Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Images Revisited And Reclaimed In “George Masa’s Wild Vision”

WUTC

Published May 17, 2022 at 2:16 PM EDT

Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, 1920’s - 30’s.

George Masa emigrated to this country from his native Japan in the early 1900’s - and eventually, he settled in Asheville, North Carolina.

A self-taught photographer, he mapped uncleared trails in the Southern Appalachian Mountains - much of what is today the Appalachian Trail.

Masa became friends with Horace Kephart - a writer, conservationist and naturalist - and together, their collaboration played a role in the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Brent Martin - a poet and environmental organizer - is the author of a new book, “George Masa’s Wild Vision: A Japanese Immigrant Imagines Western North Carolina,” published by Hub City Press.

Martin visited places that Masa captured with his camera - offering reflections on dozens of his photos.