Clint Calhoun
Park Naturalist
A native of Rutherford County, N.C., Clint spent 11 years working at Chimney Rock Park. He practically grew up with us, starting as a teenager in our retail shop, moving on to trail supervisor during his college years, and eventually becoming Park Naturalist. Clint continues to watch over Hickory Nut Gorge as the Natural Resources Manager for the Upper Broad River Watershed Protection Program. While at the Park, Clint's focus was to maintain the rich diversity of plant species that are found inside the Park and help others understand and appreciate them. His knowledge of the Park serves him well as he continues to lead our "Off the Beaten Path" guided hikes throughout the year.
Clint enjoys rock climbing and rappelling, skills he learned while working at the Park. These "outdoor sports" have served him well in his search for rare plant and animal species. Clint has assisted with counting bats in Bat Cave and has studied timber rattlesnakes in Chimney Rock Park. He also spends a great deal of time photographing wildflowers, animals, and natural features. Many of Clint's photos have been used in Park displays and promotional materials.
Clint graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Clint is a member of the Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere, Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council, and the North Carolina Science Teachers Association, and serves on the Hickory Nut Gorge Stewardship Committee.
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