Annual Report 2024

We’re advancing thoughtfully, ensuring every dollar you donate creates a lasting legacy for our community.

Dear Friends, Supporters, Members, and Volunteers,

Believe it or not, the nature center buildings on the north end of our campus were constructed nearly 45 years ago. Meanwhile, widespread interest in spending time outside has led to a massive spike in visitation and usage of these old buildings.

We’re moving forward with the community’s bold, inclusive vision articulated in our Framework for the Future plan. This spring, staff and board representatives visited three architects to see firsthand what makes a world-class nature center. We’re excited to reveal the final design team selections and initial mockups of the upgraded Welcome Center soon.

Meanwhile, our historic conservation easement process is nearing completion. This multi-year effort has been a labor of love, with many individuals and entities across the country collaborating to permanently protect our land.

This year will be one of continued growth as we onboard two key new members of our leadership team: Susan Day began working as Director of Development this summer and hit the ground running! Randi Schlosser, a long-time volunteer and key member of our advisory committee during the Framework planning process will step into a newly created role as Director of Curriculum and Engagement. Along with Mary Corson, our Managing Director, we’ll have a leadership team that will be second to none. Through their expertise, we are so excited to continue growing our mission as we forge partnerships and expand outreach.

Your giving makes this all possible. Thank you!

Gratefully,

Our Stories

Progress from the Ground Up

With your support, our Framework for the Future groundwork continues! We’re thrilled to report that Reflection Riding welcomed over 100,000 visitors this past year, a testament to our growing impact and the community’s enthusiasm for our mission.

Nature is the Best Teacher

At Reflection Riding, we value the importance of inquiry-based learning. Through everything from Nature Experiences to Field Trips, our team strives to awaken curiosity at every stage of life.

Sparking Curiosity Through Outreach

In response to community demand, we expanded our outreach programs and greatly increased our public engagement efforts.

A Year of Fruitful Events

You filled this year with genuine community connection. Together we celebrated friends, family, caretakers, and the wonders of nature.

Gaining Ground for Land Conservation

We are proud to announce the success of our Native Landscape Management Apprenticeship! In close partnership with The Howard School, this program provides students with a career pathway in conservation and landscape management.

Thinking Outside the Box with Turtle SAFE

North American turtles face rapid decline due to a number of factors, including the illegal pet trade and international smuggling. Reflection Riding is a founding member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) American Turtle Program.

Tribute to the Treehouse

Writing about our George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse, Nancy Dorman-Hickson said: “Kids instinctively understand the magic of a tree house.” But many people over the years—not just kids—have felt the magic of our treehouse and its impressive, three-trunked Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata).

Thanks to our supporters for making this our best year yet. Your generosity makes it all possible.

Annual Giving Society

Annual Giving Society members are the champions of nature at Reflection Riding. Your leadership giving supports Reflection Riding’s mission to reconnect people with nature. Your contributions ensure we can continue offering our community accessible outdoor opportunities, from exploration to conservation. We are endlessly grateful for your dedication and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you.

Anonymous (3)

Brandee & Carrie Albert

Brooke Thomas & Nic Armstrong

Nancy & Charlie Belin

Nora & Bob Bernhardt

Alisa Bigham

Brandon Brewster

Danna Bailey & David Brock

Susu & Paul Brock

Nicole & Charlie Brock

Jen & Neil Brown

Ralph Brown

Betsy & Ben Cake

Kitty & Hacker Caldwell

Mike Campbell

Mary Beth & Jim Catanzaro

Joan & Ken Clark

Michelle Hunter & Matt Clemmer

Courtney & Brad Cobb

Angie & Pat Conroy

Suzanne Corrington, MD

Nini & Elliott Davenport

Heather & Joe DeGaetano

Susan Elder

Margaret & Scott Ferguson

J. Franklin Farrow

Paula Haynes & Greg Grant

Linda & Doug Graydon

Mary & Ron Hagen

Suzanne & Wilson Haizlip

Lucia & Thomas Hopper

Deanne & Nelson Irvine

Susan & Don Jensen

Wendy & David Johnston

The Jordahl Family

Arline Mann & Bob Katz

Ginny & Tim Kelly

Caren & John McAleer

Mary & Don McDowell

The McKee Family

Chris Lykins & Mark C. McKnight

Joan & Brian Mickles

Sara & Robert Mingus

Kristina & Tom Montague

Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld

Margy Oehmig

Kim Terry & Bill Phillips

P. Robert Philp, Jr.

A.B. Riser

Kathleen & Fred Robinson

Brett Rousch

Lorie & Bill Runge

Melissa & Santosh Sankar

Annette Allen & John Shearburn

Lisa Lemza & Mike Shillinger

Michelle & Chris Spencer

Julie & Patrick Stowe

Phyllis & Bruce Tilden

Daly Turnbull

Doug & Sandra Warner

Loti Woods & Dale Weiler

See an error? We apologize and would love to correct it. Please contact us at support@reflectionriding.org.

Reflection Riding extends its gratitude to the many sponsors, funders, grantors, and foundations that champion our mission. With your unwavering support, we deepen our impact on the Chattanooga community, inspiring greater ecological awareness and stewardship.

$25,000+

Local3 News

Riverview Foundation

Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation

United Way of Greater Chattanooga

WMWA Landscape Architects

$10,000+

American Water Charitable Fund

Black Creek Chattanooga

Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Common House Chattanooga

EPB

Footprint Foundation

Grandview Foundation

REI Cooperative Action Fund

Rock/Creek

$5,000+

The Patten Group

Varallo Foundation

$2,500+

Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee

Bridge Financial Planning

Dolan Gardens Foundation

First Horizon

Resilient Story

Robert Finley Stone Foundation

Tennessee Arts Commission

Tremont Tavern

$1,000+

ArtsBuild

Bad Beard Events

Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences

Curbed Construction

Diamond Dogs & JJ’s Bohemia

Elder’s Ace Hardware

The Hand Foundation

Hazel Montague Hutcheson Foundation

Hutton & Smith Brewing

McGriff Insurance

OCI

Roamstead Hospitality

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church

Smoky Mountain Raptor Center

Tennessee Trails Association

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union

Annual Report

We’re advancing thoughtfully, ensuring every dollar you donate creates a lasting legacy for our community.