Who We Are
The mission of the CGAC is to remove barriers to access of outdoor recreational spaces, facilitate low-environmental-impact access to trails and waterways, provide education in conservation and environmental stewardship, and both natural and cultural resources in the region for future generations.
By offering two-way shuttle access to trails and local waterways, as well as guided experiences and educational opportunities, this CGAC project will facilitate people’s discovery and enjoyment of our incredible region’s outdoor offerings. Offering discounted services to customers who choose to be environmental stewards on their trip, we enable them to take proactive care of their environment.
Meet the Team
Mary
Mars
Mary Mars has been a school teacher on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University since 2009. She is the founder and director of the Tri-State Outdoors Fest as well as co-founder off the Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance. She serves on the board of directors for both the Cumberland Trails Conference and Invest Appalachia. She is also the president of Responsible Stewardship and the vice-president of the Guardians of the Gap.
Mary is a lifetime outdoors enthusiast and has experience in hunting, fishing, backpacking, hiking, cycling, river tubing, and more. She is also a proud lifetime resident of the Cumberland Gap area and sees it as her life's purpose to share the beauty and opportunities of the region with everyone she can.
Zachary
Greene
Zachary Greene is the Director of Academic and Inclusive Excellence at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Lincoln Memorial University. He spent seven years teaching Spanish and World Cultures at J. Frank White Academy, where he won several awards for his teaching and community engagement with students. He is a Fulbright Scholar, a licensed teacher, and a licensed administrator. He holds degrees in Spanish, Humanities, and Theology. He completed his master’s degree in education at Carson-Newman University and holds an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. As a Appalachian Spanish-speaker with years of experience in Latin America, he organizes The Mountain Fiesta, a seven-year-old community engagement project and festival in Cumberland Gap that builds and maintains cultural bridges between diverse populations in the region.
Zachary has an extensive, 15-year record of international travel and leading international student trips. Domestically, he served for many years as the Tripping Director for Swift Nature Summer Camp in Minong, Wisconsin. In that role, and as a Wilderness First Responder, he led multi-day overnight hiking, canoe, and sailing trips. Additionally, he provided training for new staff in overnight tripping and wilderness first aid. Having hiked over 1,500 miles of trails in several different countries, he’s ready to adventure and to help you find your own.