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

by Tracy Davids – Executive Director

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.

Tracy Davids: Tom, what attracted you to Wild South?

Tom Dudley: The first time I read Wild Mountain Times (a publication of the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project back in the day) I wanted to find out more about the organization. I wrote to your Campaign Coordinator that I wanted to help out.

In 2002, he called for my help to legally challenge gold mine permits issued in the Sumter National Forest, SC. I met with staff to prepare pre-hearing briefs and was so excited to do something more than just support the organization financially. My family considers themselves a part of the Wild South “team” and they refer to it as that – a “team.”

Tracy: How has the organization changed since then?

Tom: The change I’ve seen that impresses me the most is that the Forest Service proactively seeks Wild South’s input before plans or actions are taken. To earn the respect of that agency to the degree that they seek out cooperation speaks volumes of the respect Wild South has earned.

The proactive grassroots efforts to shape policies with science and public input makes Wild South a voice for the public that deservedly has to be dealt with – for example your work on the Globe Forest Campaign. It is easy to sit back and complain or file lawsuits challenging government action after the fact. So there has been a shift from challenging government action after actions are in the pipeline to seeking protection for areas before logging or action it planned.

Tracy: What factors influenced your decision to make monthly contributions to Wild South?

Tom: Deciding to go to a monthly contribution schedule was easy. With online banking it’s so simple to set a goal and meet it; plus, I’m saving PAPER and therefore trees. Monthly as opposed to yearly contributions provide predictability in covering the financial side of Wild South so that the work that generated the respect I mentioned earlier can be done, like green salamander surveys!

Tracy: What should Wild South do to thank donors?

Tom: I think the typical donor to Wild South isn’t expecting a thank you outside of continuing the preservation of our public lands. Honestly, I’d hate for tokens of appreciation to take away from the business of running the organization. I would gladly pay extra for a Wild South t-shirt, mug, etc.

Tracy: What advice do you have for folks considering a first time gift, or folks increasing their current gift to Wild South?

Tom: Go to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and see the massive poplar and hemlocks (my favorite tree). What motivates me is knowing that Wild South’s work is helping us preserve entire ecosystems so that in a hundred years old growth forests won’t be isolated islands but perhaps, dare I say, common place in our collectively owned public lands.

So, why do you support Wild South?

What are your conservation values and favorite wild places? Your thoughts and feedback can help us to shape the way Wild South expands our reach to build a brighter tomorrow for our forests, our waters, our wildlife and our children. Please share them with me via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that Wild South’s mission and work continue to inspire you as they do Tom and his family. Thank you.