Rachel Davis is a lifelong Appalachian and avid naturalist who seeks a better understanding of wildlife through observation and research. She values curiosity, and believes in appreciation and coexistence. "Learnin'" began with dear ol' Dad teaching her about tracking, wildlife, plants, and the fun of Appalachian folklore. After college experiences where she studied fine and applied arts, marketing, business, and community/economic development. Rachel is now a small business owner, a founding board member of a local Business Owners Association. event planner, property manager, and leads off-road nature tours with New River ATV. She designed the current New River Birding & Nature Festival logo, then, "like a little slice of dream come true," National Geographic took notice and included in "The 10 Best of Everything National Parks, 2nd Edition,"  released in December 2024.

Since 2007, Rachel has been with the New River Birding & Nature Festival as the Marketing Director, co-coordinator, co-host, and local guide. As one of the founding developers of the New River Birding & Nature Center in 2008, she continues to organize and provide educational opportunities and programs in the outdoor classroom. Over the years, thousands of young people have attended free environmental education programming at the the New River Birding & Nature Center. It serves as an IBP MAP Station. In 2022, it won "Best Birdwatching Spot" in the "Best of the Blue Ridge Awards" in the "Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine." In 2023, the Department of Environmental Protection highlighted it as one of twelve "Wild & Wonderful Wetlands in West Virginia." In 2024, through an agreement with the WV DNR the site now hosts a MOTUS tower to study movements of radio-tagged Wood Thrush.