The Outdoors & Cities | G. Loveland, S. Kendrick, S. Loveless, P. Morley, G. Smith | TEDxChattanooga

Key Concepts

• Gratitude: A central theme emphasizing appreciation for community contributions and the welcoming spirit of Chattanooga.
• Outdoor Recreation & Health: The interconnectedness of outdoor activities with physical and mental well-being, potentially evolving into “prescriptions for nature.”
• Community & Collaboration: The importance of partnerships between individuals, organizations, and land managers for conservation and recreation.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Efforts to make outdoor spaces welcoming and accessible to diverse populations, particularly Black women.
• Conservation & Sustainability: Balancing recreational use with the preservation of natural resources and addressing climate change preparedness.
• Patience, Persistence & Tenacity: Key qualities for successful long-term conservation and community building.
• Local History & Storytelling: Recognizing and sharing the full history of the region, including the contributions and experiences of marginalized groups.
• Professionalization of Outdoor Recreation: The evolving landscape of outdoor recreation, balancing volunteer efforts with professional expertise.

Chattanooga Outdoor Community: A Conversation on Growth, Access, and Legacy

This discussion, featuring Gail Loen Burrill, Shawana Kendrick (H2O Life), Jenny Smith (Badbeard Events), Sunshine Loveless (Sorba Chattanooga), and Paul Morley (Southeastern Climbers Coalition), centered on the vibrant outdoor recreation community in Chattanooga, Tennessee, its growth, challenges, and future. The conversation highlighted the unique welcoming spirit of Chattanooga, the importance of inclusivity, and the need for continued collaboration to preserve and expand access to outdoor spaces.

I. Gratitude and Community Foundation

The discussion began with Gail Loen Burrill expressing deep gratitude for the community, acknowledging the contributions of individuals and organizations that make Chattanooga a special place for outdoor enthusiasts. She emphasized Chattanooga’s unique openness to welcoming newcomers and supporting their efforts to create positive change. This sentiment was echoed throughout the conversation, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the region. Burrill specifically thanked Maggie for her role in facilitating the event and acknowledged the powerful words shared during a preceding fireside chat.

II. H2O Life & Expanding Access for Black Women

Shawana Kendrick, founder of H2O Life, detailed her organization’s mission: to introduce Black women to the benefits of outdoor adventure for mental clarity, connection, and community. Kendrick shared her personal journey, beginning hiking in 2019 at Signal Point (acknowledged as a challenging starting point). She emphasized the transformative power of seeing Chattanooga from a new perspective, specifically mentioning the view from Julia Falls Overlook. Kendrick underscored the importance of creating spaces where Black women feel safe and supported in exploring the outdoors, noting that intentionality and community are crucial for fostering positive experiences. She expressed hope for increased research into the mental health benefits of nature and advocated for “prescriptions for nature” to become more commonplace.

III. Building Community Through Trail Running & Events

Jenny Smith, owner of Badbeard Events, a trail running company, shared her experience of finding community in Chattanooga through a birthday run on Lookout Mountain. She described the welcoming atmosphere and the immediate connections formed over beer and tacos at Mojo Burrito. Smith highlighted the economic impact of outdoor recreation, emphasizing the unique tapestry of businesses and individuals who contribute to Chattanooga’s thriving outdoor scene. She noted that Chattanooga’s competitive advantage lies in its outdoor spaces and the collaborative spirit of its community.

IV. Sorba Chattanooga: Trail Building, Advocacy & Preparedness

Sunshine Loveless, the first Executive Director of Sorba Chattanooga, explained the organization’s 22-year history of volunteer-driven trail building and advocacy. Loveless shared a personal story of finding freedom and acceptance while whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, and later, healing through walks in nature after a cancer diagnosis. They emphasized the importance of professionalizing Sorba to ensure the sustainability of the region’s 170+ miles of mountain bike trails, while maintaining the sense of ownership and stewardship among volunteers. Loveless also addressed the need for preparedness in the face of increasing climate-related events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, and the importance of training volunteers for trail maintenance and emergency response.

V. Climbing, Conservation & the Legacy of Patience & Persistence

Paul Morley, with a 26-year history in climbing and conservation, discussed the evolution of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SEC) from a grassroots organization to a more professional entity. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with landowners, citing a recent example in Squatch Valley where a landowner offered continued access in exchange for volunteer trail work. Morley introduced the concept of “patience, persistence, and tenacity” as the core values driving successful conservation efforts, highlighting the long-term commitment required to protect climbing areas and build community trust. He also shared the story of Jacob Cummings, a formerly enslaved man who escaped to freedom by hiking and paddling, underscoring the need to acknowledge the full history of the region.

VI. The Intersection of Outdoor Recreation, Health & Climate Resilience

The conversation shifted to the broader impacts of outdoor recreation, including its positive effects on physical and mental health. Participants advocated for reframing outdoor recreation as healthcare, citing the potential for “nature prescriptions” and the documented benefits of spending time in green spaces. They also discussed the importance of conservation in preserving ecological habitats and building community resilience in the face of climate change. The group emphasized the need for continued collaboration between organizations, land managers, and community members to address these challenges.

VII. Untold Stories & the Importance of Inclusivity

The discussion highlighted the need to amplify underrepresented voices and share untold stories about the region’s outdoor history. Shawana Kendrick shared the story of Jacob Cummings, while Paul Morley emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of unsung heroes in the conservation movement. Participants stressed the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, and of acknowledging the historical context of land use and access.

VIII. The Role of Foundations & Continued Collaboration

The panelists acknowledged the crucial role of local foundations in supporting outdoor recreation initiatives and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between all stakeholders. They encouraged community members to get involved through volunteering, board service, and simply picking up trash, recognizing that even small actions can have a significant impact.

Conclusion:

This conversation underscored the vibrant and collaborative nature of the Chattanooga outdoor community. The panelists emphasized the importance of gratitude, inclusivity, sustainability, and a long-term commitment to preserving and expanding access to outdoor spaces. By embracing these values and continuing to work together, Chattanooga can remain a thriving destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a model for other communities seeking to harness the power of nature. The key takeaway is that the strength of the Chattanooga outdoor community lies in its people, its collaborative spirit, and its unwavering dedication to protecting the natural resources that make the region so special.