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A resolution recognizing Jerry Vandiver for his service to wildlife conservation and his contributions to the Nashville community.
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WHEREAS, on September 11, 2026, a red fox returned to the woods in Hermitage after being treated for mange at Walden's Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville; and
WHEREAS, the fox had been found behind the home of Hermitage resident Tony Sola, who worked with Walden's Puddle volunteer Jerry Vandiver to capture the sick animal so it could receive treatment. After the fox recovered, Mr. Vandiver brought it back to Hermitage and released it near the area where it had been found; and
WHEREAS, this was not an unusual assignment for Mr. Vandiver, who has spent years volunteering with Walden's Puddle and has become especially involved in the rescue of red foxes suffering from mange and other illnesses; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandiver began volunteering at Walden's Puddle by helping wherever he was needed, from everyday tasks at the center to assisting with the rescue of hawks and owls. As the number of sick foxes coming into the center increased, he began devoting more of his time to trapping and transporting foxes for treatment and returning them to the wild after their recovery; and
WHEREAS, the number of red foxes requiring care has risen substantially in recent years, making volunteers willing to answer calls, set humane traps, transport animals, and return for their release an important part of Walden's Puddle's work; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandiver has answered those calls throughout Davidson County, often making several trips before a sick or frightened animal can be safely captured, and then returning after treatment to give the animal a chance to resume its life in the wild; and
WHEREAS, wildlife rescue is only one part of Mr. Vandiver's contribution to Nashville. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, he moved to Nashville in 1984 to pursue songwriting and went on to have songs recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Gene Watson, Barbara Mandrell, Lee Greenwood, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lonestar, and Phil Vassar; and
WHEREAS, his songwriting credits include Gene Watson's "Don't Waste It on the Blues" and Tim McGraw's "For a Little While," and records featuring Mr. Vandiver's work are included among the RIAA-certified records displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vandiver has also spent decades sharing what he has learned with young people. He has worked with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Words & Music program since 1991, helping students turn their own ideas and experiences into songs; and
WHEREAS, a successful songwriter could find any number of ways to spend his time, but Mr. Vandiver has chosen to spend a considerable part of his time helping injured wildlife, mentoring young songwriters, and contributing to the community he has called home for more than four decades; and
WHEREAS, the return of one healthy fox to the woods in Hermitage is a small but meaningful example of the difference that can be made when someone is willing to answer the call, do the work, and care about the wildlife with which we share our community; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize Jerry Vandiver for his volunteer service with Walden's Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville and for his many contributions to Nashville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and commending Jerry Vandiver for his service to wildlife conservation through Walden's Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville and for his longstanding contributions to the Nashville community.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.