Meet Bob, Your Guide to Tallahassee’s History!
This bobwhite quail isn’t just our mascot.
He’s a symbol of how preservation protects the stories of our land, wildlife, and people.
The History Behind Our Mascot
Why the Northern Bobwhite Quail?
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Native Symbol: The bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) has thrived in the Red Hills region for centuries, making it a natural emblem for Tallahassee’s heritage.
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Gilded Age Legacy: In the late 1800s, industrialists like the Rockefellers and Hannas established quail-hunting plantations near Tallahassee, blending Northern wealth with Southern ecology.
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Stoddard’s Revolution:
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In 1924, plantation owners hired biologist Herbert Stoddard, whose research revolutionized land management.
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His prescribed burning techniques restored longleaf pine forests—creating a model for balancing human use and conservation.
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Cultural Impact:
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Quail hunting shaped local traditions, from mule-drawn wagons to pointer dog training.
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The region’s "plantation belt" (Tallahassee to Thomasville, GA) became a living laboratory for sustainable forestry.
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Architectural Link: Many plantation estates feature vernacular "quail camp" structures—simple wood-frame buildings now prized as historic landmarks.
The Northern Bobwhite Quail isn’t just a beloved local bird. It’s a perfect symbol of Tallahassee’s interconnected heritage. Just as the Red Hills’ quail habitats thrive through careful stewardship, our historic buildings and neighborhoods depend on active preservation to endure. The bobwhite’s story mirrors our mission: from the sustainable land practices of early 20th-century plantations (which shaped both ecology and architecture) to the community’s ongoing efforts to protect shared history. Like a covey of quail safeguarding its territory, the Trust works to defend Tallahassee’s cultural landscape, one building, one story, and one neighborhood at a time. Bob reminds us that preservation isn’t just about the past; it’s about nurturing living history for future generations.
Meet the TalTrust Staff
Meet the TalTrust Board of Directors
Shannon Kuch currently serves as the Executive Director of the Tallahassee Trust. She has a lifelong love of history and enjoys seeing historic spaces preserved and made accessible to the community as a whole. Shannon’s favorite part of working at the Trust is watching the community come together to preserve a space.
Casey Bogart is the Tallahassee Trust’s Program Coordinator. Her Master’s degree in Urban Planning focused on sustainable development, which is beneficial in several aspects of the Trust’s daily operations. Casey’s favorite part of historic preservation is fostering cultural stewardship in the community.
Chris Carlberg serves as the Trust's Planning and Preservation Support Specialist. Currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Planning, Chris brings both academic insight and practical experience to his role. Chris is interested in historic preservation because it reveals how power, memory, and everyday life are embedded in the built environment, and it offers a way to shape change without erasing the social histories that give places meaning.
History has fascinated TalTrust Chair Barbara Clark since childhood, from exploring historic sites on family road trips to eagerly watching late-night documentaries. That spark grew into a lifelong passion. Now, she feels honored to help preserve the stories and places that shape our community.
As the Development Coordinator for Florida State's College of Communication and Information, Betsy Crawford says, “I believe that community and a sense of place are firmly rooted in the preservation of our historic properties and stories. With a background in archelogy and museum education, I find joy in sharing the narrative of the people and places of Tallahassee.”
Talethia Edwards says, "I am drawn to historic preservation because it safeguards the stories, culture, and lived experiences of historically Black and Brown neighborhoods that have too often been overlooked or erased through planning and policy decisions. As an urban planner and community development expert, I see preservation as a tool for equity—one that honors legacy while supporting community-led growth. Serving on the Trust Board allows me to help ensure these places are not only protected, but respected, resourced, and passed forward with intention because people and place go together."
Board member Christy Gandy says, "I am passionate about historic preservation because I love the character, craftsmanship, and design of historic architecture. Serving on the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation Board allows me to help protect the homes and buildings that shaped Tallahassee’s story and ensure they’re appreciated for generations to come."
Richard Gragg is a Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at the FAMU, who sees historic preservation as both a cultural imperative and a strategy for public health and community resilience. He aims to integrate environmental equity and interdisciplinary collaboration to safeguard Tallahassee’s architectural heritage while fostering intergenerational connection and sustainability.
As a professor of English at FAMU, Kajsa Henry says, “Historical preservation directly connects everything I love: storytelling, memory, and, of course, beautiful architecture. For me, it is the story of a place that gives it meaning!"
Randy Lewis is the longest serving TTHP board member. Randy's love of history and travel inspired his work as an architect. This path has led Randy to his passion for historic preservation and hands-on history, which he continues in his work and advocacy in Florida and around the country.
Anne Bidlingmaier is a retired teacher and longtime activist and environmentalist. President of the former Florida Heritage Foundation, Anne became involved with the TTHP when her love for preserving history and place naturally led to historic preservation advocacy. She has worked to save many threatened properties.
Bret Hammond, AIA, ASLA, is a practicing architect and Principal at Hammond Design Group Architects. He has completed numerous historic preservation and restoration projects bringing extensive professional experience and perspective.
