Women’s History Month: Q&A With Master Angler Evonne Blythers

A Junior Angler Coordinator for the Arabia Alliance, Evonne Blythers talks about her upbringing in rural Indiana, the Junior Ranger Angler Program, and her love of historic bridge builder Horace King!

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area has many amazing staff, volunteers and rangers who leave their mark on this side of the Georgia Piedmont and beyond. Few, however, have made such a profound impression in such a short amount of time as our Interpretive Ranger and new(ish) Junior Angler Coordinator Evonne Blythers.

Having volunteered for years at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and the National Heritage Area, Blythers officially joined us just last year as Junior Angler Coordinator to help run our nascent fishing program. Let’s see what Blythers has accomplished in that year in this exclusive sit-down interview with the Arabia Alliance.

QUESTION: Have you always loved the outdoors and nature? What sparked that love?
EVONNE: Yes, since as long as I remember I’ve loved nature, especially caring for animals. My family has always had dogs, more dogs than I can remember. All were strays or rescues from friends. My favorite was a Siberian husky named Mick. He loved the Indiana winters.

We love your work at the Arabia Alliance. How did you hear about us?
EVONNE: I’ve been with the Alliance just over a year but was introduced to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area when I was a Park Ranger/Naturalist at Davidson-Arabia Mountain in 2018.

During COVID, in 2021, I hosted Junior Ranger Ramble. That was a virtual program (filling in for Junior Ranger Day), hosted by the Arabia Alliance, that encouraged kids and families to explore the area and become Junior Rangers through online activities and virtual tours. 

Now you joined us officially last year as Junior Angler Coordinator for our new Junior Ranger Angler Program. Tell me a little of what you’ve done since then spearheading this initiative to offer free and accessible fishing to local families.
EVONNE: Becoming the Junior Angler Coordinator last year has been a great joy! Seeing the children happily engaged to learn about not only fishing but owning the responsibilities that come along with fishing, stewardship of the land and water, it’s like we’re developing the next generation of conservationists!

What is about fishing that remains so popular or important to people?
EVONNE: Fishing is a sport that is intergenerational. It’s something that grandparents and parents alike can share with children. It’s one of those past times that has not changed much and are great for connecting with youth. It’s not so much about fishing as it is about spending time with friends and family. It’s also a good survival skill to have.

As a Black woman, do you think about the connection/history of outdoor recreation and Black communities?
EVONNE: Absolutely, when I plan an outing/camping event in an area, I also look for the historical value to share with others, especially, Black History. Recently we took a small group fly fishing at the Big Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge built by Horace King, it’s 185 years old and drivable.

I’ve always loved and enjoyed the outdoors. I came up when you were told to get outside, and we drank from the water hose. But moving to Georgia with 2 small boys, I was re-introduced to loving the outdoors again and started The Edge of Night Camping Club (ENCC) in 1994 to help families get outdoors.

Tell me more about that!
EVONNE: The Edge of Night Camping Club has been featured twice on Georgia Outdoors TV, twice. Once for camping and horseback riding. Also, the Georgia State Parks’ First Time Camper Program was modeled after ENCC.

Now last March, around this time, you also helped coordinate a History Walk and Sign Dedication for the famous African American builder Horace King at our Horace King Memorial Bridge along the PATH. Talk about your love for Mr. King.
EVONNE: My passion for master covered bridge builder Horace King has inspired others to travel throughout Georgia to see the last 5 remaining covered bridges built by the King family. Most are over 100 years old and a couple are still drivable.

Any cool random facts you’d like to share about yourself?
EVONNE: I have visited every Georgia State Park and Historic Site, as of 2018. When it was brought to the attention of staff at Georgia State Park headquarters, they said, “How can she prove it?” Well, it took me 20 years and I have the patches to prove it. Now they offer a passport book, but I know I was the first to do so. People that know me know I visited each park because a lot of them have been with me.

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To join our Junior Angler Coordinator or for more information about our upcoming fishing events, please check out our Events Calendar or Eventbrite page.