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Annual Report 2024
We’re advancing thoughtfully, ensuring every dollar you donate creates a lasting legacy for our community.
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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).
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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.
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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
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Annual Report
We’re advancing thoughtfully, ensuring every dollar you donate creates a lasting legacy for our community.