After retiring from the Pasco County, Florida school system in 2008, Elena and Tom Marsh (pictured above) permanently settled in Franklin, North Carolina, drawn by its natural beauty and abundant outdoor opportunities. Eager to get involved in their new community, they joined the Nantahala Hiking Club and the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, where they took on active roles, including serving as Appalachian Trail maintainers and committee chairs, as well as managing the museum and gift shop at the Gem Club.
They also volunteered with Friends of the Greenway (FrOGs) and Mainspring Conservation Trust, participating in projects such as stream bank restoration. Through this local conservation work, they connected with MountainTrue and became involved in Greenway initiatives, where they have been regular volunteers, attending almost every single workday from the start. In addition to volunteering at workdays, they work hard to share their passion for making a difference with others and help to spread the word about volunteer events along the Greenway.
For Elena and Tom, volunteering is about preserving the natural spaces they love while connecting with others who share their values. They describe their experience as educational, positive, and rewarding, and take pride in helping care for their small corner of the earth.
We are deeply thankful for their countless volunteer hours and steadfast dedication to conserving and caring for the natural places that make our community so special.
