A transplant from bustling Nashville, TN, Dylan moved to Chattanooga in 2012 to immerse himself in the wilder side of Tennessee and the southern Appalachians while attending the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Rock climbing, mountain biking and backpacking lured Dylan in, but the richness of the natural world on the periphery of these activities is what inspired him into knowing more. Earning a B.S. in Environmental Science and spending his time extensively exploring the biologically rich areas surrounding Chattanooga, Dylan found a calling for ecology, biodiversity and a general connection to a deeper understanding of how we fit into the natural world- and how to protect it. Dylan’s work has led him to teaching ecology, non-profit work, habitat restoration, environmental education, native plant propagation, and many botanical musings.

 

Having a deep inquisitiveness into native plants and their community assemblages, Dylan is at home exploring the flora of the southern Appalachia and understanding how they fit in the ecological puzzle and sharing that knowledge with others. Inspired by the words and actions of great minds and stalwart environmentalists such as E.O. Wilson, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Caron, and Edward Abbey, Dylan believes direct action for the good of the Earth is not a choice, but a necessity. His commitment is borne out through the continuous efforts of habitat restoration and conservation and love to teach others how to do the same.

 

Dylan plans on completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2023, in hopes of gaining a better perspective of the unique, fascinating, but quickly diminishing ecology of the mountainous eastern North America.