Belmont Student and Alumnus Help Revive Local Ecosystems Through Hands-On Conservation Work

Faculty mentorship and field experience lead young scientists to meaningful work restoring Nashville’s native grasslands

College of Science and Mathematics alumnus Todd Hoskinson (biology, ‘26) and sophomore Sean Ponce (environmental science, ‘28) might be at two different points in their academic careers, but thanks to faculty support from Belmont, they have become quite the team. The two are spending their summer helping restore native grasslands across Nashville’s local parks.  

Earlier this year, Ponce and Hoskinson were invited by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Matthew Heard to intern with the Southern Grasslands Institute (SGI), an organization dedicated to protecting America's southern grasslands, the nation's most threatened ecosystem. Historically, Tennessee was home to around 8 million acres of native grassland. Today, only about 1 percent remains. Through their internship, the students are helping restore native habitats, support local wildlife, create enjoyable public spaces and raise awareness about the importance of conservation. The work is funded through an SGI grant supporting restoration efforts across Nashville. 

“We’re laying the groundwork for something that’s going to impact Nashville for decades to come,” Hoskinson said. “Nashville is becoming a very urban city, which makes restoring an ecosystem that hasn’t really been around in 100 years very interesting. While a lot of our work is in performing restoration efforts, we’re also here to spread the word that by supporting SGI’s restoration efforts, locals will be able to experience Nashville’s lush, native ecology firsthand.” 

 Finding Purpose Through Fieldwork 

For Ponce, the team’s work has been crucial in his process of exploring future career paths. He was drawn to Belmont’s environmental science program due to its broad scope and, thanks to encouragement from Heard and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Ross Andrew, came to SGI’s internship prepared to evaluate whether he sees a potential future in fieldwork.  

“Though I haven’t made it very far into my academic career yet, I feel more than prepared for what I’m doing in this position,” Ponce said. “Dr. Heard introduced me to the internship and was a huge help in completing the application process and Dr. Andrew’s adaptive management class covered most of what we’re doing out in the parks on a daily basis. I’m really looking forward to letting this experience inform the work I’ll be doing in upcoming semesters as I decide on a future career path.” 

Hoskinson’s passion for environmental science began at a young age, with an early interest in everything from environmentalist Steve Irwin’s adventures to biological processes in nature. Working with SGI has been further confirmation of his longtime passion for life sciences and conservation work. By taking an active role in the local restoration efforts, he’s continually reminded about how this work will positively impact his community.  

“Belmont really did prepare me well for field research, which is something I’m deeply grateful for,” Hoskinson shared. “Having that knowledge, combined with the resources in this job is a continual reminder that we’re doing this so that everyone can experience Nashville’s ecosystem in its most native, authentic state. Remembering that narrative and prioritizing it alongside our work out in the field has really heightened the significance of this position for me.” 

Caring Through Conservation 

Ponce and Hoskinson spend their days in parks all over Nashville, cutting down and spraying herbicide on invasive tree and plant species. Additionally, they continue to focus on spreading awareness of SGI’s efforts through working at their volunteer days, where SGI invites the public to help remove invasive species and actively invest in the ecosystem around them. 

“In a world where we’re constantly drawn to screens, it can be hard to get people to connect with the natural world around them,” Hoskinson said. “But I think by having young people involved with what’s going on in our parks, hopefully, more people will see this initiative as something they can relate to and fight for.” 

Hoskinson and Ponce’s efforts, multiplied across almost every park in the greater Nashville area, are a testament to the preparation and passion that Belmont develops. Their drive and commitment to local ecological preservation exemplifies the very heart and innovation that defines what it means to study science at Belmont.