Renowned author, photographer, and filmmaker Dudley Edmondson returned home to Central Ohio last month, participating in two great programs with Friends of Metro Parks. A South High School (SHS) alum, Edmondson kicked off the weekend with a visit to his alma mater on Friday, May 24, followed by a morning event on Saturday, May 25 with Friends members at Blacklick Woods.

At the high school visit, Edmondson shared his journey with 9th, 10th and 11th graders and inspired students to consider nature and spending time in the outdoors. His own love for nature was fueled by a high school teacher who introduced him to bird watching.

Edmondson shared building blocks for success as the students continue to navigate their academic, personal and career journeys. Joined by several family members in the audience (many of whom were also South High alumni), Edmondson highlighted his work - from his beginnings as a photographer to producing films and authoring several books.“Black and Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places” features people of color sharing their experiences, backgrounds, and passions for the outdoors.

Beautiful images graced the screen while Edmondson spoke. He recounted several personal stories throughout, reminding students that nature is a space for everyone and is a place where mental and physical health can flourish.

Several school and community leaders participated in the program, all of whom were thrilled to welcome Edmondson home to SHS. Speakers encouraged the students to find valuable takeaways from the accomplished alum’s story. Motivating remarks were shared by: Kwesi Kambon, Friends of Metro Parks board member and retired Columbus City Schools (CCS) administrator; Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President; Angela Chapman, CCS Superintendent; and Christina Vera, CCS Board of Education President.

Students were also joined by: Frances Beasley, former Metro Parks commissioner; Ben Shinabery, Friends of Metro Parks Board President; and Tim Moloney - Metro Parks Executive Director. The students had takeaways indeed, as many Bulldogs raised their hands with questions at the end of Edmondson’s remarks.

One student shared that it was the first time the school has hosted a nature speaker, which piqued her curiosity as she has an interest in foraging plants and natural medicines. Kambon, whose leadership and planning made Edmondson’s visit to Columbus a reality, shared plans for continued partnership with SHS students interested in nature and careers in the outdoors. Moloney echoed the sentiments of the Friends of Metro Parks board member and encouraged students to reach out if interested in pursuing opportunities within the Metro Park system.

The program concluded with Edmondson receiving a round of applause and an appreciation backpack full of goodies from the high school, presented by SHS’ principal Christy Nickerson.

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Blackick Woods event from the Canopy Walk. Photo by: Mike Emery

Saturday’s event brought more than 50 Friends members to the newly opened canopy walk at Blacklick Woods, to meet and hear from Edmondson. After brief welcomes from Moloney and Aaron Lane, Friends of Metro Parks Board Vice President, Edmondson greeted attendees and shared a bit of his story.

Edmondson then led the group on a stroll through the treetops, 35-feet in the air atop the canopy boardwalk. Binoculars in hand, Edmondson’s passion for nature was evident. He prides himself on being able to identify birds by their calls. He’s unapologetically prone to losing track of a conversation or spontaneously changing the topic when a bird, tree frog, leaf, butterfly or bug catches his attention. That’s just an expression of his love of nature.

Speaking from the heart, he reminded the group that people and nature are intimately connected. We are nature, rather than being somehow separate from the natural world. Perspectives on the outdoors differ amongst indigenous communities, which are more closely connected to natural phenomena, compared with Eurocentric communities. There is a great deal to learn from those who have spent time in nature, respecting its life lessons and learning from its mysteries.

After the canopy walkabout, Edmondson and Moloney led Friends members on a guided hike along trails in the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve area of the park. Participants walked along the boardwalk, using all of their senses to take in the natural surroundings. Their guides highlighted how different the trees seem from ground level, with different species more prone to be seen near the ground, compared to those that prefer to nest, rest, and commune high up in the canopy.

The trail is so alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of nature; it was a slow trek through the trees, as the group paused every several feet to whisper to one another about what bird might be calling its mate. It was a treat to walk the path alongside Edmondson, with his vast knowledge, and Moloney, with his entertaining storytelling and sense of humor.

Tim Moloney, Aaron Lane, Dudley Edmondson, and Kwesi Kambon
Photo: Mike Emery

Edmondson’s time in the park ended with bright smiles, words of praise, and invitations to return to nature again and again. The author, photographer, and filmmaker appeared to be encouraged and uplifted by the group’s interest in experiences he shared. The event’s participants were undoubtedly inspired by being in the presence of an individual who is so passionate about nature, the parks, and inviting everyone in to enjoy them.
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Learn more about Edmondson and his work by visiting his website: https://dudleyedmondson.com/.

Read more about Friday’s program in partnership with Columbus City Schools and Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks here (written by CCS), along with a story from NBC4 here.