Meet Tracey Tackett of Glen Helen Association - Heart of the Business
An interview with Tracey Tackett, Development Manager Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
“Working together helps us become more effective and purposeful.“
When you’re not hard at work, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
Mills Park Hotel for rest and relaxation, Yellow Springs Bakery for a treat, and Peach’s Grill for a great meal all stand out as favorite places to enjoy and recharge.
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
I am from Springfield and was born there, but I do not see borders in the region surrounding Clark County. I am always looking to learn and grow through opportunities beyond county lines. This perspective influences my work by emphasizing collaboration, bridge building, and regional connection because working together helps us become more effective and purposeful.
What are the top three things you love most about being a part of this organization?
The people, the legacy, and the product. There is something powerful about working with people who care deeply, stewarding something that has meaning beyond the present moment, and offering a product that has a universal connection to humanity. The Glen is a symbol of conservation, responsibility, and our shared relationship with the natural environment.
What is the mission or heart behind the organization—the “why” that keeps you going?
The personal connection people have with the preserve is at the heart of everything. Protecting and maintaining the Glen ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy it, especially as development continues to grow around us. Preserving a designated natural space like the Glen is not just important. It is essential.
What’s something else that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
Many people do not realize the Glen’s significant economic impact on the Dayton region. It ranks in the top ten attractions and welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually, contributing meaningfully to the regional economy.
What products, services, or experiences of yours do people love most, and why are they special to you?
People are especially drawn to the Glen’s natural spaces, trails, and educational opportunities. The experience of immersing yourself in a preserved natural environment, whether through hiking, learning, or quiet reflection, is what resonates most. What makes this special is the deep emotional connection visitors form with the land. It is not just a place to visit, but a place to remember, return to, and care about.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
Finding the resources to continue and build upon a lasting legacy is the greatest challenge. To address this, we remain actively engaged in the community, seek support through a variety of funding sources, and prioritize development within our staff and volunteers. By strengthening internal capacity and external partnerships, we are working to ensure long term sustainability.
In addition to serving this organization, what other hats do you wear?
In addition to this role, I am also a business owner of Sip & Dipity Paint Bar, a Commissioner for the City of Springfield, and a Social Media and Communication Strategist Contractor.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with a customer or client that has stayed with you?
One of my favorite moments is hearing donors share their personal reasons for supporting Glen Helen. Listening to their stories, memories, and histories with the preserve is incredibly meaningful, especially knowing they have many places they could choose to support, yet they choose the Glen.
How many people does your business employ?
Approximately 30 people.
How long have you been in business?
Five years as an association and ninety six years as a nature preserve.
For nearly a century, Glen Helen Nature Preserve has been a treasured destination in the Dayton region, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature, learn, and reflect. As an association for the past five years, the preserve located in Yellow Springs, Ohio continues to inspire curiosity and stewardship under the leadership of Tracey Tackett, Development Manager. Visitors are especially drawn to the Glen’s natural spaces, trails, and educational programs, forming deep emotional connections with the land that keep them coming back.
Beyond its natural beauty, Glen Helen is also an economic driver, ranking among the top ten regional attractions with over 150,000 annual visitors. Tracey and the Glen Helen team work tirelessly to sustain this legacy through community engagement, staff and volunteer development, and strong partnerships.
Visit: www.glenhelen.org
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
Yellow Springs Wins Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns 2025-26
A vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection is on full display as Yellow Springs takes center stage in a beautifully curated, limited-edition commemorative magazine release that captures the heart of the village from cover to cover.