Marci Spencer is the BRNN`s 2018 Naturalist of the year.

Marci Spencer, what it takes to be a dedicated naturalist.

When we think of American naturalist authors people like John Muir, Henry David Thoreau and Racheal Carson, usually come to mind. We, in Western North Carolina, are fortunate to have our own representative, Marci Spencer. She is this year’s recipient of the Blue Ridge Naturalist Network (BRNN), Naturalist of the year. To those of us representing the BRNN this is a special occasion as Marci is the very first recipient of the award who has earned her credentials through the Blue Ridge Naturalist program at the NC Arboretum. Marci is now joining our other prestigious award winners, Jesse Wilder, George & Elizabeth Ellison, Scott Dean who have all been recognized for their contributions to the larger community.

A Master of Science degree from East Tennessee State University prepared Marci for a career as a nurse practitioner in the fields of cardiology, emergency services, family medicine and overseas medical missionary work. Weekends found her piloting a private aircraft or climbing a mountain. Now retired, Marci has volunteered in public resources at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stationed at Clingmans Dome and a volunteer educator for Appalachian Bear Rescue. She has authored three regional histories: Clingmans Dome, Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies, (2013) Pisgah National Forest: a History, (2014) and Nantahala National Forest: a History, (2017), all published by History Press. Grateful Steps Publishing Co. of Asheville published her children’s book, based on true events, Potluck, Message Delivered: The Great Smoky Mountains are Saved! in 2015. The Yosemite Conservancy included Marci’s essay, “Pine Siskins Make History” in its book, “The Wonder of it All: 100 Stories from the National Park Service,” published to celebrate the centennial of the NPS.

As well as her accreditation from the NC Arboretum, Marci earned certificates from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and the NC Environmentalists Education Program. She offers presentations on the history of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and Clingmans Dome in the Smokies. She has taught classes on the Spruce-Fir Forest Ecosystem at the N.C. Arboretum, on the history of Pisgah at Blue Ridge Community College Lifelong Learning Center in Hendersonville and a 6-week course on the history of the national forests of WNC for the Montreat College Lifelong Learning Center. She spoke to USFS Retirees from all over the country at their 2018 National Reunion at the Cradle of Forestry. Marci invites children to her hands-on programs, entitled “Become a Jr. Bear Biologist” and “Become a Jr. Ornithologist” in classrooms, libraries, summer camps and community events. Raising ceremonial white doves for release at weddings, funerals and other special events is a favorite hobby.

When asked what is next for Marci in an interview conducted by Jeff Clark for the Meanderthals hiking blog she responded, “My heart and mind have already started to ask questions about Chattahoochee, Cherokee and Sumter National Forests. I mentally wondered about the red-cockaded woodpecker populations in Francis Marion and the hurricane damage to that forest. I thought about Croatan of North Carolina and its Native American history. I have a children’s book manuscript based on a true story of a black bear rescue that was well received in Pennsylvania.” The energy and passion of Marci’s love of all things natural is a special gift to North Carolina.

The Blue Ridge Naturalist Network, whose mission is “Connecting people to the natural world” was founded in 2013 in Asheville, NC. Currently we have over 1000 followers on Facebook and close to 70 members.

Annual BRNN Potluck Meeting-The Cathedral of ALL SOULS – November 6, 6:00p.m
9 Swan St, Asheville, NC 28803
BRNN Members and their guests.