A proposal....
A Natural Beauty
Welcome to our proposal to create a State Park out of the property we call Sunshine Hollow AKA Moonshine Hollow. Enjoy the pictures I have taken over the last fifty years living and working here. Please join us in our efforts by signing our petition to the State of Tennessee to insure this creation..
Foreword By Dave RhyneMeet Sunshine Hollow, an Introduction
Sunshine Hollow has been a destination for flower and nature lovers alike for over 40 years. It's nursery grows and sells a variety of plants, but especially thousands of daylilies every year. Its trails offer hiking with the opportunity to see hundreds of native flowers and trees and see nature at it's best.
Location, Geology, & Demographics
The Hollow is located in the Great Valley of the Tennessee River about halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga and centered between the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians. The potential visitor pool is in the millions.
Pre-historic and Historic Peoples of the Region
Human use of the Hollow is dated by a pre-historic quartz spear point I found twenty years ago in the Hollow. In historical terms we know it by European contact with the Cherokees. In recent history, the occupation of this area by persons of English, Scotch-Irish, and German is pre-dominant.
Flora
Years of hiking and working in the Hollow has led to the discovery of over two hundred varieties of native trees, shrubs and flowers. The great variety of sun aspects, different moisture sources and soils, and a variety of water sources has created a diverse pallet of growing conditions.
Fauna
Relatively untouched, the Hollow's forests, lake, streams and ponds are either home to native animals or a resting place for those on migration. Explore the biodiversity of the animal population here.
Sunshine Hollow, Past and Present
Learn how Dave Rhyne found and bought the property. See how he has developed it as the vision changed over time to what is is today with gardens, trails, lake, home, and business residing in the ridges, valleys, and forests of Sunshine Hollow.
Future of Sunshine Hollow
Many investments could be made to make the Hollow more accessible and enjoyable to the visitor if it becomes a State Park.
Park Operational Considerations
Operation of the Hollow can be done with contractors and volunteers as it is done in many parks and museums.
Funding Options
The Rhyne family's plan for creating a trust to help insure future operations of the Hollow.
Sunshine Hollow Awaits
