Bringing People and Nature Together

This month, we're proud to spotlight Davis Mounger, whose passion for Tennessee's natural treasures is only matched by his dedication to sharing them with others.

Davis recently organized an incredible community science initiative at Land Between the Lakes that brought together naturalists from across the state. The project, described below, exemplifies the kind of thoughtful conservation work that makes such a difference in our state:

Land Between the Lakes Volunteer Naturalist Surveys of the Core Areas

Calling all naturalists, amateur and professional! The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is home to thousands of acres of protected forest called the Core Areas. Originally designated under the World Biosphere Program decades ago, many of the original surveys and documents that made these areas worthy of distinction have been lost. While a few of these areas, like the Devil's Backbone State Natural Area, are well known, there are many others, sometimes only a few acres, that have no survey records at all. On the weekend of April 12-13, we sent volunteers to a selection of the core areas to conduct informal surveys of their flora, fauna, and other characteristics. These habitats are diverse, ranging from wetlands and interior forest to small openlands. Our work will help the new management at the LBL in giving a face to these important, but still little known places.

Despite living in Chattanooga, Davis coordinated with naturalists from across Tennessee, including students and professors from Sewanee and Austin Peay to participate in this vital documentation effort. The surveys will provide valuable baseline data for these lesser-known protected areas.

Davis has been an invaluable resource for our Chapter, coordinating comments on state and national forestry issues that help shape policy. Beyond his work with Sierra Club, he also coordinates the SPIEL conference at Sewanee with his organization Tennessee Heartwood.

What's most inspiring about Davis isn't just his seemingly endless knowledge of Tennessee's ecosystems – it's how he uses that expertise to encourage everyone to connect with nature, regardless of their background. As both a teacher and outings leader, Davis embodies our belief that everyone belongs in the outdoors.