Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker have introduced legislation that would add almost 20,000 acres of wilderness to the Cherokee National Forest across six East Tennessee counties.

Not only do I work for Wild South, I am a contributing member.

My husband and I contribute because the staff, board and members collectively protect the places we love. We visit public lands weekly to think in solitude, adjust our attitudes and reconnect with the real world — playing in rivers and observing other creatures, climbing mountains and seeing vast stretches of untouched nature.

These experiences feed our souls and keep us going. As Director of Wild South, I see first-hand how our team works tirelessly and effectively to ensure that the Southeast’s last remaining wild places stay that way.

We wonder about this question all the time as we think about ways to meaningfully involve more people in our work, attract new supporters and encourage current donors to expand their giving. So, I started asking. Recently I spoke with one of our long-time supporters, Tom Dudley, an attorney from Greenville, SC and a generous monthly donor. Here’s what he had to say.