spring 2020 Celebrating the legacy of When the lights their permanent go out in Rust Hall home,” says MCA this spring, it will President Laura mean the end of Hine. “I struggle an institution that to have an upbeat has educated the message about creative community-- what the closure graduating more than of MCA will mean 2,600 students and to the Memphis teaching so many community. MCA’s more--since 1936. closure is like the But it won’t mean the death of a beloved-- end of the work those inescapably there artists created, which will be a tremendous has left an indelible and unfillable void mark on Memphis in the cultural and beyond. by Iryna Kurylo, BFA in Design and Applied Arts, 2013 and artistic life of Here in Overton this community. I Park, which has housed the college since 1959, think to convey anything to the contrary would be we’ll miss the daily presence of students using the disingenuous, and not pay appropriate tribute to this Greensward as their front yard, the forest as their beloved institution and all of its artists.” inspiration, and the classrooms as their training “It’s impossible to capture in words the ground. We’ve been fortunate to work with Memphis contributions to the visual arts that MCA has made for College of Art students on pedestrian safety over 80 years, not only in the Memphis region, but campaigns, t-shirt designs, volunteer events, and around the world,” Hine says. “The contributions can public art projects like the Bike Gate arch. best be captured in the tremendous volume of art As we say goodbye to an institution, we celebrate generated by MCA students and faculty--their art work the people who brought it to life and who will carry is MCA’s legacy. MCA’s Legacy Catalogue highlights its work forward. Although plans for identifying Rust the work of many MCA artists and can be viewed at Hall’s new tenant have been put on hold during the www.memphiscollegeofart.com.” COVID-19 pandemic, Conservancy looks Here, in their own words, are a few of MCA’s forward to welcoming a new anchor into the park alumni sharing their experiences with how the school family while honoring the legacy of MCA. shaped their careers and their lives. For more in-depth “MCA has drawn artists to Memphis from around interviews, visit www.overtonpark.org/category/mca. the world--very many of whom have made Memphis continued on page 2 2

What does MCA mean to you? Aaron Boyd, BFA, concentration in MCA is like a Grace Siler, BFA in Illustration, 2020: Sculpture/Metals, second home to 2020: MCA is the me. I love how only place around the many people area where I could around Memphis truly grow as an and out of state artist and learn from I have met some of the greatest through them. teachers uninhibited. MCA was a It was a school where place where I you went to become was really able a better artist in to explore my general and one that interests and more often than not develop them. had you produce As a student, you amazing work that Aaron Boyd plans to use his post-graduation time had a lot of one everyone was proud honing his techniques and focusing on what sets on one time with of. I can’t thank the his craft apart from others in the field. professors and people there enough everyone knew for helping everyone over the years with their dream of each other’s being a creator. Grace Siler hopes to expand her online fashion name. It was accessory business into local shops and larger stores. where I really Mia Saine, BFA in Design Arts, 2017: MCA was discovered what amazing, and it will always be the place that helped me I enjoyed doing and made some amazing friendships. discover myself as a creative and as a person. A whole new world was opened to me and I got to explore Tootsie Bell, BFA in Sculpture/Illustration, 1988: MCA things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. All of the means the world to me. Coming from a small town friendships and growth I have developed during my where I didn’t quite fit in and moving to a bigger city time at the institute are the things that drive me today. with the embracing creative community of MCA gave It just won’t be the same without it. me direction and belonging. It basically saved my life. The care of the faculty and staff, the friends and What was a memorable community there, it’s like one big family: a network of support and encouragement where creative minds experience you had at MCA? flourish. There has never been, nor will there ever be a Carl E. Moore, BFA in /Illustration and place like Memphis College of Art. Graphic Design, 1987; MFA in Art and Studio Ren Whitticar, BFA in Illustration with a track in Practice, 2012: I think the most memorable experience Comics, 2020: I learned to open up and learned so I had at MCA was working with some really honest and much about myself during my four years here. My time sincere instructors like Veda Reed, Maritza Davila, JD here and the people I met is something I’ll never forget Kelly, Ellis Cappell, David Moses, and Bill Womack. I and will forever cherish. I feel like I’m walking away learned a lot from them, and for the 80s they made the from MCA a new person! school comfortable for everyone. Vanessa Gonzalez, BFA in , 2015; MFA Tootsie Bell: I think my most memorable experience at in Fine Arts, 2017: Everything. It breaks my heart to MCA was going to Horn Island the first time. I’ve been know that MCA is closing! My mom always says that 15 or so times and I always come home with something as soon as I walked in MCA during orientation I found different. But the first time I went to Horn Island, it was myself. Not only did I meet my husband at MCA, I also like nothing I had ever experienced. You really have had the privilege to learn from people I admire such as to dig deep out there...to weather the elements, to Leandra Urrutia, Eszter Sziksz, Tom Lee, and Maritza quiet the mind, to open your spirit. I grow every time Davila. I truly discovered a whole different person/artist I’m there. It is truly a magical place. That will be Bob in myself. I owe everything to that school. I wouldn’t Riseling’s legacy, the great gift that he gave to every change anything. student that has been on that trip. 3

Ren Whitticar: so achieved because I was the first girl in my family to Critique days graduate with a Master’s and proud of myself because were my I was a full-time student with a full-time job. favorite, though Aaron Boyd: I had the chance to travel abroad this this might be a past summer and I chose to go to Japan due to shock to some heritage and my art. While there I got learn some basic because they bladesmithing techniques from a professional master were probably Swordsmith, Taro Asano. And since I started back in the most August, I had been pushing for him to come here and anxiety-filled give a lecture as well as a masterclass at the Metal days of class. I Museum, which I was able to set up in February and learned more have it go successfully. about ways to improve my Mia Saine: work and got A few of my to collaborate peers and on different I had the ideas with my Ren Whitticar plans to work full-time as a freelance wonderful classmates illustrator and is working on a book for beginning opportunity on how to freelance artists. to attend make my work a very fun stronger. The bits of humor to break the tension during letterpress critique is something I’ll always miss! workshop, and I enjoyed Vanessa Gonzalez: My first year at MCA was so hard every minute because I didn’t really know what I was doing and learning and I was so confused, but when I was introduced to practicing the printmaking my heart just fell in love. In that moment I process. My knew the challenges I was going to face, but the smell favorite part and the sound of the ink when you apply it to the was mixing plate and the excitement of making an edition, carving custom ink every single line in my woodcuts--it was and still is colors and Mia Saine illustrated the Memphis Tourism Map Guide cover, showed work at the National Civil Rights Museum, amazing. But then applying and created last year’s TEDxMemphis conference design, my graduations it to the were my most in addition to working with nonprofits like New Memphis letterpress Institute and Memphis River Parks Partnership. memorable evenly. experiences. This workshop led me to take the actual class When I that following spring. It helped me appreciate and graduated with understand modern design and color theory better. my BFA I felt I hope I get the chance to do more letterpress in the like I overcame future. all of the challenges like Why did you decide to stay after not speaking a lot of English the closure was announced? and not really Cambria Howard, BFA in Design Arts, 2020: I was having a huge getting ready to deliver my daughter and pursue art background. certification in another career in order to support I discovered her. After taking a semester off, I sat down and had my inner artist. a heartfelt conversation with my former mentor and And when I Vanessa Gonzalez has shown work in national and professor, Kevin Mitchell. He knew that deep in my graduated with international exhibitions, and was a finalist for the Latin heart, I wanted to keep pursuing my degree. At my MFA I felt American Contemporary Art exhibition in New York. that point, MCA had allowed me to create so many 4

connections Carl E. and skills that Moore: All leaving felt like the talented I was giving up students, on its vision and artists, purpose for its designers, students. So, I painters, decided to stay sculptors, and served as the teachers bridge between etc. that students who the school had the same launched uncertainty out into that I had and the world. Carl E. Moore is a painter and graphic designer whose work administrators Everything includes murals and experimental practice. He has also been a who were trying they’ve graphic designer for News Channel 3 for 24 years. He is shown their best to keep created is here with Lee Hup (today an illustrator in Singapore) on MCA the school open part of the graduation day, May 1987. till its closure. school’s Cambria Howard enjoys using graphic design to give Ren Whitticar: legacy. an artistic voice to others who may lack the resources Going to college, Vanessa Gonzalez: It’s the place where so many artists to speak for themselves. She hopes to pursue a career in general, was were discovered, where an all-nighter was more than as an art director. something I sweat and tears--it was a sense of passion. Students wanted to do for were inspired, challenged, and pushed to their limits myself. I met so many people here that have impacted daily but the MCA culture made everyone feel a sense my life so much, including my professors. The amount of purpose. It’s more than just the school in the middle of times I’ve had a one on one talk with my professors of Overton Park. It’s the school that brought talent from about my work or to just connect is something I all around the country, the school that will always be in wouldn’t find anywhere else. (Thank you, Michele, Memphis’s heart. Mary Ruth, and Big John for teaching me so much!) Tootsie Bell: For nearly 85 years, Memphis College of What will MCA’s legacy be? Art, formerly Memphis Grace Siler: I think it means we’re part of Memphis’s Academy history. This school started in the James Lee House of Art, has and then moved into Rust Hall, another really beautiful fed this city building. Both of those places have historical meaning with great to Memphis, and it’s because MCA made them so. I creative think MCA will be remembered as a great art outlet fuel. It has with a unique connection to the community that not given birth many other schools have. to hundreds Aaron Boyd: I think MCA’s legacy will be about being of artists that THE school for some of the best creators to come have gone out of. I want people to understand the community of on to touch artists that it helped produce here. Not many cities other parts of have a community of artists who more or less know the world and each other and then work with each other after their hundreds graduation. more that have stayed Mia Saine: MCA’s legacy will be multidimensional to shape the because of all of the people who experienced it. It will Tootsie Bell is celebrating 25 years as proprietor of Tootsie culture of be known and remembered as an important art pillar Bell Silversmith/Jeweler. She exhibits regionally and has four Memphis as in Memphis that helped the community flourish with public art pieces in Memphis, with plans to create more. we know it. artists that would’ve never been present here today. 5 A season of loss and legacy As this issue celebrates the accomplishments of the students and alumni who have tina’s contributed to the Overton Park community, we must also acknowledge the deep pain of loss that many of us are feeling these days. message Reading the news during this pandemic, we know that some in our community are mourning the deaths of loved ones or have lost jobs and incomes. Our elected officials and healthcare systems are working around the clock to keep the worst of the crisis at bay. So the imminent closure of the venerable Memphis College of Art may not be top of mind for a lot of Memphians these days. But the arts community and the Overton Park community will feel it keenly when Rust Hall’s doors close for good this spring. Around what would have been the college’s final graduation ceremony (now cancelled amid social distancing requirements), we are using these pages to lift up and celebrate the impact that these graduates, current and past, have had on Memphis and the world beyond. This effort prompted us to follow up with some of Overton Park Conservancy’s own interns and fellows, to see what they’ve been up to as well. We couldn’t be prouder to share some of their stories. Reflecting on the loss of Memphis College of Art, I am reminded of how many times Overton Park, or a significant part of it, was nearly lost over the course of its 120-year history due to threats such as freeway expansion, stormwater detention plans, parking expansion, and even benign neglect. The next threat facing the park will likely be a financial one, as our economy dips and the park’s community of donors shrinks. For those who can, we ask that you consider supporting the park today so that Overton Park Conservancy can continue providing a free, safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for all Memphians. A gift of any amount counts you as a member of this park community, and signing up as a monthly donor (which you can do at overtonpark.org/give) is especially helpful now as we manage our budget through uncertain times. Take a moment to imagine the Overton Park of ten years ago, and the Overton Park of today. The Overton Park of the future will depend on our community’s support to keep the Conservancy alive.

staff &

board Kaci Murley Lucia Gilliland Mary Wilder Deputy Executive Director Bill Haltom Juliet Wischmeyer Dr. David Hill Andrew Weda Mike Humes Non-Voting Board Operations Manager Staff Monica Jones Members Tina Sullivan Gale Jones Carson Jim Dean Executive Director Voting Board Members Cardell Orrin Laura Hine Eric Bridges Michele Adelman Juanita Ortiz Dr. Emily Neff Director of Operations & Dr. Ronné Adkins R. Blair Parker Nick Walker Capital Improvements Julie Ashby Markova Reed Anderson Natalie Wilson Eric Barnes William R. Reed, Jr. Fields Falcone Kerri Campbell Vishant Shah Members Emeritus Visitor Services Coordinator Andy Cates Kimmie Vaulx George Cates Melissa McMasters Melissa Duong Namba Yancy Villa-Calvo Gary Shorb Director of Communications David French, Chair Melanie White 6 Making it count in Overton Park Watching the Playground. More than Poplar/Tucker entrance 2,300 pedestrians and to Overton Park for cyclists were recorded eight years, our staff passing through the could confidently say gate on this day, nearly that park usage peaks double the average during the beautiful weekend traffic for this days of March. For gate. the first time, we Tuesday, March 31 - can quantify that Mayor Strickland observation with real closes the park to data from the park. vehicle traffic. With support from Following the International Paper, the vehicle closure order, Plough Foundation, pedestrians and and Hyde Family A heat map of March 2020 visits to Overton Park shows the highest traffic at the Old Forest cyclists entering the Foundation, this winter entrance near Overton Bark and Rainbow Lake Playground. Old Forest from the the Conservancy west dropped by 30% installed seven mechanized visitor counters at various and visitors entering from the east dropped by 45%. entrances to Overton Park. The two vehicle counters This reduced usage allowed the park to remain open (at Poplar/Tucker and East Parkway) and five bike/ rather than closing entirely. pedestrian counters (at Poplar/Tucker, the Bike Gate arch, and the three Old Forest gateways) allow us to Missing Our Neighbors measure park usage over time. The exception to peak usage in late March was the It’s no surprise that warm, sunny days show the Poplar/Tucker vehicle counter, which saw its highest highest number of visitors. But we’ve gathered some totals on the weekend of March 7. More than 2,500 other interesting information, particularly on how the cars entered the park here during that Saturday and evolving threat of COVID-19 impacted park use. Sunday, up from 2,100 the weekend before. These were both temperate, sunny weekends--the kind that A Park and a Pandemic we’ve always anecdotally called our peak days. Park use in 2020 peaked during Mayor Strickland’s Compare those numbers to the weekend of shelter-in-place order at all but one location. March 28-29, after the and Brooks With businesses across the city closed and Museum had closed their doors. In similar weather Memphians searching for fresh air, visitors packed the conditions, only about 750 cars entered at the Poplar/ park, forcing incremental shutdowns to dispel crowds. Tucker entrance. That’s still a high number under the Here’s a timeline of what the numbers show us: circumstances of the pandemic, but it gives us a rare Thursday, March 19 - Overton Park Conservancy chance to see how much of the park traffic is going to closes playgrounds, restrooms, and the dog park; cultural attractions vs. using the park recreationally. Memphis Zoo closes to visitors. While the spring of 2020 won’t provide us with Thursday, March 26 - Peak usage day at East Parkway a “normal-year” baseline, it’s been important for us entrance (nearly 700 cars vs. a 237 daily average). to measure usage during a time when the park has Over 400 of these visitors crossed into the Old Forest provided some people with their only escape. Once on foot or by bike through the “Growth” gateway. life returns to normal, we plan to supplement the data with user surveys that tell us more about who’s Friday, March 27 - Mayor Strickland issues a message visiting the park, where they’re coming from, and what to park users: refrain from congregating in parks or areas they’re visiting. We’ll share the data with our they may have to be closed. park partners and colleagues at Park Sunday, March 29 - Peak usage day at “Old Growth” Conservancy, Memphis River Parks Partnership, the gateway between Overton Bark and Rainbow Lake Conservancy, and the City of Memphis. 7 Invasive plants? No match for volunteer Bill Bullock After 35 years working at MLGW, Bill Bullock was ready to spend time giving back. Over the past three years, Overton Park has been the recipient of untold hours of Bill’s time and energy--and the Old Forest is much better off for it. Bill’s journey to combating invasive plants in the park began with volunteer work in Kennedy Park, where he helped Wolf River Conservancy replant two electric transmission rights-of-way. Typically, in utility rights-of-way, crews spray herbicide or mow regularly to keep trees from growing up into power lines. But Bill learned that by planting clumping native grasses and interspersing native wildflowers, the project could save maintenance costs for the utility, create habitat, and Bill (third from left) with fellow Invasive Avengers Andrew Weda, Eric Bridges, and provide a filter to reduce water runoff. Collin Dice Bill brought his growing knowledge of native plants to Overton Park Conservancy in 2017, asking the staff This winter, Bill convened five volunteer work days, to put him to work. He’s long felt connected to the park which recalled the privet pulls he’d been part of in the through his mother, who spent her last few years at the park years ago. “The Conservancy staff is small and Parkview and could often be seen with a backpack and weekends are precious. This year I felt like I had the binoculars, enjoying the birds in the forest. knowledge to lead events on my own.” He developed a strategy to focus on a specific area of the forest Bill’s commitment to forest stewardship was quickly and remove multiple species, instead of fanning out obvious, and the Conservancy invested in training and focusing on one plant. Over five weekends of for him. With Director of Operations Eric Bridges and nice weather and strong enthusiasm, crews started at Operations Manager Andrew Weda, Bill attends an East Parkway Pavilion and worked their way down the annual conference on invasive plant management. limestone loop in both directions, taking out as many He’s also become state-certified in the application of invasive species as they could. herbicide, so that “for the few times we need to use it, on things like larger shrubs that can’t be pulled Working with Eric and Andrew has taught Bill a lot completely out of the ground, I know what I’m doing.” about the forest, and he’s enjoyed being part of some of the many research efforts being conducted in the Fridays are designated invasive-removal days, and woods. “It’s not just learning what plant is what. A lot Bill often shows up with a small crew to help attack of it is learning what’s happening in the forest, what’s shrubby plants like nandina and bush honeysuckle. changed, and what are the reasons for those changes. The learning curve is still pretty steep, but to me that’s satisfying--to be able to continue to get better.” If Bill has taken one thing from his work at the park, it’s that “it’s a pretty rare thing to have a forest like this in the middle of a city. We’ve seen the impact on the forest of the development all around it, and of the non- native plants that grow so well and look so nice, but that have no natural enemies in our region. They get loose in the park and begin to change the character of our old-growth forest. Each of us can positively impact that environment by cultivating native plants and helping nature rebound.” Bill recommends Doug Tallamy’s book “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Members of Girl Scout Troop 10336 worked with Bill to pull invasive plants in March. Wildlife with Native Plants.” 8 3 Checking in with Conservancy alumni

In the Conservancy’s eight years of managing I hadn’t been the park, we’ve been fortunate to work with some planning on incredibly talented students. We love checking in with pursuing a our past interns and fellows, and we asked them to career at a share some of the exciting things they’ve been doing nonprofit before. since their time at the Conservancy concluded. I also grew more Jessica Smith, Volunteer Ranger, 2019 comfortable speaking up in I’m working meetings, which at Shelby Farms has come in as a Ranger and handy especially pursuing a degree as the youngest in Geography. person at WRA! As a ranger I do a multitude of I helped put tasks ranging on a Field Day in the spring for the Conservancy and from playground it was so fun! It was more of a low-key event where maintenance to families came out to play. We had coordinated live guest interactions. music, food trucks, an auction, and games. Through In school I’m the planning, I got to see the generosity and creativity furthering my within the community and Conservancy. understanding of Andrew Weda, human geography University of and how it Memphis/Nonprofit pertains to our Leadership Alliance community and more importantly our parks! Intern, 2015-2016 Working at the Conservancy was my first experience I joined the staff working in the park system and it was honestly as a Visitor Services magical. The passion I was exposed to helped fuel Coordinator in 2016, my love for our parks and strengthened my desire to and I’m now the create a positive impact in the system. Learning about Operations Manager. our local forest also was a huge help in developing The two things that knowledgeable skills for the field. influenced my move The most memorable project I worked on was to join the staff were creating a game for Hollywood Feed’s pup parade last the team--I enjoyed October. It was really awesome being able to connect working with Tina, with our community and see how many people our local who supervised my internship at the time--and working park impacts. for an organization that conserves the environment and encourages people to make use of it. Zoë Feder, Intern, 2019 Since joining the staff, I’ve worked a lot on removing I am the Development Coordinator at Western invasive plants from the Old Forest. It is amazing how Resource Advocates (WRA) in Boulder, CO. WRA is a small task such as pulling invasive species has a an environmental policy and advocacy nonprofit that profound impact on other things such as native bird serves the Intermountain West region of the U.S. species, plants, and insects, among others. As Development Coordinator, I manage the donor database, process all gifts, and support operations for During the period of time that the Conservancy was the fundraising team. working to end parking on the Greensward, I learnt the importance of bringing all the stakeholders to the My internship at the Conservancy helped prepare table and arriving at a solution that not only benefits the me for my current position by showing me that a organizations involved but the whole community. nonprofit works through collaboration and passion. 9

Brooks Lamb, Rhodes College Bonner Scholar, people--and how much work it has taken to care for 2014-2017 and protect the park over the years. Inspired by these I’m pursuing stories, I decided to write a book that uses oral history my master’s to tell the story of Overton Park. Planning, researching, at Yale School writing, and publishing the book took a lot of time and of Forestry & effort, but the work was well worth it. I’m just hopeful Environmental that the book is helping reveal the park’s historic Studies in New and contemporary importance and inspiring people Haven, CT. to spend time in and care for the park. I’ll also note My research that this book wouldn’t have been possible without focuses on the ever-present support and encouragement from relationships that Conservancy staff members (and many other people!). small farmers Beyond the book, I also enjoyed working on the cultivate with “Park Perks” membership incentive project and picking the land. In up trash in the Old Forest. There’s just something so particular, I’m fulfilling about serving a place you love, even if it’s by interested in how gathering garbage. certain virtues-- Helen Hope, Rhodes College Urban Forestry Fellow, particularly 2016-2018 Wendell Berry’s concepts of affection and fidelity--motivate some I currently farmers to become nurturing stewards, especially work at the in rural communities that are being threatened and Memphis changed by sprawl and over-development. In several River Parks ways, the connections that farmers develop with their Partnership, land are similar to the relationships that Memphians a nonprofit have nurtured with Overton Park. In both cases, managing and love and respect sustain care and commitment. catalyzing After finishing my graduate education--whether that five miles of ends with a master’s or PhD--I hope to work for an riverfront in organization focused on conservation and/or farming. downtown Memphis. My time at the Conservancy was crucial for helping My title is me recognize what I care about: understanding, Program promoting, and enhancing the relationships that Associate, but people cultivate with land and place. Without the I wear many opportunities provided to me there, I may not different hats: have come to this discernment. The Conservancy designing also offered me direction--and hope--for my future public programs, managing social communications, vocation. While much of my academic work is assisting with any environmentally-focused projects, solitary, I hope to become a member of a team after even being a ranger during COVID-19 as a social graduation that matches the qualities and character distancing ambassador. of the Conservancy’s staff and volunteers--a caring, empathetic, and driven group that works together The Conservancy introduced me to the nonprofit to serve both people and place and make lasting world: presenting at board meetings, collaborating contributions to community. with local partners, and doing independent research projects. With an engaging and supportive mentor The most memorable project I worked on was in Eric Bridges and all in an undergraduate setting, writing the book Overton Park: A People’s History. working with the Conservancy set me up well for post- When I first started interning as a second-year student grad opportunities, including the one I’m in currently. at Rhodes, I was struck by the stories that volunteers from the community shared about the park. I learned I helped design and gather data for the Old Forest from many Memphians what this place means to Regeneration research project through the Rhodes continued on next page 10

College and Conservancy-partnered Urban Forestry Catherine Miller, Rhodes College Urban Forestry Fellowship. Gathering data meant going into the depths Fellow, 2014-2015 of the Old Forest to survey the trees (we looked back I’m an Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at the end of our summer and counted up how many Coordinator at Dallas Love Field Airport. My team and times we said “pawpaw.” It was over 1,000!). I ensure that our facilities abide by local, state, and Often when we couldn’t identify a tree, we’d take a federal environmental regulations. I also help plan singular leaf back to arborist extraordinaire Eric Bridges and implement sustainability initiatives. I’m working at the office if he wasn’t in the field with us. I once at on a few exciting projects including a Waste Diversion the very beginning brought him back a large poison Program and a Carbon Management Plan with the aim ivy leaf without knowing! And that’s how I found out I of reducing the airport’s greenhouse gas emissions. wasn’t allergic to poison ivy. My experience at the Conservancy taught me Adele Lemm, Communications Intern, Spring Hill the value of community engagement. Conservation College, Mobile, AL, 2017 is not just about preserving natural resources, but I’m a Marketing also listening to people and understanding how they Associate with Regency interact with the environment. The Conservancy Homebuilders in maintains such a vital ecological and cultural treasure Memphis, designing by taking community members’ needs and wants marketing materials, into consideration. I heard many stories about the social media and park’s impact on people’s lives. So now when I website management plan sustainability projects, I do my best to listen to and strategy, as well as stakeholders and figure out how we can meet our copy-writing. environmental goals while addressing their needs. During my During my sophomore year, I asked Tina Sullivan communications to speak on a panel about environmental careers. and graphic design She was incredibly gracious and gave my fellow internship, the students some much-needed encouragement, advice, Conservancy was and perspective. So I was honored when I had the launching a campaign opportunity to serve as an Urban Forestry Fellow to raise awareness during my junior year, where I worked to collect tree and funds for the Greensward. I was able to explore health and composition data in the Old Forest. It really my skills as a young designer at the time and work brought my ecology and environmental chemistry on campaign posters and other marketing materials. classes to life! Eric Bridges, my fellowship mentor, was The most memorable project I worked on was a a wealth of thank-you postcard I designed for the Conservancy to knowledge send out to donors after the fundraiser. The postcard and taught me featured every name of the 1,000+ donors we received a lot about tree --arranged to depict the Greensward itself. I am most identification. proud of that project, not because of its positive While I response, but because it visually showed just how enjoyed many people came together to support such a special working in the and beloved piece of Memphis. Old Forest, the thing I The opportunity to represent my favorite park, remember work on a critical campaign, and participate in strategy most is the meetings provided me not only with invaluable hands- people who on experience but also with a better idea of what supported direction I wanted to take my career in. Working for me along the a cause I felt so strongly for, my internship prepared way. They are me to work passionately and professionally for other what make the causes that I care deeply about. Three years later, I am Conservancy still able to reflect and apply lessons that I have learned so special. from Overton Park Conservancy to my career. 11 City snakes: copperheads in Overton Park

Malle Carrasco-Harris recently Overton snakes were smaller, completed her PhD in Biology at possibly because of differences the . Here, in diet, growth rate, genetics, or she shares the results of her multi- population demographics. By year study of copperheads in the implanting and tracking snakes Old Forest. with radio transmitters, I found My research story began when I Overton snakes had smaller home was a new Biology teacher to high ranges and moved less than school freshmen. I needed a place rural copperheads, not for lack to run away from lesson plans, and of space. Possible explanations the Old Forest trails provided that include denser food availability, refuge. During those excursions, fewer predators and competing I asked myself “What effect am species, human disturbance, or a I having on the animals living combination of circumstances. here?” and “How do animals adapt Are there differences in snake to urbanizing environments?” I movement in relation to trails? had research experience in the I found that snakes were not remote Rocky Mountains, but I was altering how much they move unfamiliar with doing field research in a city. in a day by how far they are from the trail. Perhaps Urban science is more relevant than ever, as over this population is adapted to life by trails. However, half of the global population lives in urban areas. snakes that lived further from paths usually had larger The consequences of urbanization are far ranging, home ranges, implying that there may be some effect. from exotic species introduction to habitat loss and Cryptic behavior and camouflage make copperheads fragmentation. Animals have to adapt to our novel easy to miss, making them generally less threatening environments to survive. to park users. The most commonly studied urban animals are What are important habitat features for Overton mammals and birds. We know less about reptiles, copperheads? Like previous studies, I found canopy which may be particularly sensitive to habitat changes. and the proximity and number of logs in an area were Reptiles are ectothermic (‘cold-blooded’) and need key. These allow snakes to find a warm and safe place safe areas to bask and control their body temperature. to bask. However, my modeling suggested those few Roads and railways may mean life or death for slower- things were not the whole story. Overton has unique moving species. Further, human persecution of these qualities, such as dense native and non-native plant misunderstood animals (particularly snakes) leads to species that may alter how snakes use this space intentional population reduction. compared to undisturbed environments. Natural areas like the Old Forest are absolutely What is the genetic health of the population? We essential for wildlife. However, urban natural areas may found Overton copperheads had less genetic diversity still differ from undisturbed habitats, whether that’s than the rural snakes. This means that they may be because of introduced non-native species, trail use, slightly more vulnerable in the future if they don’t have urban borders, or modified water resources. the genetic diversity to adapt, a common issue with isolated populations. We thought copperheads may For my dissertation, I studied copperheads in be inbreeding, but we did not see genetic evidence of Overton Park. Copperheads are a great study species this, meaning the population is currently large enough because they’re common throughout their range for individuals to mate with unrelated snakes. (although that doesn’t mean easy to find!), they overlap with many other reptiles that are at greater Urban natural areas like Overton Park are gems. My conservation risk, and they can survive in close research suggests Overton copperheads are adaptive proximity to humans. and resilient to some human disturbance. In a world that’s quickly changing, this is encouraging. It means How do copperheads in Overton Park differ natural areas provide good habitat for a diversity of from those in rural areas? I captured snakes in plants and animals to have healthy populations, which Overton and at Meeman Biological Station and found is all the more reason to protect them. 12

Overton Park Conservancy gratefully acknowledges the individuals and organizations who made donations and in-kind (noted with italics) gifts from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. If we have inadvertently omitted the name of one of our supporters, we sincerely apologize.

$100,000+ Emily & Houston Graves Melissa Azzi Mr. & Mrs. Philip Gillespie City of Memphis Eleanor & Bubba Halliday Lydia & Rehim Babaoglu Emily & Ben Graham Hyde Family Foundation Claudia & Bill Haltom Paula & Cliff Barnes Romney Grandi & Robert Bader Morgan & Nick Hayes Susannah & Kevin Barton Drs. Baker Gross & Hunter $10,000 - $99,999 Mia & Paul Henley Shauna & Jeremy Bateman Rittenberry AutoZone Carolyn & Scott Heppel Thaler & Tom Beasley Jennifer & Paul Hagerman The Belz Foundation Katie & Dr. David Hill Kathleen & Dr. Schorr Behnke Dr. David Hamilton The Boyd Foundation Hohenberg Foundation Robin & Dr. Stephen Behrman Linda & Mark Hamilton Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC James Humphreys Emily & Steve Bishop Jane & Eddie Hankins Bena & George Cates Margaret & Kenny Jabbour Mary & Allen Blair Terri Harris Allison & Tom Garrott Peggy James Jones Dr. Patrick Blankinship Meredith Hennessy & Louis Stifter Lucia & Jim Gilliland Dr. Jeanne & Frank Jemison, Jr. Brian Boswell George Higgs Hollywood Feed Betty & George Johnson Ruth & Casey Bowlin Kelley & Matt Hikade Mr. & Mrs. Robert McEniry Mark Lindstrom Susan & Roger Bransford Laura Hine & Greg Fletcher Lyn & Bill Reed Loeb Properties David Brown & Steven Hoover James Holland Lisa & Jim Maddox Lynn & Jon Buhler Anna & Tod Holtzclaw $1,000 - $9,999 Dianne & Myron Mall Ginny & Berkeley Burbank Randy Horras Mr. & Mrs. Hunter Adams Liz & Arsen Manugian Sette & Clark Butcher Pung-Pung Huang & Frank Byrd Michele & Steve Adelman Mrs. Alice E. McCabe Calamos Financial Services LLC Kent Hughes Corinne & Robert Adrian Margaret & Alec McLean Dr. Doug Campbell Carissa Hussong & David Lusk Debby & Cary Allen Melissa McMasters Corinna & Dr. Luis Campos Will Irvine Julie & Bryce Ashby Medtronic, Inc. Pat & Sturla Canale Erin & Kim Jenkins Mrs. Rebecca W. Ballou Bill Metz Caroline & Greg Carrico Drs. Lisa & David Jennings Eric Barnes Park Friends Ebet Carrière Peeples Robbie Johnson Weinberg & Dr. Pam & Sam Blair Susan & Robert Quinn Rachel Cheek & Matthew Jakes Michael Weinberg Betty & David Blaylock Markova Reed Anderson & Chris Stephanie & Chip Chockley Krista & David Jones Bluff City Sports Anderson Ann Clements & Bobby Carter Mary & Stan Jones Wight Boggs REI Co-Op Suzanna & Mike Cody Meg Jones & Bill Powell Linda & Craig Brashear Carol & Bob Richards Ashley & Mac Coffield Carol & Gene Katz Cindy & Kevin Brewer Lauren & Eddie Robinson Katie & Keith Cole Cheryl Kent The Canale Foundation Diane Rudner Jan & Ron Coleman Amanda & Rachel Kohr Allison & Andy Cates Michele & Scott Sammons Comcast Foundation Patricia Kyle Mary Allison & Andy Cates Paul Sax Nora & Dan Conaway Brooks Lamb Drs. Beth Ann Choby & Kent Judy & King Self Mr. & Mrs. William Craddock, Jr. Suzanne & Bill Landers Alan Lee Glenda & Gary Shorb Dr. Crista Crisler Michael Landrum Drs. Aimée Christian & Benton Lisa & John Bayard Snowden Meg & Scott Crosby Katy Langston Wheeler Sternberg Foundation Alice & Matthew Crow Brenda & Jim Lanier City Auto Sales Tina & Pete Sullivan Amy & David Dahler Annette & Gene Lawrence Beth Claybrook Lauren & Justin Taylor Samantha & Christopher Dean Leslie & Tim Lee Congressman Steve Cohen Beverly & Dr. Terry Trojan Carol DeForest & Barron Boyd Marjean Liggett & Kristi Estes Lisa Daniel Mr. & Mrs. Chip Wallace Karen & Daniel Dixon Lipscomb & Pitts Jennifer & Ned Dannenberg Jewell Ward & Jim Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Parks Dixon Lorraine & Gerald Lovel Echo Systems KC & Dr. Jeff Warren Beverly & Henry Doggrell Padma & Joel Lyons Eclectic Eye Melanie & Dr. Frank White Ashley & Robert Donati Caroline MacQueen Randy Engel Carole Whitehead Wanda & Donald Donati Susan & B. Lee Mallory Evergreen Historic District Mary Wilder & Chuck Fox Dr. Kristen & Doug Duncan Amy & Cameron Mann Association Elizabeth & William Wilson Melissa Duong & Yuki Namba Marco’s Pizza Pat Faudree Juliet Wischmeyer Drs. Laura & John Engbretson Amanda Mauck & Jeremie First Horizon Mindy Wurzburg & Blair Parker Gayle Evans Skinner Dot & Luther Gause Fields & Mike Falcone Cornelia & W.C. McDaniel Dr. & Mrs. M. Boyd Gillespie $240 - $999 Jennie & John Fields Debbie, Chris, & Owen McHaney Joy & Frank Gilliam Susan & Dr. Neal Aguillard Megan & Steele Ford Simone & Logan Meeks Amy Goldman Fowler & Cary Drs. Louise & Ray Allen Desi Franklin & Alex Kenner Memphis College of Art Fowler Linda & Ward Archer Margaret & Hugh Fraser Midtown Crossing Grill Kate & Robert Gooch Pan & Carl Awsumb Anne Frassinelli & Bill Ferguson Melisa Moore 13

Nancy & Steve Morrow Sharon Younger Juan J. Fuentes & Robert F. Mary & Paul Morris Ann Murphy Anne & Michael Zachry Thompson Commissioner Brandon & Joe Michelle Naef & Michael Ham Jerri Garavelli Morrison Cardell Orrin $100 - $239 John Gemmill Christy & Eddie Murphey Jenni & Andrew Pappas Diane & Tom Abshire Laura & Josh Gettys Laura & Bill Murphy People for Bikes Foundation Katherine & Ben Adams Anne & Frank Gianotti Jamie & DJ Naylor Kim & Blair Perry Sally & Vince Alfonso Laura Goodman-Bryan Monika & Tom Nenon Rebecca Perry Amazon Smile Foundation Leslie & Stephen Goodwin Dr. Ellis Neufeld Pfizer Jen Andrews & Marc Robinson Sally & Danny Graflund Rich Olcott John Pickens Bette Arndt Michelle & Jody Griggs Eimir O’Sullivan Jurczyk Sarah & Niel Prosser Hadley & Scott Arnold Ashley & Dan Harper Gwen & Penn Owen Mary Leslie & Lee Ramsey Paige Arnold Claire & Joe Harris Cece & Andy Palazola Mrs. Sarah Ranson & Dr. Mike Jimpsie & Warren Ayres Janie Harris Martha & Paul Payne Martin Susan & Robert Barnett Ken Hartsfield The Peabody Memphis Redeemer Presbyterian Church Greg Baudoin & Greg Campbell Marsha & Ja Hayes Pendergrast Insurance Co. Alison & Dr. Bill Rice Polly Baxter Cara & Rick Hechinger Susan Penn & Dr. Ron McDonald Carol & Dr. Greer Richardson Belltower Artisans Jane & Tom Heineke Judy & Kevin Peterson Julie & David Richardson Anna & Angus Blair Ann & Dr. Hank Herrod Michele & Glenn Phillips Leigh & Todd Richardson Elaine Blanchard & Anna Neal Joan Hickey JP Plumlee Stacye & Gary Richardson Dana Bottenfield Mr. & Mrs. V.B. Higgins Lana & Gary Prosterman Karen & Murray Riss Sara & Eric Bridges Mary Jo Hinson Dorothy & Robert Pugh Ashley & Michael Robilio Melissa & Gary Bridgman Nancy & Gene Holcomb Jana & Hugh Pulley Colin Rork Lisa & Jody Brown Margaret & Charles Hubbert Mr. & Mrs. W.L. Quinlen, III Carol Lee & Joe Royer Teresa & Bill Bullock Natalie & Jimmy Jalenak Marty & Steve Redding Martha & Joe Saab Anita Bunn Diane Jalfon & Daniel Ulrike Reiss Mr. Bret Sanders & Dr. Charles Alice & Dr. George Burruss Weickenand Melody & Bud Richey Fraga Katherine Bush Margaret Jefferson & Ed Thomas Sandy & Dr. Webster Riggs Dale Schaefer Susan & Rice Byars Dorothy Day Jones & Angie Carol & Wayne Risher Mary Scheuner Margaret & Craig Cardwell Dagastino Rev. Phoebe Roaf Ann & Bill Schultz Joseph Carson Dr. Irene Jones Anna & Dr. Gwin Robbins Kim Simpson & Chris Tinkle Karen Casey Gale Jones Carson Barclay Roberts & Mark Jones Jennifer Sink & Buck Wellford Susan & Dr. Dale Childress Kendra Scott Saddle Creek Latanyua & James Robinson Sally & Mark Smith Karen & Michael Clark Tricia & Chuck Kerwin Claude & Bob Rogers Anna Bess Sorin & Nate Nowak Cindy Cogbill & Kyle Taylor Daniel Kohn Bernard Rolfes Megan & Justin Starling Lanny Coker Joyce Kreth Stu Rosen Gillian & Dr. Bruce Steinhauer Bard Cole Allison & Peter Lemm Christina Ross & David Hanson Sara & Jordan Stephens Ann Coleman Aimee Lewis John Ross Erica Stoltz & Sujan Rajbhandary Carol Coletta & John Montgomery James Lindstrom Carol & Mike Ross-Spang Elizabeth & John Sumner Madeline & David Cotton Lauriann Lines Heidi & Dave Rupke Emily & Chris Taylor Susan & Richard Crenshaw Stephanie & Russell Linkous Debbie & Mark Rutkowski Elizabeth Thomas & Chris Carlson Sylvia & Teddy Crum Dr. & Mrs. Robert R. Llewellyn Brooke Schedneck & William Sally & John Thomason Tatine Darker & Bruce Diane & Tom Long Starner Tanja L. Thompson VanWyngarden Shirley Lupfer Mary Anne Schlagenhauf Christine & R. Carroll Todd Pam Detrie & Jenny Bartlett- Sybil & Andrew MacBeth Bob Schreiber Janet Todd & Fleetis Hannah Prescott J.T. Malasri Susan Schwartz Louise & Calvin Turley Vaughan Dewar Allen Malone Drs. B. Kay Jackson & Thomas Victoria Van Cleef & Dr. Michael Mr. & Mrs. Michael Donahoe Mr. James A K Marshall Shelton Dyer Daniel Dow Brian Martinelli Louise & John Slater Yancy Villa-Calvo & Mauricio Mary Durham & Stephen Stacy & Chris McCall Karen J. Smith Calvo Lockwood Rose McGee Patti & Ritchie Smith Anni & Bill Walker Laura & Dr. James Eason Bethany & Zac McRae Brier Smith Turner Paige & Scott Walkup Sarah & Jacob Edwards Kathryn & Dan McRitchie Maureen Spain Susan & Mark Weaver Evergreen Garden Club Marilyn & Benjamin Meeks David Sparks Molly & Jason Wexler Chelsey & Derek Fairchilds MEMPopS Jill & Ken Steinberg Linda Wible Kathy Fay & Richard Meek Louise Mercuro Patricia Stow Kathy & Steve Williams Elizabeth & Rick Ferguson Gayle Minard Polly Strauss Margaret Williams Donna Fisher Prof. Charles B. Moore Ann & Richard Sullivan Missy & Bill Williams Belinda & Gary Fleming Gayle Moore Dr. Joseph Sullivan Sarahbeth Winn & Donal Harris Deb & Bob Foehring John Moore Marci & Jay Sweeney Winston Wolfe David Franks Kelley & Matt Morice Barbara J. Taller Douglas Wright The Fresh Market Jan & Scott Morrell Marlene Tate & Murray Tate 14

Patricia & Phillip Taylor Carol & Terry Bishop Karen & David Edwards Anne Hooper Vineet Thapar Gail Black Madeleine & Thomas Edwards Helen Hope Shelley & Glen Thomas Sarah Blackburn & Aaron Klimek Elisabeth Eickhoff Ellen & Jon Hornyak Drs. Sharon & Edwin Thorpe Barbara Blum Vivian & Roger Ekstrom Laura & John Houseal Caleb Tinkle Nora Boone & Steve Douglass Pat & Jim Elcan Prudence Howe Dr. David Tipton Marion & Jack Borg Dennis Eleogram Estelle & Stephen Howitt Emily Trenholm & Les Edwards Elizabeth Boyd Tara & Scott Elliott Ann-Marie & Jeff Hulett Violet Trosper & Rich Redfearn Regina & Bill Boyd Brantley Ellzey & Jim Renfrow Lisa Hume Betty & Bill Turner Sam Brackens Liz & Joe Engel Jo Ann Hunter Gail Tyler Becky Brady Natalie Ensminger Connor Hurley Claire & Yousef Valine Patricia Brainard Debbie & Jim Eubanks Dr. William M. Jackson III Dr. & Mrs. John Vookles Pam & Andy Branham Margaret & Shep Fargotstein Erica & Dr. Tim Jancelewicz Wagner General Contractors, Inc Dr. Bill Breen Joanna & Robert Fehse Amanda & Jason Johns Kelsea & Philip H. Walkley III Carrie & Tony Brooks Ruthie Williams & Buddy Fey Jeannie & Bishop Don Johnson Mary Linda & Dr. Lee Wardlaw Travis Brooks Alisa Firehock Jesse Jones Chris Warner Cary & Keith Brown Lara A. Firrone Lyn & John Joyner Marilane & Dr. Otis Warr, III Diane & Craig Brown Jess Flanders Dr. Kimberly Kasper Lain Whitaker & John Ryder Kelley & Dr. John Buchignani, Jr. Krissy & Ryan Flickinger Karen & Joe Kassen Sue & Dr. Jerry Whitt Callie Bugg & Andrew Wofford Christine Floyd Jo Kee Neville & Warfield Williams Tracie Burke & Maureen O’Brien Janet & Les Freeman Michelle & Shawn Kelly Noell & Gary Wilson Baird Callicott Astrid & Tylur French Elizabeth & Jack Kinney Dr. Palmer Wilson Alice Campbell Kate Friedman Dorothy Kirsch Cindy Wilson Lewis Angela Campbell Alex Galloway Jennifer & David Kmet Mr. & Mrs. Lou Wittenberg Wayne Campbell & Geoffrey Elizabeth E. Gates Jenny & Paul Koltnow Thomas Woodley Fenlong Deborah Geels & Michael Dawn LaFon Emily Woodside & Dr. Bill Falvey G. Coble Caperton Hanthorn Kay & Hayden Lait Mary & Jock Wright Janie & Rip Carloss Donna Gentry Betty & Charlie Lambert Deede & Robert Wyatt Denise & Jon Carpenter Drs. Christa George & Chris Wood Linda & Robert Lanier Lauren & Tommy Young Emily Cerrito Rosalie Gibson Dan Larsen Rebecca & Jim Chappell Marilyn & Louis Glazer Kenneth S. Latta Up to $99 Jacob Church Andree Glenn & Steven Gadbois Elle & Josh Lawhead Dr. & Mrs. Ronne’ Adkins Civil Axe Throwing Diane Glueck Alicia & Tri Le Gordon Alexander Linda & Dr. James Cochran Robert Gordon Sarah Lebovitz & Richard Jim Alexander & David Johnson Lorinda & Jonas Cohoon Travis Green Huddleston Larry Alexander Jonathan Coleman Nancy Greenwalt Mary Ann Lee Stephanie Allbritten & George Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Conley Bonnie & John Greer Katy Leopard Bryant Maggie Conway Cyndy Grivich Tucker Sheila & Eric Lewis Anne Allen Kaye Cooper Heather & William Grosvenor Gregory Liebermann Susan & Bill Andrews Kristin Cooper Carol & Joseph Hagan Sue Ann & Bernard Lipsey Megan Arrowood-Waldrip & Diana Crom Kelsey Hamilton & Kenn Gibbs Elizabeth Love Stephen Waldrip Sarah Cronk Judith Hammond Margot Lueck-Zastoupil & Lynn The Art Project Beverly Cruthirds & William Fones Tucker Hanemann Zastoupil Tonya & Daniel Ashworth Nancy & Ken Daevel Brad Hanover Sharon Lusk Emily & Ben Austin Crystal Davis Alena & Mayor Lee Harris Kelsey Lyons Marilou Awiakta Judy & Richard Day Sarah & David Hasty David Maddox & Cameron Sasser Dr. Syed Azmi Terry & Phili Deboo Janora Hawkins The Mail Center Sabine Bachmann Melissa Dison & Fernando Alan Hayes Kandee Mamula Anne Ballam Martins Pereira Alyce & Stephen Haynes Shannon Maris & Drake Danley Kathy Barnes-Lou & Richard Lou Beverly Dixon Cheryl Hays Julie Marks & Michael Nelson Brooke Barnett & Bryan Victoria & William Duffy Edith & Bob Heller Tommy Marsh Montgomery Ben Duke Julia Hencel Edith Marshall Claire Barnett Cheryl & Kenny Duke Linda Hendershot & Bill Rehberg Susan & Drew Mascolino Margaret Barton Dr. John Dulaney Suzanne Henley & James Cole Laura L. Mathews Carol Beachey Marilyn Dunavant Lou Henslee & Roy Bell Lisa Matlock Kim & Willy Bearden Lydia Dunn Heather & Edward Hettinger Martha Matthews Stephanie & Daniel Beasley Darrin Earl Amy & Adam Hill Rick Maxwell Mary Benton Ecco on Overton Park Janice M. Holder Deborah Mays Valerie Berlin-Edwards & Tom Tina & Walter Edge Lea Holland & Steven Greer Allison McCabe O’Brien Edwards Kim & Art Edmaiston David Holt Jean & Davis McCain Gail & Eric Berntson Lauren Edmonds Lauren Rae Holtermann Megan McCrossin & Jordan Patti & Michael Berry Cathy & Steve Edmundson Donna Hood Robinson 15

Forrest McCurdy Louise Palazola Joann & Steve Selvidge Nicole & George Treadwell Robbie & Scott McDermott Duane Pannell Kerry Sernel Wendy & Richard Trenthem John McDowell Anita Parish Cindy Sharpe Becky Trimble Ann McEachran Deanie Parker Sharon & Kevin Shea Susan & Josh Tulino Dr. & Mrs. & J. Lucius McGehee Dianne Parker & Donna Parker Ann Sieber & Khyber Daniel Nicola & Dan Tupis Corinne McLaughlin Janet Partridge & Tom Lawrence Laura Silsbee Brenda & Leslie Vance Ira & Daniel McMasters Margaret & Majid Paydar Greer Simonton Dianna & Ricky Voyles Susan & David Mealer Cristina & Cap Pinkham Barrie & Michael Simpson Margaret & Raymond Vunk Memphis 901 FC Katie & Daniel Pollorena Margaret & James Skinner Robin & David Waters Pamela Merrill Doris Porter Linda & Ron Sklar Stacy Watts Erin & Shannon Merritt Leslie Portis Bethany Smith & Joe Larkins Tamara & Kim Wegenke Corrie & Newton Metcalf, Jr. Rosemary & Mike Potter Southern Vault Company Karen & Alex Wellford Commissioner Reginald Milton Jerred Price Taryn & Jim Spake Bettye Wells Lewellyn Dr. David Mirvis Barbara Pyles & Gary McKay James Sparks & Wes Williamson June West Cara Morgan Rachel & Charlie Ragan Dan Spector Marsha Walton & Chris Wetzel Amy & Brad Moritz Emilie Ratner Betty & Mickey Spence Drs. Ginger & Jim Whelan Ruth Morrison Ann Kendall Ray Bethany Spiller & Stephen Watts Melissa Whitby Nancy Morrow Erik Reese Barbara & Capt. Steve Stapleton Nancy Wiers & Laura Harris Nancy & Charles Mullins Steve Reichling Diana Stein Kabakoff Patty & Ed Wiley Ike Munn Drs. Mary Relling & William Evans Nancy & John Stinchfield Leslie & Allen Wilkinson Kaci Murley & Ian Nunley Tami & Bob Rigus Baylor & Howard Stovall Lynne & Gary Wilkinson Ansley Murphy & Toby Sells Deborah & Marc Riseling Mary Claire Strauss Barbara Willden Lynn & John Murray Hailey & Robb Roaten Mary Streete Keshia & James Williams Larry Nance John Rochford Natasha Strong Rosemary & Jake Williams Caroline Nave Carrie Ann Rohrscheib & Jason Sue & Ken Strong Sue Williams Leah & Jackie Nichols Brewer Quinn Strother Natalie Wilson Sheila Noone Natalie Rosenberg Mrs. Anne Stubblefield Gretchen & Houston Winbigler Caroline Norris Steven Ross Michaelia & James Sturdivant Deana & Gary Windham Randy Norwood Kerry & Nathan Roy Allie Swanson Elizabeth & Stephen Wirls Gale O’Brien Janet & Paul Rubin Leasa & Jerry Swift Tracy & Brynn Wiswall Tracy & Paul O’Connor Mary & Bill Rubin Barbara & Gary Sysak Houston Wolf Jennifer Ohms Mr. Shahin A. Samiei T Clifton Art Gigi & A.J. Wolfe Linda Opiel Leigh Savage & Donna Blackard Rebecca Terrell & Eric Gottlieb Aimee & Barry Wood Juanita Ortiz & Nelson Gutierrez Marcia & David Scher Dr. Linda Tharp Bethany Woodall Sandy & Richard Oster Emily & Jay Schwartz Rubye Lynn & Bo Thomas Pixie & Richard Woodall Kent Overturf Lauren & Jeffrey Scrugham Lissa Thompson William Woods Peggy Owen Richard Scudder Diane Thornton & Ginger Leonard Linda Yates Richard Owen Marie Sell Leslie & Ted Townsend

Need some #NatureZen? We know that many of you haven’t been able to visit Overton Park this spring as much as you’re used to. That’s why we’re bringing the beauty of the Old Forest to you via our weekly email series. Inspired by the popular hashtag #NatureZen, our staff is filling your inbox with photos and reflections on the many plants, animals, and even fungi that call the park home.

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Back when we could gather together... We want to thank our partners and sponsors for making the weekend of March 6 a memorable one in the park. We look forward to the days when people can once again come together for conservation, recreation, and togetherness at the park.

The Conservancy was honored to host the City’s Arbor Day Celebration this year. Pictured planting a new tree are Memphis Tree Board President Dr. Mark Follis, City Councilman Worth Morgan, Memphis City Beautiful Commissioner Emily Adams Keplinger, West Urban Forestry Council Volunteer Coordinator Jan Castillo, Overton Park Conservancy Executive Director Tina Sullivan, Tennessee Division of Urban Forestry Regional Forester Ryan J. Morris, Memphis City Beautiful Executive Director Eldra White, and City of Memphis Division of Parks & Neighborhoods Interim Director Nick Walker.

The next day, the Greensward welcomed pups of all sizes and wardrobes for our first-ever Mardi Growl event. Presented by Hollywood Feed, the day featured a costume contest (with grand prize by The Second Line), pup parade, and crawfish boil by Local Gastropub. Atlas the papillon took home the top prize for dressing as Robin Hood. We hope to be back in the fall with another event for our furry friends!