Our Story

The Habitat Connection was established in 2020 in response to increasing scientific evidence that habitat loss and fragmentation is a major cause of declining bird populations. Our goal is to empower Middle Tennesseans to regenerate native habitat on their properties in order to improve ecosystem health and connectivity for birds and other life forms, including us. Our primary focus is small property owners, such as individual homeowners, private home owner associations, property management companies, churches, schools, and business parks. One of our key objectives is to shift property owners away from turf grass and hybridized nursery landscaping to ecologically beneficial lawn and garden practices.

Meet the Team

  • John H Kell

    FOUNDER

    Long time outdoor enthusiast and wildlife advocate. BS/MS Industrial Engineering. Tennessee Naturalist and federally licensed bird bander involved in bird research projects with local parks and nature sanctuaries. His passion is birds!

  • Jonathan Kell

    FOUNDER

    BS geology, soil science; MS plant, soil, environmental sciences. Lifelong interest in ecology and work experience including federal agencies (USDA-NRCS, USGS), environmental consulting and reclamation, and self-employment as an ISA certified arborist, certified professional soil scientist, greenhouse design and nursery management provide a strong skill set to approach the technical aspects of our mission.

  • Melinda Baker

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Melinda is a writer, educator, and Tennessee Naturalist with an MS in English. She is passionate about biodiversity conservation with a particular emphasis on local ecology, and loves exploring and advancing the stewardship of Tennessee’s trove of native plants, birds, and other wildlife. Favorite native TN bird: Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus).

  • Kay Matthews

    Volunteer

    Kay Matthews has 40 plus years of experience in environmental education, teaching children and adults about the importance of native plants and animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. In recent years, her focus has been on educating her community about the importance of restoring native habitat. She serves on the Creation Care team of her church, which is dedicated to removing invasive species and restoring native biodiversity to their extensive green space.

  • Robin Cohn

    Volunteer

    Nature is Robin’s solace. She is happiest when she is outside digging her toes in the earth, or listening to a bird’s melodic voice, or planting something native to sustain all forms of life in my yard. She feels very fortunate to be a part of The Habitat Connection. Their values and mission align beautifully. "Be that change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi