of Old Smoky”, is still in print. She is descended from the first Ogle family to arrive in Gatlinburg, and her paternal grandfather was a foreman for the Little River Lumber Company. Mrs. King’s father, Howard Wilson, was born at one of the lumber camps in the Great Smoky Mountains. Mrs. King is married to Donald R. King, and the two have one son, Tyler, and a daughter, Allison.
Email: vwking@cityofpigeonforge.com
Knoxville Zoo’s Bird Show has been educating the public through free-flight and natural behavior bird shows for nearly 20 years. The trained staff presents birds and other animals from all over the world. Highlighting their natural adaptations through entertaining and educational demonstrations, the Bird Show inspires young and old to appreciate and protect the world around them. The Bird Show is presented at the Knoxville Zoo from May through September and is available to visit schools and other organizations from October through February. www.knoxville-zoo.org/zoomobile.htm.
Knoxville Zoo’s Zoomobile – The Zoomobile travels all over East Tennessee year-round, bringing live animal educational programming to hundreds of schools, libraries, businesses, churches, community events and more every year. Through up-close interactive animal encounters, the Zoomobile creates appreciation and understanding of wildlife adaptations and conservation. www.knoxville-zoo.org/zoomobile.htm
Matt Kulp grew up in Telford, PA, and graduated from Souderton Area High School in 1988. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University and a M.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University. During his junior/senior years at Penn State, Matt worked at the Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research unit as a fisheries technician. Matt began his career with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May 1994 as a fishery technician and in May 1995 became a fishery biologist with the GSMNP where he continues to serve. His fisheries management objectives focus on brook trout inventory and monitoring, brook trout genetics, native fish restoration, threatened and endangered fish reintroduction and monitoring, as well as long-term water quality and fisheries monitoring. In 2010, Matt was selected as Employee of the Year at GRSM. Matt is a certified Fisheries Scientist with the American Fisheries Scientist with the American Fisheries Society and is former President of the Southern Division of the AFS Trout Committee. Matt’s hobbies include wild turkey and deer hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing and woodworking. He and his wife, Mimi, reside in Wears Valley, TN.
Email: matt_kulp@nps.gov
Bert Kunze, at the age of 62, through-hiked the entire 2,200 mile long Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Then, in 2005 at age 67, Bert through-hiked California’s 240-mile long John Muir Trail. Bert was born in Starnberg (Bavaria) on the foothills of the Alps and has since 1993 resided in Hiawassee, GA.
Bill Landry was the voice, host, narrator, and co-producer of The Heartland Series. For more than 25 years, this program has continued to celebrate the people and the land of the entire Appalachian region. The Heartland Series hasreceived three Emmy Awards. Bill has written and directed many of the episodes. As a graduate of the Dallas Theatre Center with a Master of Fine Arts degree, Bill considers himself a lover of theatrical crafts that have an educational purpose and has portrayed numerous characters on the series. Prior to joining WBIR/TV, he was an accomplished theatre professional and performed a one-man show, “Einstein the Man,” before hundreds of groups and organizations in 38 states and Canada.
Lee Lewis has been involved in wilderness search and rescue, including technical rescue since 1990. As a volunteer, he has responded to incidents in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both in field operations and search incident management. Lee has over 1400 hours of SAR training, and is a graduate of the National Search and Rescue School. He is certified as a Search and Rescue Technician II, Wilderness First Responder, and Man-Tracker. He also instructs area law enforcement agencies in the art of tracking. He is a member of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), and the Society of Professional Access Technicians (SPRAT). Currently, Lee is only one of two people who has hiked all six trails to Mt. LeConte in under 24 hours. Lee has led numerous hikes into the GSMNP for Wilderness Wildlife Week and now serves as the Wilderness Wildlife Week Transportation Director.
Email: leeplewis@hotmail.com
Deby Libby is self-taught on the lap dulcimer. She has been playing since 2002. Deby is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club, plays/performs with Highstrung, TNT, and Dogwood Dulcimers and Friends. Their first CD Starting Off with a Bang! came out in Fall 2007 and their new CD, TNT-Having a Blast came out in April 2009. Website: www.tntdulcimers.com
Email: dlibby@utk.edu
Wendell Liemohn is a retired professor of Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Previously, Wendell had taught at Rice University, Fort Hays Kansas State College and Indiana University. He has skied since childhood and has XC-skied since 1972 while at Indiana University. In 2005, at age 70, Wendell started hiking in the GSMNP and became a member of the 900 Miler Association in less than 2 years. Wendell also volunteers at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Email: wliemohn@gmail.com
Kris Light is a science outreach educator from Oak Ridge, TN. She has taught programs for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, American Museum of Science and Energy, the Oak Ridge Schools and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont for over two decades. Kris enjoys sharing her love of nature with people through hikes, lectures and her photography.
Dr. Donald W. Linzey is the author of a major new book entitled A Natural History Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2008) by UT Press. He is also the author of Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mammals of Virginia, Snakes of Virginia, and a textbook entitled Vertebrate Biology. He received his Ph.D. in Vertebrate Zoology from Cornell University, worked as a ranger-naturalist for the GSMNP and has conducted mammal research in the park since 1963. Dr. Linzey also served as principal investigator for endangered species research on the northern flying squirrel and northern water shrew in the southern Appalachians for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He is currently coordinating mammal research for the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the park and is a member of the Board of Directors of Discover Life in America.
Email: wclinzd@wcc.vccs.edu
Lost Mill String Band – Jerry and Joan Paul of the Lost Mill String Band have been sharing their American Roots Music with visitors and locals of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding area since 2005. The duo sings and performs music of Appalachia, both past and present. Joan plays harmonica, guitar and clawhammer banjo and Jerry plays upright bass and bluegrass banjo. They are featured daily on Alewine Pottery’s Channel 20 TV in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
Email: www.lost_mill@hotmail.com Website: www.lostmill.com
Leo Lubke received his undergraduate degrees, as well as an earned doctorate, from the State University of New York. Leo retired after 33 years in education. He has completed Master Gardener certification in both New York and Tennessee. Leo and his wife, Linda, live in Kodak, TN, where their gardens include vegetables, fruits, flowers and a “Bird and Butterfly Garden” with a waterwheel and pond area. Leo is a member of the Garden Writers Association and writes a weekly column for two regional newspapers.
Email: LHLubke@aol.com
Don Luckett is an avid outdoorsman, hiker and loves to trout fish. He has been involved with Wilderness Wildlife Week for the past 11 years as a Hike Sweep. Don was a guide in the Everglades for Loxahatchee Everglades Tours in South Florida until his retirement 14 years ago. Also, Don worked for the Boca Raton Resort and Club where he was the Assistant Harbor Master and organized off shore fishing charters.
Charles Maynard is the Director of Development for the Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. In addition, he has authored several books including Churches of the Smokies and co-authored Time Well Spent-Family Hiking in the Smokies and Waterfalls and Cascades of the Great Smoky Mountains. A children’s family
book, Going Along to the Great Smoky Mountains, was published in 2008. Charles also is the author of Blue Ridge Mountains: Ancient and Majestic with photographer Jerry Green and co-author of Family Hiking in the Smokies.
Email: smokycwm@aol.com
Lynne McCoy is an independent home-based wildlife rehabilitator and educator located in Jefferson Co. Tennessee. She has worked with mammals, birds and reptiles for 35 years. Lynne has both state and federal permits. She writes a newsletter, “It's a Wild Life,” about her experiences. She is available for programs and is a member of the Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Association. Lynne cares for 500-800 animals annually. Website: www.picturetrail.com/backwoodslynne
Email: backwoodslynne@aol.com
Ed & Linda McFarland: Linda is a long time Wilderness Wildlife Week enthusiast who enjoys winter hiking. She is president of the Native Wildflower Garden at Lake Junaluska, NC. Ed has camped and hiked the Southern Appalachians for over 50 years.
Don McGowan is the owner/operator of EarthSong. After living in Sevier County for several years, Don now lives at the head of Beaverdam Valley near Canton, North Carolina. He gives photographic tours of GSMNP, conducts nature photography workshops, and offers fine art prints, stock photography and natural light commercial images. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Blue Ridge Country, Georgia Journal, Outdoor Photographer, National Parks Conservation Association magazines and National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps. He is a guest instructor of photography at John C. Campbell Folk School.
Email: mcgowan592@aol.com or don@earthsongphotography.com
Colby McLemore is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) and a University of Tennessee photography instructor who leads various workshops throughout the region and state. His images frequently grace national magazines and newspapers—and even books. He’s also won numerous professional competitions. Colby is a board member for both the South Appalachian Nature Photographers (the largest nature photography club in the region) as well as for the regional guild of the Professional Photographers of America. A student once described Colby as having an “infectious enthusiasm for photography,” one he would love to share with you.
Email: Colby@colbysphotography.com
Carroll McMahan serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Carroll is also a contributing writer and coordinator of The Upland Chronicles, a weekly column featuring mountain heritage stories in The Mountain Press. In 2010, Carroll organized, and continues to coordinate, The Rose Glen Literary Festival at Walters State Community College’s Sevier County campus. A native of Sevierville, Carroll moved back to East Tennessee after 25 years in Nashville and one entire summer in Glacier Bay, Alaska. His interests include hiking in the Smokies, history, folklore and storytelling. E-mail: cmcmahan@scoc.org
Mike Meldrum has been a National Park Service Ranger implementing resource education for several years in the Cades Cove District. This is his 10th year in the Smoky Mountains.
Email: mike_meldrum@nps.gov
Ruth Carr Miller’s ancestors lived in the Sugarlands section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She has spent 36 years of her life as a step–on guide for motor coaches that come into the area. In 2010 she was featured on the T.V. Show: Bizarre Foods: With Andrew Zimmern, where she cooked Possum and Raccoon.
Douglas D. Mills for 25 years has roamed the region with Bill Landry for the Heartland Series. Now that the series has ceased production Doug continues to roam. Oh, the old man can't deny he still enjoys waiting for sunrises and chasing sunsets.
Email: mills4444@bellsouth.net
Charles Monday is organizer of the musical component of Townsend’s Fall Old Timers Day and their Spring Festival. Charlie also manages the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Years ago Charlie realized that he had the “gift” of dowsing, which can also be referred to as “water witching.” Through the years, Charlie has discovered many uses for dowsing including locating underground water, graves, pipes, electric lines, old building sites and many other things. Putting this talent to work in Knoxville two years ago, Charlie was instrumental in locating a previously unmarked Confederate cemetery that, until then, was only a rumor.
Email: charliemonday@wildblue.net
Harry Moore is retired from being the Geotechnical Director with TDOT in Knoxville. Prior to his career, Harry earned his Bachelor & Master’s Degree in Geology from the University of Tennessee. He is licensed as a Professional Geologist and has authored several Geology books. He, along with Fred Brown, co-authored Discovering October Roads: Fall Color and Geology in Tennessee. His new book entitled, The Bone Hunters: The Discovery of Miocene Fossils in Gray, Tennessee was published by the University of Tennessee Press in 2004.
Email: hlaamoore@aol.com
The Honorable Rex Henry Ogle, son of long time Sevierville attorney Henry Ogle, was elected to the position of Circuit Judge, Part III, 4th Judicial District in 1990. He was appointed to the Statewide Commission on Foster Care by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1996. Judge Ogle received the “Judge Wheatcraft Award” by the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence for outstanding service. He has served as president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference and currently serves as president of the Sevier County Public Library Foundation Board of Directors as well as other boards.
George Owen has led hikes and done intensive trail work in the Southern Appalachians for forty years. He has served as trail maintenance director and trail construction director for both the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, serving also as president of the latter. He laid out and supervised much of the Benton MacKaye Trail construction in Georgia. He has also served as conservation director for three trail clubs. For the past six years he has been a guide for Alpine Adventure Trail Tours in the Alps. Leading hiking group adventures from Virginia to California which has been one of his retirement joys. He has also enjoyed hiking trails in the Smokies, starting with his children, for these forty years.
Olga Pader escaped from the urban canyons of South Florida to the mountains of Western North Carolina eleven years ago to be closer to the woods she loves. She is an avid recreational hiker who finds solace and adventure walking in the wonderments of the natural world. She has hiked the sawgrass prairies of the Everglades, the carriage roads of Acadia, the granite cap of El Capitan in Yosemite, and the fiery depths of Utah’s Canyonland. Her most memorable adventures have been hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim and reaching the summit of Mt. Whitney, at 14,497 feet the highest point in the continental U. S., in 2007. Her trip to Spain began with a “why-not” by a gurgling Smokies creek and brought her full-circle to the land of her ancestors. On the Camino de Santiago the human experience and earthly landscapes meld to transform walkers into pilgrims on this journey through time and space and Olga became a “peregrine.”
Larry Perry is a certified Adobe Photoshop Expert who has taught popular seminars around the country in the use of Photoshop software and who is a nationally recognized nature photographer in his own right. His photographs have appeared in numerous magazines and books. He is an adjunct professor at University of
Tennessee.
Mary Phillips is a local artist, author, and illustrator, whose career has evolved from drawing children, to native plant studies, to storytelling. Combining the inspiration of her talents has lead to creating keepsake nature books for children that focus on science, and watching the natural world around us come alive with the wonder of spinning a good yarn! Mary’s first book, Booger: A Tall Tale of the Mountains, has been shown on the Today Show and chosen to be represented at the National Environmental Education Conference, the National Education Conference, and was recently included in the 2011 international reading conference in Belgium. Discover Mary’s Boogertown Back Porch Studio and learn more at www.maryphillipsbooks.com and www.portraitsbymaryphillips.com.
Ron Plasencia has been a photographer for over 40 years. He has taken his degree in Education and molded it around photography: teaching classes and leading workshops from Ohio to Tennessee. He is past president of the Springfield, Ohio Photographic Society, founder and first president of the Photographic Society of East Tennessee, He currently teaches photography classes at the Rose Center & Council for the Arts, and has taught at Walters State Community College. Ron’s photography has garnered international awards in competitive salons through the Photographic Society of America, and his work has been published in several regional magazines. Ron is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and Professional Photographers of America.
Email: rlp@photoartique.com
Mike Povia has more than 35 years experience as a hike leader, backpacker and rappelling instructor. Mike is intimately familiar with the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Brief side trips to points of interest frequently accompany his hikes.
Email: hiknmik@aol.com
Jim Renfro is the Air Quality Specialist for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He started working for the Smokies in 1984, and is currently responsible for managing the Park’s air quality program, which is one of the most comprehensive air monitoring programs in the National Park Service. Jim earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Forestry from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Jim’s duties include coordinating air resources management operations and monitoring activities at seven research stations. Jim has 26 years experience in the areas of air pollution monitoring and research, public education and outreach projects, long-lasting partnerships, and air regulatory and policy issues related to the Clean Air Act and protection of Class I Areas under the Act and the effects of air pollution on the natural resources of the Park, specifically ozone, acid deposition, mercury, particulate matter, regional haze, and climate. Jim lives in Gatlinburg, TN with his wife, Jeanne, and their three children, Joey, Jaynie and Jake.
Email: jim_renfro@nps.gov
Jan Rhodes retired from the franchise industry several years ago and decided to move to the mountains with his wife, Nancy, who is an avid photographer. They love sharing the Smokies with everyone they know, teaching photography and taking photos of the wildflowers and wildlife.
Email: MountainMom221@yahoo.com
Jim Richards has been a hiker for over 35 years. He has hiked and climbed over most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He is an avid hiker, backpacker, cyclist, mountaineer, gearhead and collector of outdoor gear for over 30 years. He currently is an area manager for Mast General Store in Knoxville. Jim resides in Knoxville with his wife, Jane, and dog, Kaci.
Email: jmujner@comcast.net
Allen Ricks is the Information/Education Officer with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. He volunteers as the East Tennessee District Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation. He is an avid wild turkey hunter.
Email: allen.ricks@state.tn.us
Pamela Rodgers is a descendent of one of the earliest families to settle in what is now known as the Cherokee Orchard area of the GSMNP. She is a graduate of Carson Newman College earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leisure Services. She began her career with the park service as a Resource Education Ranger and is currently the Backcountry Information Specialist for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and a Leave No Trace Master Trainer.
Email: Pamela_Rodgers@partner.nps.gov
Phylis Rollins has been a wildlife rehabilitator for over 20 years and has presented on a variety of wildlife related topics at numerous symposiums and programs. She is also an experienced meditator in both Eastern and Western techniques.
Email: phyliscritter@yahoo.com
Gudrun & Peter Seifert hail from Germany and lived in Switzerland for two years prior to coming to the United States in 1964. Initially, they wanted to stay in the United States for only two or three years; however, the tremendous welcoming spirit and the security during the world’s East – West conflict made them stay a lifetime. Gudrun, an English teacher, and Peter, a mechanical engineer, are regular people. This is their home now. They have learned the language, except an accent remains. Gudrun and Peter thank everyone for allowing them to experience the “American Dream” and for showing them generosity, hospitality and the honor to be presenting at Wilderness Wildlife Week.
Ray Sellers has lived in the Great Smoky Mountains area for more than 30 years. He is a retired Park Ranger and has worked in several diverse National Parks. He is an avid hiker and outdoorsman and can be found somewhere on a trail on any given day. Ray has a sincere interest in Wilderness Wildlife Week and works tirelessly toward a successful event each year. He was the “Volunteer of the Year – 2001/2002” for the City of
Pigeon Forge’s Office of Special Events and was also awarded in 2011 with the office’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for all the hard work and dedication shown through the years.
Sandy Sgrillo, aka the “Llama Mama,” founded and built Smokey Mountain Llama Treks into a popular hiking adventure for both tourists and locals. Rated #1 on Google, this fun, guided trip allows participants to hike with friendly llamas while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Smokies. As a leading expert at training, shearing, and caring for llamas, Sandy makes an interesting hike leader and welcomes animal lovers to join in her annual llama trek.
Email: Llamahiking@aol.com
Kathy Sherrard is a retired educator. As a member of The American Bear Association (ABA), she volunteered for several years at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in MN where she had the opportunity to observe black bears and their behavior. More recently, she has become a board member and volunteer educator for Appalachian Bear Rescue in TN. In 1999, she and Anne Allison created a children’s activity book about bears, which they revised for ABR in 2007. Kathy has presented programs in MN, NC, TN, KY, and annually at Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge.
Email: wildscove@hughes.net.
Silly Safari has been providing live animal outreach programs throughout the United States since 1997. Silly Safari Shows was founded in 1997 by Amazon John. Silly Safaris has grown to become the largest provider of live animal outreach conservation education in Indiana. They perform over 2500 Silly Safari live animal shows every year through the Mid-West. Silly Safari’s unique blend of comedy, theater, and animals creates a lively, educational conservation experience enjoyed by adults as much as children. Utilizing smaller safe, captive-born, and well-socialized animals, a Silly Safari Show is always WILD! www.sillysafaris.com
Tommy Small has been an avid hiker/backpacker for 23 years and has hiked over 14,000 miles in the Smokies. He is one of the original 11 members of the 900 Miler Club and has completed all the trails six times. Tommy is a past President of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. He has hiked and paddled all over the United States. Tommy’s great-grandmother, Sallie Ogle, was born in Cades Cove in 1833 and was married there in 1851.
Email: small@icx.net
Charles Smith served in Law Enforcement almost of his life, retiring from TVA Police as Commander in 2004. He was also Master Amour, Firearms Instructor & led a SWAT team. Charles stood at attention, serving as Honor Guard for one of his men killed on duty. As he heard the Piper play "Amazing Grace," he realized that he wanted serve as a bagpiper to Police, Firemen, Military and Emergency personnel. His early American ancestors are Scots, Irish, English and he is at least 1/16th American Indian via his father's great-grandfather, Dr. Pleasant Walton's Indian wife. Charles is married to Ersa Rhea Noland Smith, daughter of former Sevier County Sheriff Ray C. Noland. Their children are Robin (TVA Police) & Darlene; Chris, an Atchley funeral director (formally PFPD) & Lisa; Monya, hearing asst. and Chad, an actor.
Linda Smith is self-taught on the lap-dulcimer. She has been playing for 9 years. She is a member of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club, and she plays and performs with Highstrung and T.N.T. Their first CD, Starting Off with a Bang!, came out in Fall 2007 and their new CD, TNT-Having a Blast came out in April 2009.
Website: www.tntdulcimers.com
Email: actin4450@mypacks.net
Marti Smith has been a resident of Sevier County since 1994, when she moved here from Cincinnati, OH. She works full time for the Great Smoky Mountains Association in the membership department. She has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. In 2008 she completed her goal of hiking all of the trails in the GSMNP and is a member of the “900 Miler Club”. Her favorite pastime is hiking, of course, and also biking and identifying wildflowers. She also leads hikes for GSMA.
Mark and Janet Snyder both are retied Ohio educators now living in Townsend, TN. They enjoy the outdoors and have hiked all the GSMNP trails in Tennessee and most of North Carolina’s trails. They are section hikers on the AT and do extensive off-trail hiking in the GSMNP in the winter months. Both Mark and Janet are members of the Cades Cove Preservation Association and also serve on the Board of Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum in Townsend. Mark is an interpretive guide/bus driver taking visitors to Cades Cove to share the history and stories of the families that lived there.
Dana Soehn serves as Volunteer-in-Park Coordinator with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dana started her NPS career as a Volunteer in 1989 as a college intern. She completed her BS at University of TN and MS at West Virginia University with degrees in Wildlife & Fisheries Science. Dana worked in Vegetation Management/Inventory & Monitoring for 15 years, Parks as Classrooms for four years and her current position as the VIP Coordinator for two years.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm
Larry Sparks is a Cades Cove native. He is one of 12 children born to Amy Burchfield Sparks and Asa Sparks. His ancestors were among the first to own land and live in the Cove. His immediate family was forced to sell their land with the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s. Although most neighbors moved out, Larry's family remained in the Cove as leaseholders until 1960 when their lease agreement with the National Park Service ended. Larry graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Currently, Larry serves on the board of the Cades Cove Preservation Association and is a member of the First Families of Tennessee as descendant of Col. John Tipton. He writes and presents Cades Cove history and had a role in “Voices of the Land,” an East Tennessee Historical Society exhibit in Knoxville. Larry resides in Loudon, TN.
Email: lsparks@ktnpba.org
Lisa L. Stewart has served as Curator for Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) since April 1, 2003. She has been a wildlife rehabilitator since 1990 and possesses wildlife rehabilitation permits from Tennessee and Mississippi. She holds a degree in Animal Science. Lisa is a member of the East Tennessee Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. She is the sole caretaker of the bears admitted to ABR and lives onsite with them. Lisa is ABR’s liaison with wildlife officials and is responsible for bear care, facility operations, site maintenance and ABR newsletters. She regularly conducts educational outreach programs about bears as a part of ABR’s educational outreach.
Email: appblackbear@aol.com
Harold Stinnette has been involved in nature photography for over 20 years. For the last 19 he has been teaching nature photography workshops and speaking on the subject to various groups throughout the southeast. Harold has been with Wilderness Wildlife Week for 18 years. He is founder of Natural Impressions Nature Photography Workshops. Harold is the author of Camping Tennessee. He lives with his wife, Donna, and son, Brandon, in Spring City, TN.
Email: NaturalImpressions@juno.com
Bill Stiver is a Wildlife Biologist with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He coordinates the wild hog control program and wildlife inventory. He also monitors and assists with black bear and wildlife management activities. A native of Michigan, he received a B.S. degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University and a MS degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Tennessee.
Email: bill_stiver@nps.gov
Bill Sullivan majored in Forestry at NC State University and has been a member of the American Chestnut Society. He remembers hearing his grandmother tell stories of gathering chestnuts as a young girl to help feed her mountain family through the long, cold winters. Bill is an avid hiker and knows the trails, flowers and folklore of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Email: SurfSully@yahoo.com
Dr. Chuck Summers is a minister and nature photographer who currently resides in Pikeville, KY. He is the author of three books, including Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit and Beauty. His work has appeared in numerous national publications and calendars. Chuck's most recent project is a new DVD, The Seasons of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring the music of David Arkenstone. He is a co-writer for the blog: www.seeingcreation.com. You can view samples of Chuck's work at www.agpix.com/csummers.
Email: csummers@mikrotec.com
Dorothy Gregory Sutton was born in Cades Cove to Howard and Ora Lane Gregory. The family moved from Cades Cove in 1939 to the outskirts of Maryville prior to moving to a farm in Greenback in 1945. Dorothy became very interested in her family history after entering Lanier High School. One of her teachers, Inez Burnes, gave them the assignment of doing their family lineage. Dorothy and her class spent many days on field trips in cemeteries writing down family members’ birthdates and death dates. When tasked to write to one of her family members about information regarding their lineage, Dorothy wrote to John Oliver in 1955 about their family history. She still has the letter he sent her. After graduating high school, she received a scholarship from Blount Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to enter East Tennessee Baptist School of Nursing in Knoxville, TN. Dorothy married Frank Ashley Sutton and they have two sons. She went on to work at Blount Memorial for two years and went on to become employed by the State of Tennessee as a Public Health Nurse for the Blount County Health Department. Her supervisor, Golden William, had been her father’s school teacher at Spruce Flats and Dr. K.A. Bryant, former Blount County Medical Director, provided extensive medical care for Cades Cove residents. Later, Dorothy transferred to the State of Tennessee Licensure Division as a State Surveyor to audit hospitals, Home Health Agency, Dialysis Clinics as well as any other facilities that received State or Federal money. She attended Carson Newman College, the University of Tennessee and Maryville College to complete her education. After retiring from the State of Tennessee, Dorothy returned to work at Blount Memorial Hospital Home Health until retiring from there in 2004. She is a past member of DAR, member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, member of Blount County Genealogy, member of the Cades Cove Preservation Association and is a board member of the Blount County Historical Museum.
Bob Swabe is a retired FBI agent and Regional Director of Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. He is an expert tracker and has national experience tracking fugitives and criminals.
Joe Taft is a Retired Senior Naturalist having worked at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport for more than 25 years. He is also a retired USAF navigator. This will be Joe’s 20th year as a presenter at Wilderness Wildlife Week. In addition to his work at Bays Mountain Park, he has presented programs at Calloway Gardens in Georgia, Roan Mountain State Park, Warriors Path State Park and a variety of civic clubs. Joe enjoys wildflowers, photography and hiking. He and his wife, Barbara, live near Kingsport, TN.
Email: jhtaft@charter.net
Don E. Taylor has been creating life-like woodcarvings for over 25 years. He specializes in birds of prey but also carves and paints songbirds and various other types of animals. Don's focus is on creating carvings that are close to nature and are as real as possible. He is a member of the Southern Highlands and Foothills Craft Guilds. Don teaches classes on carving and painting and does demonstrations. Don's carvings are available through the Southern Highlands Shop in Gatlinburg, TN and The Arrow Store.
Email: dtaylorwdcarv@earthlink.net
Pat K. Thomas has developed her own italic writing style over the past 30 years. Pat combines calligraphy with marbling at the historic Cliff Dwellers Gallery in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg,
TN. She demonstrates and conducts workshops in the upstairs open studio. Pat also teaches marbling at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN, John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, regional art and history centers. She is a member of Foothills Craft Guild and International Society of Marblers.
Email: pktlivingstones@bellsouth.net
Tony Thomas is recognized as a leading musician, singer songwriter, instructor, bandleader, and storyteller. He has been singing songs and telling stories from the Appalachian Mountains for many years. He is an accomplished musician on harmonica, old time banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar. Having taught himself to play, his music has been heard and played around the world. He has 17 CDs to his credit as well as three instructional videos. Tony is a volunteer for the Museum of Appalachia, Norris, TN. He also performs for many National and State Parks and many other venues. Tony’s music includes Appalachian music, bluegrass, old-time, country, civil war, gospel, and ballads.
Email: tonycthomas@comcast.net
A. Christine Tipton was a faculty member of the History Department at ETSU for 12 years and has authored the book entitled Civil War In The Mountains focusing on East Tennessee and North Carolina. For two years, she and her husband, Sam Pinkerton, coordinated Civil War Days, an encampment entailing the Battle of Red Banks in 1864, and were instrumental in erecting a Tennessee Historical marker for the Battle of Red Banks. She is a past member of the Tennessee Civil War Heritage project that is funded by Congress to research, interpret and preserve the state’s history during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
TNT, composed of Ginny Cliett, Linda Smith and Deby Libby, began playing mountain dulcimers together in October 2006. Since that time, they have produced three CDs, 18 tablature packages (multi-part arrangements), 3 tab collections on CD and a new series of teaching materials called, Jammin’ with TNT, that includes an instructional book and, at present, three packages of jam cards with 24 tunes in each set (purchased separately). TNT has a varied repertoire and enjoys “team teaching” and performing at festivals and dulcimer events.
Bob Turney is an avid hiker and photographer for 30 years from Lenoir City, TN. He has hiked trails all over the country including a recent hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. He is a member of Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers and his work can be viewed at: www.BobTurneyphotography.zenfolio.com
Theresa Tyler is a native of East Tennessee and a resident of Gatlinburg, TN. Theresa discovered her love of art later in life. While she grew up immersed in the beauty of the mountains, she made her career in financial development for social service programs and volunteered in government service. After returning to Gatlinburg and working at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Theresa returned to the art she had enjoyed as a young mother. Now, Theresa is a full-time artist in fiber arts working at the Cliff Dwellers Gallery making soft dolls, baskets, woven scarves and ruannas and hand-sewn purses and tote bags.
Rick Varner is a Wildlife Biological Technician with GSMNP. Rick has been involved in the control of the exotic wild hog within the park since 1988. He has coordinated the installation of food storage cable systems at all of the park’s backcountry sites.
Email: rickvarner@nps.gov
Ken Voorhis is the executive director of the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont where he has served since 1984. He and his staff develop a varied schedule of successful programs that encourage children and adults in the appreciation of the Smokies and their connection to the natural world. Tremont is nationally known and respected, being one of only a few residential environmental education centers with a national park. Ken did photography for Trees of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Field Guide. He is also a storyteller and musician, in addition to enjoying many outdoor pursuits including hiking, canoeing, birding, trees, and exploring out of the way places in the Smokies.
Email: ken@gsmit.org
Greg Ward is the owner of Rocky Top Outfitters, Inc. in Pigeon Forge, TN. Greg has conducted fly-fishing courses for more than 25 years. He has written and published articles in several popular outdoor magazines and newspapers. The popular book, Fly Fishing Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains, includes a chapter that he contributed. Website: www.rockytopoutifitter.com
Email: RockyTopOutfit@aol.com
John B. Waters, Jr. was born in Sevierville, TN on July 15, 1929. He received a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of Tennessee in 1952. Thereafter, he practiced with the firm of Hailey, Waters, Sykes & Sharp until 1984. He was president of the Tennessee Bar Association during 1983-1984. He is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and was also named a fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel. Mr. Waters received a presidential appointment as Federal Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission and served in that position from 1968-1971, taking a leave of absence form his practice. Mr. Waters was nominated by President Reagan to a nine-year term on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority in August of 1984. He was named Chairman of the TVA Board by President Bush in 1992. At the expiration of Mr. Waters’ term as TVA Chairman in May of 1993, he became counsel to the firm.
Whaley Family Singers are descendants from the Greenbrier area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They keep alive the old time traditional songs of their ancestors in song and story.
J. David Whitehead has been the Wildlife Manager with the State of Tennessee for 26 years. He manages two Wildlife Management Areas totaling 200,000 acres in Monroe County.
Email: david.whitehead@state.tn.us
Jim Wigginton is a retired Refuge Manager for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Dept. of the Interior. He served on ten National Wildlife Refuges and twenty satellite refuges in the Southeast Region of the US from 1974-2008. His expertise extends to various management disciplines: Waterfowl, Endangered Species, Prescribed Burning, Wildlife Suppression, Croplands, Grasslands, Forests, Moist Soils, Wilderness, Large Mammal/Small Mammal, Public Use, Environmental Education and Law Enforcement. Jim holds a BS Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a MS Degree in Wildlife Biology from Murray State University. After retirement, he and his wife, Bette, returned to the mountains of East Tennessee and now reside in Sevierville, TN.
Don Williams is a journalist, blogger and fiction writer who grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. A 2011 inductee into the Friends of Literacy East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, he has written often about East Tennessee history, the Smoky Mountains and much else for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, where his column ran for 21 years. A frequent contributor to Smokies Life magazine, he is the winner of numerous awards for journalism. His book, Heroes, Sheroes and Zeroes, is due a second printing. He is at work on a history of the White Caps and Blue Bills of East Tennessee.
Email: DonWilliams7@charter.net
Theresa D. Williams is a seventh-generation Sevier County native, descending from the Ogle family of Gatlinburg. She has 39 years of genealogy experience and serves as manager of the History/Genealogy Department of the Sevier County Public Library System. Theresa is involved in numerous organizations including her time as a member and past president of the American Legion, Unit 202, Gatlinburg; charter member of the Disabled American Veterans, Auxiliary 94, Sevierville; member and past regent, and present chaplain of the Spencer Clack Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; charter member and past regent, and present treasurer of the John Ogle Chapter, Colonial Dames; charter member of the Thomas Ogle Chapter, Daughters of 1812; member and regent of the East Tennessee Division, National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons; member of the International Society of the Decedents of Charlemagne; member of the First Families of Tennessee; and charter member and president of the Lucinda Heatherly Tent No. 3, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Wings of America is an up-close look at America’s magnificent Birds of Prey. This educational program features non-releasable birds including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures, some in amazing free flight. The program is a dramatic and effective way to learn about wildlife, environmental and ecological concerns.
Todd P. Witcher is the Executive Director of Discover Life in America. DLIA is the non-profit coordinating the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Todd is an eighth generation Tennessean. Before becoming the ED at DLIA, he worked as an educator for 16 years at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, TN. Todd has an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Biology (1987), a Masters in Business from Lincoln Memorial University (1991), and a Masters in Education from the University of Tennessee (1997). In his spare time Todd enjoys hiking, traveling, gardening and restoring old houses.
Email: todd@dlia.org
Joe Yarkovich works in the field of Wildlife Management for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He is a native of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Allegheny College before later earning a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His professional career in wildlife management began with bear and hog management in the Smokies before moving west to work feral hog and predator control in the Channel Islands, CA. He has also worked in black bear management in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and has worked to help restore black bears throughout their native range in Louisiana. He returned to the Great Smoky Mountains in 2006 to serve as researcher for the elk reintroduction project and perform wildlife management duties involving elk, bears, and wild hogs.
Email: joseph_yarkovich@nps.gov
Joel & Kathy Zachry are husband and wife naturalists who completed section hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2005. They also have been leading backcountry excursions to Alaska since 1988 and have been instructors at the University of Tennessee and the National Park Service’s Smoky Mountain Field School since 1980 and 1983 and are now the Program Managers. The Smoky Mountain Field School is a cooperative effort between the University of Tennessee and the National Park Service. Joel and Kathy also own their own business, Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel. In 2010, the Zachry’s wrote their first book, Bears We’ve Met: Short Stories of Close Encounters, which was released May 2010 and is widely available.
Website: www.gowithgoat.com
Email: joel@gowithgoat.com
