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

    John is a long-time outdoor enthusiast and wildlife advocate. He has a BS/MS in Industrial Engineering, is a certified Tennessee Naturalist, and is a federally licensed bird bander involved in bird research projects with local parks and nature sanctuaries. His passion is birds!

  • Jonathan Kell

    FOUNDER

    Jonathan has a BS in geology and soil science and an MS in plant, soil, and environmental sciences. He has a lifelong interest in ecology. His work experience includes federal agencies (USDA-NRCS, USGS), environmental consulting and reclamation, self-employment as an ISA certified arborist, professional soil science, greenhouse design, and nursery management.

  • 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 her 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

  • Aprele Griffin

    Volunteer

    Aprele is a certified Tennessee naturalist with a B.S. in Biology and a Master's in Teaching. She is fascinated with native plants and animals and passionate about restoring their habitat. She loves to educate others in her community, both kids and kids-at-heart, especially those who have had little experience with or exposure to nature.

    "In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." - Baba Dioum