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

    Writer, educator, and Tennessee Naturalist with a BA in English and Psychology and MS in English. Currently working toward PhD in English with specialization in literature and environment. She is passionate about biodiversity conservation with a particular emphasis on local ecology. 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).

  • Bryn Beauchamp

    BOARD MEMBER

    Bryn is the field event coordinator for the Watershed Support Center and Generate Some Buzz programs for Tennessee Environmental Council. She has a BS in Psychology from Belmont University and is completing coursework towards a BS in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Fish & Wildlife Conservation. Bryn is a Nashville native, Certified TN Naturalist and ecological gardener.

  • Kelly Tamberino

    BOARD MEMBER

    Kelly is a senior accountant for a local seafood company by day, and a volunteer by night. She has three degrees; BS in Accounting, BS in Business Administration & Management, and Master of Business Administration. She has volunteered over the years on two different Home Owner’s Association Boards as well as the Smyrna Softball League. She has served as Treasurer on these boards as well as President. She enjoys sharing her love of birds and gardening with her two young sons.