Participation Type
Roundtable
Session Title
Tennessee State Parks Ranger Roundtable
Session Abstract or Summary
Since its creation in 1937, rangers in the Tennessee State Park system have worked to fulfill it’s mission: “To preserve and protect, in perpetuity, unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic areas and provide a variety of safe, quality, outdoor experiences through a well-planned and professionally managed system of state parks.” This roundtable addresses a primary question: How does Tennessee State Parks' fulfillment of the mission statement affect their Appalachian communities? Featured here are Park Rangers from Roan Mountain State Park, Rocky Fork State Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and Fort Loudon State Historic Park. Drawing upon their experiences from East Tennessee State Parks situated in Southern Appalachia, the park rangers will discuss issues of natural resource management and cultural and historic interpretation specific to their parks and broader regional communities. In so doing, the discussion will consider the consequences and problems of natural resource management, such as tree destruction by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer, exotic invasive plant species, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate change. Equally important, cultural interpretation of local history, music, community engagement, education, and tourism speak to the broader issues of cultural resource management by state parks in Appalachia. Finally, the ways in which interpretation of park resources, local history, and cultural resources influence others' definitions, ideas, and identities associated with Appalachia will be considered.
Presentation #1 Title
Tennessee State Parks Ranger Roundtable
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Since its creation in 1937, rangers in the Tennessee State Park system have worked to fulfill it’s mission: “To preserve and protect, in perpetuity, unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic areas and provide a variety of safe, quality, outdoor experiences through a well-planned and professionally managed system of state parks.” This roundtable addresses a primary question: How does Tennessee State Parks' fulfillment of the mission statement affect their Appalachian communities? Featured here are Park Rangers from Roan Mountain State Park, Rocky Fork State Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and Fort Loudon State Historic Park. Drawing upon their experiences from East Tennessee State Parks situated in Southern Appalachia, the park rangers will discuss issues of natural resource management and cultural and historic interpretation specific to their parks and broader regional communities. In so doing, the discussion will consider the consequences and problems of natural resource management, such as tree destruction by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer, exotic invasive plant species, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate change. Equally important, cultural interpretation of local history, music, community engagement, education, and tourism speak to the broader issues of cultural resource management by state parks in Appalachia. Finally, the ways in which interpretation of park resources, local history, and cultural resources influence others' definitions, ideas, and identities associated with Appalachia will be considered.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Meg Guy has been employed by Tennessee State Parks since 2011, serving as an interpreter, Park Ranger, and now as Park Manager of Roan Mountain State Park. Meg earned her B.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and is currently pursuing her Masters’ degree in Appalachian Studies from East Tennessee State University.
Presentation #2 Title
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Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
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At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jesse Germeraad earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and American History from Lipscomb University and is nearing completion of a MS in Natural Resource Management from University of Tennessee. He has been employed by TN State Parks as a Park Ranger at Radnor Lake State Natural Area / State Park since 2009 and as Park Manager at Rocky Fork State Park since 2015.
Presentation #3 Title
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Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
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At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Tim Pharis is a musician, naturalist, and Park Ranger from Upper East Tennessee. He strives to see that the Southern Appalachian landscape is preserved to accurately share the story of the Blue Ridge for future generations. Believing that Appalachian Culture and Appalachian Forests are intricately connected, Ranger Tim Pharis is usually seen sharing folk stories and folk songs with park visitors while working to protect the flora and fauna that these tunes and tales reference.
Presentation #4 Title
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Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
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At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Corbin Hayslett is a Park Ranger at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The first of 9 generations to not be born within a 30 mile radius of Virginia’s Alleghenies, Corbin was raised on family language and lore of life in Appalachia. Corbin is a performer and researcher of southern rural musics, and recently received his M.A. in Appalachian Studies from ETSU analyzing the banjo influences and styles of David Harrison “Uncle Dave” Macon.
Presentation #5 Title
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Presentation #5 Abstract or Summary
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At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Jennifer Bauer first became immersed in the beauty, biology, and history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains as a student at East Tennessee State University. A 3 time graduate of that institution, Bauer has written three books: A Naturalists’ Teaching Manual; Roan Mountain: History of an Appalachian Treasure; and Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Wild Activities. Bauer has served 36 years with Tennessee State Parks, beginning as an Interpretive Specialist at Roan Mountain State Park and now as Park Manager at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
Presentation #6 Title
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Presentation #6 Abstract or Summary
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At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #6
Lauren Baghetti studied Appalachian Studies and earned a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management at East Tennessee State University. As a Tennessee State Park Ranger, Lauren maintains hiking trails, removes invasive species, and is involved with implementing sustainability practices. She also interprets cultural, natural, and historical themes to park visitors. Lauren enjoys the challenge of finding the balance between resource use for current generations and resource preservation for future generations.
Tennessee State Parks Ranger Roundtable
Since its creation in 1937, rangers in the Tennessee State Park system have worked to fulfill it’s mission: “To preserve and protect, in perpetuity, unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic areas and provide a variety of safe, quality, outdoor experiences through a well-planned and professionally managed system of state parks.” This roundtable addresses a primary question: How does Tennessee State Parks' fulfillment of the mission statement affect their Appalachian communities? Featured here are Park Rangers from Roan Mountain State Park, Rocky Fork State Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and Fort Loudon State Historic Park. Drawing upon their experiences from East Tennessee State Parks situated in Southern Appalachia, the park rangers will discuss issues of natural resource management and cultural and historic interpretation specific to their parks and broader regional communities. In so doing, the discussion will consider the consequences and problems of natural resource management, such as tree destruction by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer, exotic invasive plant species, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate change. Equally important, cultural interpretation of local history, music, community engagement, education, and tourism speak to the broader issues of cultural resource management by state parks in Appalachia. Finally, the ways in which interpretation of park resources, local history, and cultural resources influence others' definitions, ideas, and identities associated with Appalachia will be considered.
