During his 54-year tenure at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Mack Prichard became known for his steadfast dedication to the preservation of our natural world. Through stunning photography, eloquence, and persuasion, he ignited a spark in so many of today’s conservationists—those who will forever fight to protect the landscapes of Tennessee.
Prichard’s career in conservation began in 1955 when he served as a Seasonal Naturalist at Shelby Forest State Park and Chucalissa Museum. His work there—teaching Choctaw people to make arrowheads—was recognized by Time magazine. With his own part-Cherokee ancestry and deep respect for the Native American reverence for nature, Prichard was inspired to share his love of the natural world and its treasures; and so, his lifelong mission was forged.
Prichard went on to serve as a Park Naturalist, State Archaeologist (where he established the state’s division of archaeology and helped acquire eight state archaeological sites), Natural Areas Administrator, and Environmental Coordinator. In 2008, Governor Phil Bredesen named him “Tennessee State Park Naturalist Emeritus.”
Throughout his time at TDEC, it was estimated that Prichard collected over 90,000 photos, slides, and field notes—which were all at risk of deterioration.
Working closely with Prichard and Tennessee State Library Archives (TSLA), and thanks to a grant awarded by the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board, TennGreen contracted Richard Connors to transfer these slides into a digital medium. Connors and Prichard visited frequently to ensure the proper recording of the stories behind the photos and the appropriate organization of the photo collections. TSLA will preserve the hard copies.
It is a monumental task to preserve these photos highlighting some of Tennessee’s best natural and cultural features (including artifacts, historic structures, and natural structures). By protecting, digitizing, and inventorying Prichard’s extensive collection of photos from over 50 years at TDEC, this project preserves an important time in our state’s history for future generations.
Prichard’s Radnor Lake photo collection is available HERE.
TennGreen is grateful to Mary Lynn Dobson, John Noel & Melinda Welton, Estie Sheahan, and Ann & Clark Tidwell for their generous contributions to this project.