Mack Prichard began his career with Tennessee’s Department of Conservation when he was just 16 years old, as a seasonal naturalist at Shelby Forest State Park near Memphis. In addition to developing a profound knowledge of natural and cultural history, he had a gift for connecting with the public. Following a series of promotions (including one to head the state's new archeology division in 1971), he moved to the Conservation Education section where he became Tennessee’s first State Naturalist. Mack served under eight Tennessee governors — Clement, Ellington, Dunn, Blanton, Alexander, McWherter, Sundquist and Bredesen.
His mission in life was to explore beautiful, pristine Tennessee properties, take slides, and then convince others that these properties were worth conserving. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mack crisscrossed Tennessee, doing slide shows at state park friends’ groups, Sierra Clubs, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), Audubon meetings, schools, camps and garden clubs.
As had been the case for over 50 years, Mack was a most eloquent spokesman for all things related to the modern history of conservation in Tennessee and was always in demand as a speaker to groups across Tennessee and nationwide.
On May 24, 2008, then-Governor Phil Bredesen signed Senate Joint Resolution 1007 commending Mack’s half-century as “The Conservation Conscience” of Tennessee and conferring on him the title Tennessee State Park Naturalist Emeritus.
After Mack died in April of 2020, Governor Bill Lee designated March 31, 2021 as Mack S. Prichard Day in appreciation and celebration of Prichard’s life in service. Mack S. Prichard was the first state archaeologist and the first state naturalist of the State of Tennessee. He started working for the state at the age of 16 and kept his job for over 50 years.
To learn more about Mack Prichard and the historical significance of his life’s work, a book, The Essential Mack Prichard Writings of a Conservation Hero,” edited by Mary Priestley is now available for purchase through Amazon or you can request a copy through our contact section on this website.
His mission in life was to explore beautiful, pristine Tennessee properties, take slides, and then convince others that these properties were worth conserving. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mack crisscrossed Tennessee, doing slide shows at state park friends’ groups, Sierra Clubs, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), Audubon meetings, schools, camps and garden clubs.
As had been the case for over 50 years, Mack was a most eloquent spokesman for all things related to the modern history of conservation in Tennessee and was always in demand as a speaker to groups across Tennessee and nationwide.
On May 24, 2008, then-Governor Phil Bredesen signed Senate Joint Resolution 1007 commending Mack’s half-century as “The Conservation Conscience” of Tennessee and conferring on him the title Tennessee State Park Naturalist Emeritus.
After Mack died in April of 2020, Governor Bill Lee designated March 31, 2021 as Mack S. Prichard Day in appreciation and celebration of Prichard’s life in service. Mack S. Prichard was the first state archaeologist and the first state naturalist of the State of Tennessee. He started working for the state at the age of 16 and kept his job for over 50 years.
To learn more about Mack Prichard and the historical significance of his life’s work, a book, The Essential Mack Prichard Writings of a Conservation Hero,” edited by Mary Priestley is now available for purchase through Amazon or you can request a copy through our contact section on this website.
