Rachel Davis is a lifelong Appalachian and passionate naturalist driven by a deep curiosity about wildlife and a desire to foster understanding through observation and research. She holds strong beliefs in appreciation, coexistence, and that curiosity guides us to understanding. Her journey into the natural world began early, learning from her father about animal tracking, native plants, and the rich traditions of Appalachian folklore. Her favorite days are spent guiding bird and nature tours, and sharing natural and cultural history through storytelling.
Rachel’s educational background spans fine and applied arts, marketing, business, and community and economic development. Today, she wears many hats: small business owner, founding board member of a local Business Owners Association, event planner, and property manager. She also leads off-road nature tours for New River ATV and individuals, helping others discover the natural beauty and curiosities of the region.
In addition to guiding, Rachel designed the current logo for the New River Birding & Nature Festival—a creation that gained recognition when it was featured in National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything National Parks, 2nd Edition, published in December 2024.
Since 2007, Rachel has served as Marketing Director, co-coordinator, co-host, and local guide for the New River Birding & Nature Festival. A year later, she helped establish the New River Birding & Nature Center, where she continues to develop and lead outdoor education programs. Thousands of young people have benefited from the environmental education offered at the center, which also serves as an IBP MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station and a WV DNR Motus station in a network across the state to track migratory birds, bats, and butterflies.
The center has earned several distinctions over the years: it was named “Best Birdwatching Spot” in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2022 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards, and in 2023, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection recognized it as one of the state’s twelve “Wild & Wonderful Wetlands.” Contact Rachel.
