Smarty Dad: Kevin Redding

By Rachel H

I am so happy to profile another Smarty Dad today. Kevin Redding has lived in Greensboro with his wife, Lori, for the past nine years. They have two children, Boone (4) and Molly Ruth (21 months).

Kevin works full-time as the Executive Director of the Piedmont Land Conservancy. He wrote a wonderful blog for us last year titled Take A Child Outdoors. You can read it here. Kevin and Lori both love the outdoors and they have been able to instill a great appreciation for the Earth in their children. It seems Kevin found the perfect job to match his lifestyle, as he grew up always exploring forests, fields, and creeks in his hometown of Salisbury.

Kevin is involved with his church, Grace United Methodist , and also the Future Fund. Kevin enjoys gardening with his children, fly fishing, and duck hunting.

Here is more about Kevin …

Please tell us more about what your job actually entails.
Piedmont Land Conservancy works to save the nature of the Piedmont. We work with all kinds of landowners to insure their property remains undeveloped for future generations. We’ve also worked with several public agencies to make some lands available to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The fact that almost everyone loves what we do. Not everyone knows about PLC’s work but once you explain it to them everyone agrees that we need to protect some of our region’s most special places.

Tell us more about Future Fund and how you are involved with it.
Lori and I have been involved with the Future Fund for several years. It’s a great group of young philanthropic individuals who want to have an impact on Greensboro. Working for a non-profit it’s especially gratifying to see so many young people willing to volunteer their time and donate their money for the betterment of our community.

What is your ideal weekend with the family?
Not getting in the car. Spending the day working in the yard, playing in the neighborhood and grilling dinner.

What do you think is the best kept secret in the Triad?
Natural Science Center in Greensboro. It’s not a huge secret, but it’s probably not appreciated enough. We are so fortunate to have a world-class facility within a few miles of our home.

What is your favorite activity with your children?
Playing in the yard. We dig worms, plant the garden, watch things grow and just enjoy being outside.

Favorite “me-time” activity?
Sitting in a duck blind watching the sun come up or standing in a cool mountain stream with my fly rod.

Favorite date night spot?
Lucky 32

Favorite place to eat dinner as a family?
K&W Cafeteria

What has been one of your favorite moments as a dad?
Coming home from work and having them run across the yard to meet me!

Funniest thing your children have ever said?
When talking with Boone about his soon-to-arrive baby sister, we were explaining all the things he would have to do as a big brother. He was quite comfortable with them and said “Ok – I’ll be the big brother and mommy you are gonna be her mommy, but who’s gonna be her daddy?”

Favorite park in the Triad?
Price Park

The thing my wife does that I appreciate the most…
Helps people - she’s much more outgoing than I am and has a magical touch with all of her patients and friends. Hopefully, the kids will grow up to be just like her.

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Our four seasons. The Piedmont is one of the best places to live in the world and we normally have four distinctive season so you never get tired of the weather.

I could not live without my... Coffee.


Kevin, thank you for your time today to share a little about yourself with us! And thanks for reminding us just how lucky we are to live in this region which has so much natural beauty to offer!

For the rest of you, if you know a Dad who would be a great addition to our Smarty Dad category, email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com to nominate him!

Got a kid who loves soccer? Register here to win a $100 gift certificate to Triad Elite Soccer Club! Giveaway ends on Friday, May 21st.

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM