In 1973, Tommy founded Naturaland Trust, one of the first conservation land trusts in the Southeast. Tommy conceived and executed a master plan for protection of 40,000 acres connecting the Poinsett and Table Rock watersheds. That land now includes tracts including Jones Gap State Park, Caesar’s Head State Park, and Raven Cliffs Falls. He also provided essential leadership in acquisition and protection of Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area, covering 50,000 acres in North and South Carolina.
Tommy also looked to create ways to help people enjoy this protected land. He oversaw the design and creation of 43 hiking trails in Mountain Bridge preserve. He designed and sponsored the only suspension bridge in South Carolina, which spans Matthews Creek and overlooks Raven Cliffs Falls and gorge in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. He also raised funds for a 1.6-mile trail to Rainbow Falls.
Tommy expressed his love for the environment through photography, publishing several books of nature photography. He was one of the first people to canoe the entire Chattooga River, and took outdoor backpacking and hiking trips to Alaska, Nepal, the Grand Canyon, and more.
For his environmental work, Tommy won awards including:
