My Metamorphosis

Shared by Heather Gallagher

Naturalist, Metro Parks' Nature Centers

September 2021

If you haven't heard, after 22 years at Warner Parks, I will be moving to Beaman Park Nature Center in north Nashville. I have enjoyed my time here, made many friends and learned so much, but the time has come for me to accept new challenges. 

Me in 2020 with a White-throated Sparrow

So I began my career in Nature Centers almost 30 years ago at a little park called Steele Creek in Bristol, Tennessee. If you haven't gone, it's in the foothills of the Appalachians and boasts picnic shelters, a splash pad, baseball fields, a golf course and a State Natural Area. 

I worked there while in college, taking care of resident snakes, fish, turtles, salamanders and more on the weekends. During the week I attended East Tennessee State University, where I graduated in August 1997 with a Biology degree.

What I'm not telling you about is the train at Steele Creek. Yes, as a college graduate, I drove the kids' train on a short 1/4 loop. I presented at birthday parties and reunions, sharing my love for the Park. But I'll never forget that train.

In 1997 I was offered a Ranger/Naturalist part-time position at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport. I provided care for snakes and turtles (yes, again!), bobcats, otters, birds of prey and, most excitingly, gray wolves. I attended "wolf school" and learned not only how to socialize with these amazing creatures but to share their awesomeness with the public. 

I started my full-time career at Warner Park Nature Center in 1999 and reported to Deb Beazley. What an impression! Deb had worked, at that time, for over 25 years at the Parks. She created most of the brochures you read today; she led hikes identifying everything from wildflowers to mushrooms to animal tracks.

The first time I was truly amazed by Deb took place on the Mossy Ridge trail. We were carrying tools down to Dripping Springs for trail work and came upon a cinder block. Really, a cinder block in the middle of the trail. So Deb hands me ALL THE TOOLS while she carries the block back up to the truck.

Really. A cinder block.

Deb counting Dalia foliosa at Hamilton Creek Park

When Dr. Seuss said "Oh The Places You'll Go," he had Deb and me in mind. We drove all over Belle Meade picking up discarded leaves in the late fall. We drove to Eaglesville once to cash in on some cedar trees a man was clearing for pasture. 

She taught me how to grow tomatoes and, when they were tall enough, how to build a cage to put around them. I helped build the Organic Garden fence, trails, and more. I drove Green Beans (an old Chevy truck we had for years) and a tiller.

Deb and I were always getting into something. 

I didn't realize until years later how invaluable the skills she shared with me were. 

• Focus. 
• If something's worth doin', it's worth doin' right. 
• Measure twice and cut once, but sometimes eyeballings ok. 
• Balance. 
• Be level, and if you're not, dig it up and try again. 

I've also had the pleasure of working for Sandy Bivens during my tenure at Warner. I've never met someone who loves the Moon as much as she does, and I don't think I ever will. She made me notice things. Sandy shared wildflowers and birds with me. Did you know she used to lead ALL of the Saturday wildflower hikes? 

Sandy was--I mean IS--my master bander. She has been banding birds since the late 1970s, and began banding hummingbirds in 2001. So when you ask me about hummingbirds, I'll always name-drop. Because of Sandy, I am a bird bander too, and I am permitted to band hummingbirds. 

And speaking of hummingbirds, I've met some pretty incredible people who were involved in the Nature Center in other ways. 

Bob Sargent, pictured above left, was the foremost hummingbird bander in the southeast. He trained me; he trained Sandy. And when he spoke at the Nature Center about hummingbirds, he always got genuinely teary-eyed. Bob called me Slim. 

There were others:

Bob Brown and Trouble explored Warner Parks and Beaman Park with me in the early days. Bob taught me to trust my gut, and that I know the answer. 

Pat Hollyday was an incredible geologist, sharing his knowledge of fossils and rocks of the Parks with countless school children and APES labs. The Nature Center uses many of his techniques and drawings to this day. 

Curious John Sharlet worked at  the Nature Center from 1999-2006. He loved Challah, which we used to break together on Saturday mornings. He was a great astronomer and friend. 

I am looking forward to new challenges and I am thankful for the people and experiences that have prepared me for this new endeavor.