December 20, 2023 • 28 mins
As the executive director of The Kentucky Wildlands, Tammie Nazario has been a driving force behind the region's economic pivot from coal to tourism. With over 800 waterfalls as her office backdrop, Tammie embodies the resilience and spirit of her homeland, and she's here to tell us how her team has managed to carve a trail of hope through these enchanting woods.
Home to mist-shrouded mountains and ancient forests, this 14,000-square-mile wilderness is a haven for adventure, culture, and tradition. This episode invites you to explore the diverse ecosystem and rich tapestry that defines this remarkable region, untouched since Daniel Boone's time. Tune in for a deep dive into the mist and mystery of The Kentucky Wildlands.
Takeaways
- The Kentucky Wildlands is a region with untouched natural beauty, including over 800 waterfalls and unique outdoor experiences.
- Transitioning from coal to tourism has been a way to rebound from the economic loss in the region.
- The Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail showcases 17 waterfalls and aims to create connectivity and encourage overnight stays in the region.
- Community support and involvement are crucial for the success of the Kentucky Wildlands and its initiatives.
- Becoming a National Heritage Area will put the Kentucky Wildlands on the national map and bring recognition to the region's cultural and natural heritage.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Kentucky Wildlands
01:06
Personal Journey and Connection to the Region
03:16
Eastern Kentucky Pride and Environmental Initiatives
05:04
Transition from Coal to Tourism
06:26
Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail
09:15
Challenges and Resilience of the Region
10:40
Impact of Declining Coal Industry
13:26
National Heritage Area Recognition
14:53
Community Response and Support
15:22
Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail
16:44
Memorable Experiences and Impact
19:05
Role of National Heritage Area
19:34
Future of the Kentucky Wildlands
20:02
Hidden Gems and Lesser Known Parts of the Region
21:30
Perception and Recognition of the Kentucky Wildlands
22:26
Advice for Transitioning to Sustainable Tourism
23:48
Exciting Projects and Developments
24:18
Voluntourism and Community Involvement
26:15
Personal Passion for Exploration and Promotion
27:14
Favorite Quote and Words of Wisdom
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amelia Old (00:00):
Today we're diving into the untouched beauty of the
Kentucky Wildlands.
Led by Tammie Nazario, Tammieis the driving force behind
transforming this region into athriving tourism destination.
With 22 years dedicated to theKentucky Wildlands, her passion
for Appalachia and commitment toits community shine through.
Join us as we explore thetransition from coal to tourism,
(00:23):
the enchanting Waterfall Trailand the journey towards national
heritage area recognition.
Get ready to unveil thetreasures nestled within the
Kentucky Wildlands.
Everyone has a story to tell.
We connect and relate to oneanother when we share our
stories.
My name is Amelia Old and I amyour host of Voices of
Inspiration.
Join me as I share stories offriends, family and strangers in
(00:45):
my everyday life and travels.
We will laugh, possibly cry andwalk away feeling connected
more than ever to those aroundyou and ready to be the change
our world needs.
Everyone has a story to tell.
What's yours?
So thank you so much forjoining me today.
(01:08):
I guess I'd really love tostart off from the beginning.
Can you tell us a little bitabout your personal journey from
being raised in Kentucky andhow that led to becoming the
executive director of theKentucky Wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (01:23):
Absolutely yeah.
So I grew up in Stearns,kentucky.
It is definitely a part of theKentucky Wildlands, and so it's
located in McCreary County inthe southern part of Kentucky,
and I feel like it's justabsolutely one of the most
beautiful places in the world.
(01:43):
I may be a little biased, butin the Kentucky Wildlands area
we have over 800 waterfalls, andjust in McCreary County alone
there are hundreds and arches,and so it's just a nature lovers
dream there, and growing up Iwas part of the latchkey
(02:04):
generation, so we just were inthe woods all day.
We were out on our bikes allday, leave early in the morning,
come home late at night, sonature's absolutely always been
my favorite.
I love all the hiking, thebiking, just anytime I can be
around water or creek side.
Also, I have deep easternKentucky roots, so very familiar
(02:29):
with the area.
But I also saw the challengesthroughout the years.
You know the devastatingflooding that they go through.
Just they have a lot ofchallenges that they faced and
they continue to be so resilient, and so I always knew I wanted
to somehow serve southern andeastern Kentucky.
(02:49):
I just didn't know in whatcapacity.
This opportunity just kind ofhas fallen in my lab through
just a series of eventsthroughout my life.
I guess I've been now with theorganization.
Actually this month is 23 years, so I've been here for a while
(03:10):
and started out.
The mother organization isEastern Kentucky Pride, and so
Pride started in 1997 cleaningup the waterways in southern and
eastern Kentucky, and we dothat in various ways.
We recruit volunteers.
We're very volunteer based.
Throughout inception We'verecruited half a million
(03:33):
volunteers as many as 30,000 inone year to pick up road sides,
mountain sides, creek banks,those types of things.
So we organize cleanups acrossthe region.
We have as many as 500 of thosehere in the month of April, and
we also have a septic tankprogram where we install septic
(03:55):
tanks in low-income homes.
Straight pipes have been anongoing issue in southern and
eastern Kentucky forever, and sowe, through different
partnerships, we've been able toprovide sanitary sewer to
30,000 homes.
Throughout the years We'veremoved nearly a million tires
(04:16):
from the roadways.
So at our 25th year it was like,okay, we have spent all this
time cleaning up, now let'sshowcase it, let's bring people
here, and so from that theKentucky Wildlands was born.
So much of our beauty is stillnatural, it's still untouched.
It's, you know, much like theway it could have been when
(04:38):
Daniel Boone came through here,so it's just a remarkable place
to be.
So the Kentucky Wildlandsseemed to fit the best, and so
that's where we went with that,applied for implementation
dollars from the AppalachianRegional Commission, and we're
very fortunate to receive thatfunding.
(04:59):
And so we launched the KentuckyWildlands through many
challenges, to say the least.
Branding a 42-county region over14,000 square miles is not easy
, and so a lot of work behindthe scenes preparing to launch
(05:22):
all of those things.
And so here we were, ready togo in 2020 and boom, launching a
tourism organization when COVIDshows up.
So we had to take a few stepsback.
We had to revamp, re-examineour messaging, and it just made
(05:45):
perfect sense.
Where is the place to socialdistance when you're in the
middle of a pandemic?
And it's right in the middle of14,000 square miles of absolute
untouched beauty.
We have amazing camping spotshere.
We have unique stays,everything from yurts to tree
houses, to you can stay in acovered wagon.
(06:07):
So we just revamped ourmessaging and we marched forward
, and I like to always try tolook for the positive in things.
Even though COVID was sochallenging, it almost was a
silver lining for us also oncewe did that, there is no better
(06:28):
place to social distance.
So once we took that approach,we moved forward.
It was received exceptionallywell.
We just recently launched ourKentucky Wildlands Waterfall
Trail, because one of the goals,one of the main goals of the
Kentucky Wildlands is to createconnectivity across our region.
(06:50):
So in order to create thatconnectivity, we wanted to start
building trails across theregion to bring more of those
overnight stays and to getpeople more thinking on the line
of staying overnight orspending a weekend here, more so
than just day traveling.
It has been an incrediblesuccess.
(07:11):
It's 17 waterfalls across ourregion.
We did build a criteria forthese two because, with over 800
throughout our region, it washard to narrow it down.
We have a group of just amazingambassadors here.
They've been with us, most ofthem since day one, and they're
(07:33):
our amazing photographers whoprovide their talents to us at
no charge, because they lovethis region as much as we all do
, and so they came together.
They are the I call them theexperts in the field and they
help us narrow it down.
Accessibility was incrediblyimportant.
(07:54):
Parking could you find iteasily, as there's signage
available.
So we just we went through awhole line of criteria To narrow
this down.
We feel like each of them hassome of the most unique
opportunities that you'll see ina waterfall.
For example, yahu Falls it'sthe tallest waterfall in
(08:16):
Kentucky.
Kameleon Falls it's the largestwaterfall.
And, of course, the Niagara ofthe South love to brag about our
moonbow there, and so, yeah,we're very proud about the
waterfall trail, but we alsohope that if you'll come and see
one waterfall, then maybeyou'll take a look at what's
(08:38):
around.
You know, visit some of theseother mom and pop stores while
you're there, like, for instance, if you visit Princess Falls in
Stearns.
Travel just a little ways ondown the road to the real
treasure, and it's Jewel KidsGrocery.
You will get the best bolognasandwich you've ever had in your
(08:58):
life.
You'll get to experience somereal Appalachian food pentome
beans, cornbread, all homemaderight there, and if you're lucky
, you'll catch a day of chickenand dumplings.
Amelia Old (09:09):
Growing up with the roots in Kentucky.
How does your personalconnections to that region
influence your dedication toserving the Appalachians through
the Kentucky Wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (09:23):
I've saw the struggles throughout this region
.
I see everything that so manyhave faced.
I know what some of thechallenges are, just from
growing up and seeing them.
The fact that you know we havefaced devastating flooding
throughout the years, and one ofthe biggest challenges that
we're facing now is, you know,our region has been dependent on
(09:45):
the coal industry for decadesnow, and our region built I mean
Appalachia, built this nation,and so all of a sudden, we don't
have that industry anymore, andso it was really important to
be part of how we, how do werebound from such an economic
(10:07):
loss?
And so, taking a look and Ithink many across the region
have done the same thing whatwas the hanging fruit for us?
And it's our natural assets, andso let's you know, for years we
used our natural assets tothrive and to grow, and so let's
(10:30):
revamp that now and use themagain, but just in a different
way.
Amelia Old (10:34):
So the decline of the coal economy has been a
significant challenge in theregion.
How did the idea oftransitioning from coal to
tourism come about and whatimpact do you think that that
has had on the communities thatyou serve?
Tammie Nazario (10:53):
I can't say for everybody, but I know for us, or
for me in particular, it wasthat I've just known the beauty
of our region for so long.
I know a lot of it inside out,but then there's also places
that I'm finding every day I'venever heard of and I've always
felt like Eastern Kentucky haskind of been left off the map.
(11:16):
When it comes to just being puton the map for having such
natural beauty, we have kind ofbeen overlooked for years and I
wanted to make sure that I washelping bring it to the life
that it needs to be in.
Amelia Old (11:33):
You've been with the organization, like you said,
almost 23 years.
How have you seen it evolveduring that time?
Tammie Nazario (11:38):
Lots of changes, a lot of changes.
We're a lot smaller staff now,funding, of course, funding
challenges are simply justharder now than they have been
in the past, but of course wehave made that evolution as we
move.
We are definitely not leavingbehind those other programs.
(12:02):
We will continue to do thecleanups.
We will continue to improve thewater quality through the
septic tape program.
We'll continue all of thosethings, but we're going to do it
on a more volunteerismopportunity.
So we're going to really have afocus on volunteerism in 2024.
(12:26):
And so we're putting all theplans together for that.
And we also, just because we aresuch a smaller staff, we're
more dependent on the communityitself to help us, and so we've
just launched an ambassadorprogram, the Kentucky Wildlands
Ambassador Program.
So we'll rely a lot on thoseambassadors to kind of help us
(12:50):
when we can't come, some eventswe won't be able to get to, or
when they're out in the nature,then just hashtagging us,
sharing that to help get theword out of who is the Kentucky
Wildlands.
And as we move forward andcontinue to evolve, in 2024, we
will be Kentucky's firstnational heritage area, so we're
(13:14):
incredibly excited about that.
We started this process in 2019.
It was co-tapion by CongressmanRogers and Senator McConnell,
to begin the feasibility studyto make us the first national
heritage area in Kentucky.
There's only 55 throughout theUnited States, and so we will be
(13:37):
one, hopefully, by spring of2024.
Amelia Old (13:41):
That's exciting.
How has the community respondedto the way that the
organization has evolved overtime and all of these different
programs that you have?
How has the community respondedto that?
Tammie Nazario (13:56):
Overall, I think it's very positive.
We've had a lot of support aswe move forward, even in the
building process.
We had six town halls becauseit was community.
Buying is the most importantthing in order to make this
project successful, and so wehave tried to keep that as our
number one focus througheverything that we do.
(14:18):
How are we keeping thecommunities involved, how are we
keeping them informed?
And so, of course, that becamea lot more challenging through
COVID.
We did continue to have Zoommeetings and those types of
things, but the communityoverall seems very supportive.
We had over 350 people attendone of the town halls.
(14:40):
We've had plenty of communitysupport coming in through the
National Park Service.
But we still realize also thatthe name recognition is
something that we've really gotto work on.
Anytime you're building a neworganization, just that name
recognition is you've got to getthat name out there.
Amelia Old (15:01):
Absolutely.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthe Waterfall Trail and that's
a new initiative with you guys.
What makes that trail uniqueand how do you think it
contributes to the overalltourism initiative in that
region?
Tammie Nazario (15:15):
It's unique in that there's not a waterfall
trail here, and, of course,we've always heard all about the
Burman Trail.
The Burman Trail Well, we'remore than bourbon and horses in
eastern Kentucky, although weare getting some places along
the Burman Trail and I'm superexcited about that.
(15:36):
But we're a little more uniqueand so what we have is nature
and so the Waterfall Trail.
That's kind of our prize overhere and so very excited about
it 17 waterfalls across theregion, everything from novice
(15:56):
to expert, so there's somethingfor everybody.
We wanted to make sure andinclude that.
There are also some handicapaccessible trails, so there's
some that are just very easy, soyou can bring your children
along, you can bring yourstrollers with you and, of
course, we've tried to markthose that are pet friendly.
(16:17):
But I always encourage everyoneto do their own research also.
Amelia Old (16:21):
Can you share a memorable experience that you
kind of gone through with yourtime with the organization over
the last almost 23 years?
Has there been something thatjust really stands out?
Tammie Nazario (16:33):
Yeah, I have a few of those.
I've had the opportunity togive two people a brand new home
who had nothing, and so whenyou can do that, you're changing
not just their life but you'rechanging generations to come,
because their grandchildren aregoing to have a place to be
(16:54):
their children, so that thosetwo will always be incredibly
special to me.
We've had several you knowepisodes of just incredible
stories where we've replaced ornot even replaced.
We've added a septic tank to ahome that had never had one.
(17:17):
One such was an 86 year oldwoman.
So you know, you're changingtheir life.
I've had calls on the otherside of it with the Kentucky
Wildlands, you know just peoplesharing how they're doing.
They were all sharing how theyhad no idea this place even
existed, and so they receivedour information and they would
(17:40):
call me.
And you know, I had one lady Isat on the phone for a couple of
hours with one night.
She was taking care of hermother.
She was in a wheelchair and shewas like, you know, we really
want to come down, but I have noidea.
I've been there before, have noidea how to even start to know
where is OK to that would behandicap accessible and she just
(18:04):
wouldn't tire out too much.
And so I spent, you know, acouple of hours researching and
putting her some things together.
She came down that weekend.
She called me afterward and shewas like honey, this was
amazing she was.
She was just telling me howthankful she was that I had
taken that time to spend withher, but more so that she had
(18:26):
the opportunity to experiencethis and it not be a challenge
for her, and so I think that'ssomething that we pride
ourselves on very deservinglyhere in southern and eastern
Kentucky, as our hospitality is,and it's unmatched.
Amelia Old (18:44):
What role do you see the national heritage area
playing in preserving thecultural and national heritage
of southern and eastern Kentucky?
Tammie Nazario (18:54):
Well, our culture and heritage is strong,
and so a national heritage areais going to put us on that
national map of a place to visit, and again, it's one of those
things where I feel like we'vebeen overlooked for so long that
this will actually put usvisible and bring us to the
(19:18):
forefront, where I feel likewe've deserved to be for a very
long time.
Amelia Old (19:23):
How do you envision the future of the Kentucky
wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (19:27):
Well, I guess in a very biased way.
I hope that it continues togrow.
I hope that people continue tobuy into it.
I hope that eventually we'reknown as well as the badlands.
I just I really see it as agreat opportunity.
My heart's in it.
I've always believed thatregionalization is how we have
(19:50):
to go.
I just hope that it becomes thepopular opportunity that it has
to be.
Amelia Old (19:56):
Are there any hidden gems or lesser known parts of
the area that you'reparticularly excited for people
to discover?
Tammie Nazario (20:05):
Absolutely.
We have so many hidden gems.
We actually try to try tohighlight some of those in our
newsletter or quarterlynewsletter especially.
You know, even some of thesewaterfalls are hidden gems.
The Pine Island Double Falls isjust an incredible falls.
There's actually two waterfallsthat come down together.
(20:27):
So I consider that one of thehidden gems.
And then, of course, we have somany of our unique places to
stay.
I think those are hidden gemsOur small mom and pop stores,
like I mentioned, jewel kidsgrocery store.
That's just like walking backin to the 1950s and it's just
(20:51):
incredible.
So I think we have a lot ofhidden gems throughout our area
and we are excited to show thoseoff.
Amelia Old (20:58):
How do you hope that the Kentucky Wildlands will be
perceived by a broader audience?
So, when you start having morevisitors come in and you start
getting the recognition that youdeserve, how do you hope that
this organization and this areathat you live and that you've
grown up in, how do you hopeit'll be perceived?
Tammie Nazario (21:21):
Well, I hope it definitely is positive.
And we have seen, we have done,actually, our first visitor
study since we launched, and inthe first year it showed that we
were able to change theperception in a more positive
manner by 47%.
So that's where we want to go.
(21:44):
We want people to come here andbe like, oh wow.
I've always heard all of thesenegative stereotypes.
This place isn't like that atall, and so that's what we're
hoping to achieve.
Amelia Old (21:57):
What advice do you have for other regions looking
to transition from decliningindustries to sustainable
tourism?
Tammie Nazario (22:04):
based on your experience, I would definitely
take a look at what assets youhave readily available.
It's always easier to startwith something that you have
instead of trying to buildsomething new.
Definitely bring in the expertsin what you're thinking,
because I knew absolutelynothing about tourism, so I just
(22:28):
I was a wallflower in everytourism conference that I could
find, trying to just learnanything and everything I can
and to also meet those that werein the industry that might be
able to help me, and that's onething I've been incredibly
fortunate with is the KentuckyWildlands does have an
incredible team, so definitelymake sure that you're you're
(22:53):
relying on those who know whatthey're doing.
Amelia Old (22:56):
That's really good advice.
What excite I mean?
You touched on this a littlebit, but what other exciting
projects and developments can weexpect moving forward?
Tammie Nazario (23:07):
Well, we, of course, will continue to work
toward becoming the nationalheritage area.
That's going to open up a lotof opportunities for us.
We are also working on asignage program that we hope to
get off the ground next year.
Signage has been a little bitchallenging, but we're
continuing to work toward that.
(23:28):
We will continue to market, butwe will also be as we talked
about culture and heritage we'regoing to work toward releasing
a culture and heritage trail,just like that of the Kentucky
wildlands waterfall trail.
Amelia Old (23:44):
So those are just a few of the things that are
coming in twenty twenty four,and it's ever changing with us,
so stay tuned now I want to goback just for a moment that you
mentioned that you guys arereally starting to kind of move
into this volunteerism.
Can you talk just a little bitmore about that and what you
(24:04):
would like to see happen andwhat opportunities that you hope
will be available for visitors?
Tammie Nazario (24:10):
Absolutely.
One of the best examples forthat, I think, is every year we
have a cleanup during the monthof April.
April is spring cleanup month,and one of those cleanups is at
Camel and Falls State ResortPark, and so, as we all know,
that's one of our largesttourism attractions in our
(24:31):
region, and so we have recruitedas many as over six hundred
volunteers to clean up twentynine miles of roadway.
We remove thousands of bags oftrash right before the tourism
season starts, so that justthey're driving and it's just as
beautiful as it should be.
And then we also after theflooding season.
(24:54):
Then a lot of trash tends togather at the bottom of the
falls, so we remove thousands ofbags of all of that from the
bottom, also to prepare it forthe tourism season.
So we would love to see some ofthose who really want to give
back to our environment Use thatas an opportunity.
(25:14):
Come visit also, stay at theCamel and Falls State Resort
Park or the covered wagons arejust up the road Go, stay there
and then take in, spend a fewmore days and see what our
beautiful area has to offer.
Amelia Old (25:29):
So where can our listeners find you guys online?
Tammie Nazario (25:34):
We are at explore K wild wildlands dot com
.
We are also on Facebook andInstagram, which you can link to
from our website, and, yeah, weand you can sign up for a
newsletter to stay updated oneverything that we've got going
on new opportunities and again,if anybody in southern and
(25:55):
eastern Kentucky is listening,our ambassador program.
We're taking applications rightnow to you, so would love to
have those come in.
Amelia Old (26:03):
And I will make sure to link to all of your your
website and all of your socialmedia profiles in the notes of
this episode.
Someone who enjoys travelinghow has your personal passions
for exploration influenced yourapproach to promoting Kentucky
Wildlands as a traveldestination?
Tammie Nazario (26:25):
I think, because I've tried, I've been fortunate
to be able to travel so muchthat I saw so many beautiful
areas, and it just always, italways stuck in the back of my
mind we have this, we have allof this, but people aren't
coming to see ours, and why, andso I think that's made it even
(26:47):
more important to me to makesure that it gets the marketing
attention that it deserves.
Amelia Old (26:53):
Yeah, I agree, I mean I had.
It was not familiar with thearea prior to connecting with
you and I personally am addingit to my own list to visit and
I'm very excited to see and hearall of the things that you guys
are doing and I can't wait topersonally visit.
I have one more question and Iask everyone this do you have a
(27:16):
favorite quote or any words ofwisdom that you would like to
share?
Tammie Nazario (27:21):
I think we've all been through so many
challenges, the last couple ofyears especially.
It's just to continue to worktogether, continue to build
partnerships.
That's as each of us face moreand more funding challenges,
those types of things.
Partnerships are so important,and so that would be probably
(27:44):
just my line of advice.
Amelia Old (27:47):
I love that and I think that's incredibly
important.
Thank you so much for takingthe time to chat with me.
I really enjoyed learning moreabout the Kentucky Wildlands and
, like I said, I cannot wait tovisit.
Tammie Nazario (27:59):
Please do.
We can't wait to have you.
Today we're diving into the untouched beauty of the
Kentucky Wildlands.
Led by Tammie Nazario, Tammieis the driving force behind
transforming this region into athriving tourism destination.
With 22 years dedicated to theKentucky Wildlands, her passion
for Appalachia and commitment toits community shine through.
Join us as we explore thetransition from coal to tourism,
(00:23):
the enchanting Waterfall Trailand the journey towards national
heritage area recognition.
Get ready to unveil thetreasures nestled within the
Kentucky Wildlands.
Everyone has a story to tell.
We connect and relate to oneanother when we share our
stories.
My name is Amelia Old and I amyour host of Voices of
Inspiration.
Join me as I share stories offriends, family and strangers in
(00:45):
my everyday life and travels.
We will laugh, possibly cry andwalk away feeling connected
more than ever to those aroundyou and ready to be the change
our world needs.
Everyone has a story to tell.
What's yours?
So thank you so much forjoining me today.
(01:08):
I guess I'd really love tostart off from the beginning.
Can you tell us a little bitabout your personal journey from
being raised in Kentucky andhow that led to becoming the
executive director of theKentucky Wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (01:23):
Absolutely yeah.
So I grew up in Stearns,kentucky.
It is definitely a part of theKentucky Wildlands, and so it's
located in McCreary County inthe southern part of Kentucky,
and I feel like it's justabsolutely one of the most
beautiful places in the world.
(01:43):
I may be a little biased, butin the Kentucky Wildlands area
we have over 800 waterfalls, andjust in McCreary County alone
there are hundreds and arches,and so it's just a nature lovers
dream there, and growing up Iwas part of the latchkey
(02:04):
generation, so we just were inthe woods all day.
We were out on our bikes allday, leave early in the morning,
come home late at night, sonature's absolutely always been
my favorite.
I love all the hiking, thebiking, just anytime I can be
around water or creek side.
Also, I have deep easternKentucky roots, so very familiar
(02:29):
with the area.
But I also saw the challengesthroughout the years.
You know the devastatingflooding that they go through.
Just they have a lot ofchallenges that they faced and
they continue to be so resilient, and so I always knew I wanted
to somehow serve southern andeastern Kentucky.
(02:49):
I just didn't know in whatcapacity.
This opportunity just kind ofhas fallen in my lab through
just a series of eventsthroughout my life.
I guess I've been now with theorganization.
Actually this month is 23 years, so I've been here for a while
(03:10):
and started out.
The mother organization isEastern Kentucky Pride, and so
Pride started in 1997 cleaningup the waterways in southern and
eastern Kentucky, and we dothat in various ways.
We recruit volunteers.
We're very volunteer based.
Throughout inception We'verecruited half a million
(03:33):
volunteers as many as 30,000 inone year to pick up road sides,
mountain sides, creek banks,those types of things.
So we organize cleanups acrossthe region.
We have as many as 500 of thosehere in the month of April, and
we also have a septic tankprogram where we install septic
(03:55):
tanks in low-income homes.
Straight pipes have been anongoing issue in southern and
eastern Kentucky forever, and sowe, through different
partnerships, we've been able toprovide sanitary sewer to
30,000 homes.
Throughout the years We'veremoved nearly a million tires
(04:16):
from the roadways.
So at our 25th year it was like,okay, we have spent all this
time cleaning up, now let'sshowcase it, let's bring people
here, and so from that theKentucky Wildlands was born.
So much of our beauty is stillnatural, it's still untouched.
It's, you know, much like theway it could have been when
(04:38):
Daniel Boone came through here,so it's just a remarkable place
to be.
So the Kentucky Wildlandsseemed to fit the best, and so
that's where we went with that,applied for implementation
dollars from the AppalachianRegional Commission, and we're
very fortunate to receive thatfunding.
(04:59):
And so we launched the KentuckyWildlands through many
challenges, to say the least.
Branding a 42-county region over14,000 square miles is not easy
, and so a lot of work behindthe scenes preparing to launch
(05:22):
all of those things.
And so here we were, ready togo in 2020 and boom, launching a
tourism organization when COVIDshows up.
So we had to take a few stepsback.
We had to revamp, re-examineour messaging, and it just made
(05:45):
perfect sense.
Where is the place to socialdistance when you're in the
middle of a pandemic?
And it's right in the middle of14,000 square miles of absolute
untouched beauty.
We have amazing camping spotshere.
We have unique stays,everything from yurts to tree
houses, to you can stay in acovered wagon.
(06:07):
So we just revamped ourmessaging and we marched forward
, and I like to always try tolook for the positive in things.
Even though COVID was sochallenging, it almost was a
silver lining for us also oncewe did that, there is no better
(06:28):
place to social distance.
So once we took that approach,we moved forward.
It was received exceptionallywell.
We just recently launched ourKentucky Wildlands Waterfall
Trail, because one of the goals,one of the main goals of the
Kentucky Wildlands is to createconnectivity across our region.
(06:50):
So in order to create thatconnectivity, we wanted to start
building trails across theregion to bring more of those
overnight stays and to getpeople more thinking on the line
of staying overnight orspending a weekend here, more so
than just day traveling.
It has been an incrediblesuccess.
(07:11):
It's 17 waterfalls across ourregion.
We did build a criteria forthese two because, with over 800
throughout our region, it washard to narrow it down.
We have a group of just amazingambassadors here.
They've been with us, most ofthem since day one, and they're
(07:33):
our amazing photographers whoprovide their talents to us at
no charge, because they lovethis region as much as we all do
, and so they came together.
They are the I call them theexperts in the field and they
help us narrow it down.
Accessibility was incrediblyimportant.
(07:54):
Parking could you find iteasily, as there's signage
available.
So we just we went through awhole line of criteria To narrow
this down.
We feel like each of them hassome of the most unique
opportunities that you'll see ina waterfall.
For example, yahu Falls it'sthe tallest waterfall in
(08:16):
Kentucky.
Kameleon Falls it's the largestwaterfall.
And, of course, the Niagara ofthe South love to brag about our
moonbow there, and so, yeah,we're very proud about the
waterfall trail, but we alsohope that if you'll come and see
one waterfall, then maybeyou'll take a look at what's
(08:38):
around.
You know, visit some of theseother mom and pop stores while
you're there, like, for instance, if you visit Princess Falls in
Stearns.
Travel just a little ways ondown the road to the real
treasure, and it's Jewel KidsGrocery.
You will get the best bolognasandwich you've ever had in your
(08:58):
life.
You'll get to experience somereal Appalachian food pentome
beans, cornbread, all homemaderight there, and if you're lucky
, you'll catch a day of chickenand dumplings.
Amelia Old (09:09):
Growing up with the roots in Kentucky.
How does your personalconnections to that region
influence your dedication toserving the Appalachians through
the Kentucky Wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (09:23):
I've saw the struggles throughout this region
.
I see everything that so manyhave faced.
I know what some of thechallenges are, just from
growing up and seeing them.
The fact that you know we havefaced devastating flooding
throughout the years, and one ofthe biggest challenges that
we're facing now is, you know,our region has been dependent on
(09:45):
the coal industry for decadesnow, and our region built I mean
Appalachia, built this nation,and so all of a sudden, we don't
have that industry anymore, andso it was really important to
be part of how we, how do werebound from such an economic
(10:07):
loss?
And so, taking a look and Ithink many across the region
have done the same thing whatwas the hanging fruit for us?
And it's our natural assets, andso let's you know, for years we
used our natural assets tothrive and to grow, and so let's
(10:30):
revamp that now and use themagain, but just in a different
way.
Amelia Old (10:34):
So the decline of the coal economy has been a
significant challenge in theregion.
How did the idea oftransitioning from coal to
tourism come about and whatimpact do you think that that
has had on the communities thatyou serve?
Tammie Nazario (10:53):
I can't say for everybody, but I know for us, or
for me in particular, it wasthat I've just known the beauty
of our region for so long.
I know a lot of it inside out,but then there's also places
that I'm finding every day I'venever heard of and I've always
felt like Eastern Kentucky haskind of been left off the map.
(11:16):
When it comes to just being puton the map for having such
natural beauty, we have kind ofbeen overlooked for years and I
wanted to make sure that I washelping bring it to the life
that it needs to be in.
Amelia Old (11:33):
You've been with the organization, like you said,
almost 23 years.
How have you seen it evolveduring that time?
Tammie Nazario (11:38):
Lots of changes, a lot of changes.
We're a lot smaller staff now,funding, of course, funding
challenges are simply justharder now than they have been
in the past, but of course wehave made that evolution as we
move.
We are definitely not leavingbehind those other programs.
(12:02):
We will continue to do thecleanups.
We will continue to improve thewater quality through the
septic tape program.
We'll continue all of thosethings, but we're going to do it
on a more volunteerismopportunity.
So we're going to really have afocus on volunteerism in 2024.
(12:26):
And so we're putting all theplans together for that.
And we also, just because we aresuch a smaller staff, we're
more dependent on the communityitself to help us, and so we've
just launched an ambassadorprogram, the Kentucky Wildlands
Ambassador Program.
So we'll rely a lot on thoseambassadors to kind of help us
(12:50):
when we can't come, some eventswe won't be able to get to, or
when they're out in the nature,then just hashtagging us,
sharing that to help get theword out of who is the Kentucky
Wildlands.
And as we move forward andcontinue to evolve, in 2024, we
will be Kentucky's firstnational heritage area, so we're
(13:14):
incredibly excited about that.
We started this process in 2019.
It was co-tapion by CongressmanRogers and Senator McConnell,
to begin the feasibility studyto make us the first national
heritage area in Kentucky.
There's only 55 throughout theUnited States, and so we will be
(13:37):
one, hopefully, by spring of2024.
Amelia Old (13:41):
That's exciting.
How has the community respondedto the way that the
organization has evolved overtime and all of these different
programs that you have?
How has the community respondedto that?
Tammie Nazario (13:56):
Overall, I think it's very positive.
We've had a lot of support aswe move forward, even in the
building process.
We had six town halls becauseit was community.
Buying is the most importantthing in order to make this
project successful, and so wehave tried to keep that as our
number one focus througheverything that we do.
(14:18):
How are we keeping thecommunities involved, how are we
keeping them informed?
And so, of course, that becamea lot more challenging through
COVID.
We did continue to have Zoommeetings and those types of
things, but the communityoverall seems very supportive.
We had over 350 people attendone of the town halls.
(14:40):
We've had plenty of communitysupport coming in through the
National Park Service.
But we still realize also thatthe name recognition is
something that we've really gotto work on.
Anytime you're building a neworganization, just that name
recognition is you've got to getthat name out there.
Amelia Old (15:01):
Absolutely.
Can you talk a little bit aboutthe Waterfall Trail and that's
a new initiative with you guys.
What makes that trail uniqueand how do you think it
contributes to the overalltourism initiative in that
region?
Tammie Nazario (15:15):
It's unique in that there's not a waterfall
trail here, and, of course,we've always heard all about the
Burman Trail.
The Burman Trail Well, we'remore than bourbon and horses in
eastern Kentucky, although weare getting some places along
the Burman Trail and I'm superexcited about that.
(15:36):
But we're a little more uniqueand so what we have is nature
and so the Waterfall Trail.
That's kind of our prize overhere and so very excited about
it 17 waterfalls across theregion, everything from novice
(15:56):
to expert, so there's somethingfor everybody.
We wanted to make sure andinclude that.
There are also some handicapaccessible trails, so there's
some that are just very easy, soyou can bring your children
along, you can bring yourstrollers with you and, of
course, we've tried to markthose that are pet friendly.
(16:17):
But I always encourage everyoneto do their own research also.
Amelia Old (16:21):
Can you share a memorable experience that you
kind of gone through with yourtime with the organization over
the last almost 23 years?
Has there been something thatjust really stands out?
Tammie Nazario (16:33):
Yeah, I have a few of those.
I've had the opportunity togive two people a brand new home
who had nothing, and so whenyou can do that, you're changing
not just their life but you'rechanging generations to come,
because their grandchildren aregoing to have a place to be
(16:54):
their children, so that thosetwo will always be incredibly
special to me.
We've had several you knowepisodes of just incredible
stories where we've replaced ornot even replaced.
We've added a septic tank to ahome that had never had one.
(17:17):
One such was an 86 year oldwoman.
So you know, you're changingtheir life.
I've had calls on the otherside of it with the Kentucky
Wildlands, you know just peoplesharing how they're doing.
They were all sharing how theyhad no idea this place even
existed, and so they receivedour information and they would
(17:40):
call me.
And you know, I had one lady Isat on the phone for a couple of
hours with one night.
She was taking care of hermother.
She was in a wheelchair and shewas like, you know, we really
want to come down, but I have noidea.
I've been there before, have noidea how to even start to know
where is OK to that would behandicap accessible and she just
(18:04):
wouldn't tire out too much.
And so I spent, you know, acouple of hours researching and
putting her some things together.
She came down that weekend.
She called me afterward and shewas like honey, this was
amazing she was.
She was just telling me howthankful she was that I had
taken that time to spend withher, but more so that she had
(18:26):
the opportunity to experiencethis and it not be a challenge
for her, and so I think that'ssomething that we pride
ourselves on very deservinglyhere in southern and eastern
Kentucky, as our hospitality is,and it's unmatched.
Amelia Old (18:44):
What role do you see the national heritage area
playing in preserving thecultural and national heritage
of southern and eastern Kentucky?
Tammie Nazario (18:54):
Well, our culture and heritage is strong,
and so a national heritage areais going to put us on that
national map of a place to visit, and again, it's one of those
things where I feel like we'vebeen overlooked for so long that
this will actually put usvisible and bring us to the
(19:18):
forefront, where I feel likewe've deserved to be for a very
long time.
Amelia Old (19:23):
How do you envision the future of the Kentucky
wildlands?
Tammie Nazario (19:27):
Well, I guess in a very biased way.
I hope that it continues togrow.
I hope that people continue tobuy into it.
I hope that eventually we'reknown as well as the badlands.
I just I really see it as agreat opportunity.
My heart's in it.
I've always believed thatregionalization is how we have
(19:50):
to go.
I just hope that it becomes thepopular opportunity that it has
to be.
Amelia Old (19:56):
Are there any hidden gems or lesser known parts of
the area that you'reparticularly excited for people
to discover?
Tammie Nazario (20:05):
Absolutely.
We have so many hidden gems.
We actually try to try tohighlight some of those in our
newsletter or quarterlynewsletter especially.
You know, even some of thesewaterfalls are hidden gems.
The Pine Island Double Falls isjust an incredible falls.
There's actually two waterfallsthat come down together.
(20:27):
So I consider that one of thehidden gems.
And then, of course, we have somany of our unique places to
stay.
I think those are hidden gemsOur small mom and pop stores,
like I mentioned, jewel kidsgrocery store.
That's just like walking backin to the 1950s and it's just
(20:51):
incredible.
So I think we have a lot ofhidden gems throughout our area
and we are excited to show thoseoff.
Amelia Old (20:58):
How do you hope that the Kentucky Wildlands will be
perceived by a broader audience?
So, when you start having morevisitors come in and you start
getting the recognition that youdeserve, how do you hope that
this organization and this areathat you live and that you've
grown up in, how do you hopeit'll be perceived?
Tammie Nazario (21:21):
Well, I hope it definitely is positive.
And we have seen, we have done,actually, our first visitor
study since we launched, and inthe first year it showed that we
were able to change theperception in a more positive
manner by 47%.
So that's where we want to go.
(21:44):
We want people to come here andbe like, oh wow.
I've always heard all of thesenegative stereotypes.
This place isn't like that atall, and so that's what we're
hoping to achieve.
Amelia Old (21:57):
What advice do you have for other regions looking
to transition from decliningindustries to sustainable
tourism?
Tammie Nazario (22:04):
based on your experience, I would definitely
take a look at what assets youhave readily available.
It's always easier to startwith something that you have
instead of trying to buildsomething new.
Definitely bring in the expertsin what you're thinking,
because I knew absolutelynothing about tourism, so I just
(22:28):
I was a wallflower in everytourism conference that I could
find, trying to just learnanything and everything I can
and to also meet those that werein the industry that might be
able to help me, and that's onething I've been incredibly
fortunate with is the KentuckyWildlands does have an
incredible team, so definitelymake sure that you're you're
(22:53):
relying on those who know whatthey're doing.
Amelia Old (22:56):
That's really good advice.
What excite I mean?
You touched on this a littlebit, but what other exciting
projects and developments can weexpect moving forward?
Tammie Nazario (23:07):
Well, we, of course, will continue to work
toward becoming the nationalheritage area.
That's going to open up a lotof opportunities for us.
We are also working on asignage program that we hope to
get off the ground next year.
Signage has been a little bitchallenging, but we're
continuing to work toward that.
(23:28):
We will continue to market, butwe will also be as we talked
about culture and heritage we'regoing to work toward releasing
a culture and heritage trail,just like that of the Kentucky
wildlands waterfall trail.
Amelia Old (23:44):
So those are just a few of the things that are
coming in twenty twenty four,and it's ever changing with us,
so stay tuned now I want to goback just for a moment that you
mentioned that you guys arereally starting to kind of move
into this volunteerism.
Can you talk just a little bitmore about that and what you
(24:04):
would like to see happen andwhat opportunities that you hope
will be available for visitors?
Tammie Nazario (24:10):
Absolutely.
One of the best examples forthat, I think, is every year we
have a cleanup during the monthof April.
April is spring cleanup month,and one of those cleanups is at
Camel and Falls State ResortPark, and so, as we all know,
that's one of our largesttourism attractions in our
(24:31):
region, and so we have recruitedas many as over six hundred
volunteers to clean up twentynine miles of roadway.
We remove thousands of bags oftrash right before the tourism
season starts, so that justthey're driving and it's just as
beautiful as it should be.
And then we also after theflooding season.
(24:54):
Then a lot of trash tends togather at the bottom of the
falls, so we remove thousands ofbags of all of that from the
bottom, also to prepare it forthe tourism season.
So we would love to see some ofthose who really want to give
back to our environment Use thatas an opportunity.
(25:14):
Come visit also, stay at theCamel and Falls State Resort
Park or the covered wagons arejust up the road Go, stay there
and then take in, spend a fewmore days and see what our
beautiful area has to offer.
Amelia Old (25:29):
So where can our listeners find you guys online?
Tammie Nazario (25:34):
We are at explore K wild wildlands dot com
.
We are also on Facebook andInstagram, which you can link to
from our website, and, yeah, weand you can sign up for a
newsletter to stay updated oneverything that we've got going
on new opportunities and again,if anybody in southern and
(25:55):
eastern Kentucky is listening,our ambassador program.
We're taking applications rightnow to you, so would love to
have those come in.
Amelia Old (26:03):
And I will make sure to link to all of your your
website and all of your socialmedia profiles in the notes of
this episode.
Someone who enjoys travelinghow has your personal passions
for exploration influenced yourapproach to promoting Kentucky
Wildlands as a traveldestination?
Tammie Nazario (26:25):
I think, because I've tried, I've been fortunate
to be able to travel so muchthat I saw so many beautiful
areas, and it just always, italways stuck in the back of my
mind we have this, we have allof this, but people aren't
coming to see ours, and why, andso I think that's made it even
(26:47):
more important to me to makesure that it gets the marketing
attention that it deserves.
Amelia Old (26:53):
Yeah, I agree, I mean I had.
It was not familiar with thearea prior to connecting with
you and I personally am addingit to my own list to visit and
I'm very excited to see and hearall of the things that you guys
are doing and I can't wait topersonally visit.
I have one more question and Iask everyone this do you have a
(27:16):
favorite quote or any words ofwisdom that you would like to
share?
Tammie Nazario (27:21):
I think we've all been through so many
challenges, the last couple ofyears especially.
It's just to continue to worktogether, continue to build
partnerships.
That's as each of us face moreand more funding challenges,
those types of things.
Partnerships are so important,and so that would be probably
(27:44):
just my line of advice.
Amelia Old (27:47):
I love that and I think that's incredibly
important.
Thank you so much for takingthe time to chat with me.
I really enjoyed learning moreabout the Kentucky Wildlands and
, like I said, I cannot wait tovisit.
Tammie Nazario (27:59):
Please do.
We can't wait to have you.
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