Hi, my name is April Byrge and I am the legacy of six generations of Tenneseans. My family has lived in the area now designated as the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area for over 100 years. Growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee inspired a passion in me for llifelong learning about nature and conservation. I am a National Park Service ranger currently serving at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stationed on the beautiful North Carolina side of the park. I have also worked at Cape Lookout National Seashore, Grandfather Mountain State Park (NC), and Norris Dam State Park (TN). I have my BA in biology and my MS in environmental education. I get to spend my days teaching students about their national park, and have adventures in my off time!

But these mountains and other wild places aren’t just an escape to me. They are my inspiration and my encouragement. They are home.