I enjoy frequent walks at Radnor and am still an enthusiastic member of the Friends of Radnor Lake Board of Directors
Raising a huge amount of money in a very short time to purchase six lots adjacent to the South Cove Trail.
Improvements we made including land acquisition, starting an exotic invasive plant removal program, and the Junior Ranger Program.
We will always have the strong volunteer leadership, and the state and federal support that we need to expand our boundaries, rid the land of exotic invasive plants, care for the park’s plants and wildlife, build new trails, and increase available parking to meet our future needs.
Retiring Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield US Inc, Industrial Real Estate
2010 flood and all its ramifications. Reinvigorating the board of directors encouraging fundraising on grand scale even during a recession.
During a recession, was able to negotiate and close two important properties on Harris Ridge, as well as other land purchases. Land accomplishments topped only by success of initiating and building the Barbara J Mapp Aviary and Education Center.
Birds of Prey Rehab Center with Flight Pens for the Aviary. Greenway from the park to Old Hickory Blvd. Gateway trail, parking lot and connector bridge from Franklin Road to Harris Ridge. And, of course, purchase of all remaining acreage surrounding the park.
Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Conservation– TN Department of Environment & Conservation
It was a sour day when the board discovered that a TVA gas pipeline was going through Radnor property. But lemons turned to lemonade when we received substantial funding to allow the easement to go through, as well as the opportunity to monitor location for least impact on Radnor resources. Plus the bonus funds were put towards new land acquisition.
All three Tidwell children participated in the Junior Ranger intern program. Supporting this unique program allowed young people from across Nashville to have a welcoming, positive experience while working in the park.
Grow awareness and stewardship among Radnor neighbors to improve the ecological fitness of their own back yards.
Wealth Management & enjoying life to the fullest
With no staff support and a new Park Manager, needed to develop a working board with specialized skills
Guiding the process of an active board willing to work towards raising money, communicating with donors, organizing finances and land acquisitions, eventually raising enough money to hire staff
Staying on the current successful path of making the park a sanctuary for all
Director of Technology & Innovation, American Express
Guiding the board work during uncharted Covid waters while supporting park staff and the unprecedented 500,000 new visitors to Radnor Lake during shutdowns.
Completion of the new bridges made of sustainable material which expanded access into wetlands, as well as offering wheelchair access. Extension of the Harris Ridge trail with the diligent efforts of State Park Rangers and support of donors and the community.
Forever protection of wildlife and their habitats, and that the park continues to be an oasis for visitors with increased parking!
Serving on the Friends of Radnor Lake Board and, while mostly retired, I still will write a song now and then. Otherwise enjoy my time practicing and playing the piano, studying foreign languages, traveling, hiking, and in general staying active.
Fundraising is always the biggest challenge. I tried to make the board experience fun for the members, while at the same time finding what each board member’s strengths were and putting them to their best use.
Organizing our annual Radnor In The Round fundraising event is something that I always feel good about doing since I started it in 2018, and was especially gratifying to do as President. I also was proud to be a small part as President of the Rader land acquisition.
My wish would be that we never have to worry about having enough money to buy new land, build the necessary bridges, maintain the trails, and keep the Aviary in peak form.