306F Fall 2026 More Walk, Less Talk

George Masa was a Japanese immigrant who saw the Southern Appalachians with unusual clarity—and then did the work, alongside others, to help protect them. Through his photography and meticulous mapping, he helped make the case for what would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park and played a quiet but essential role in shaping the early Appalachian Trail. This presentation explores Masa’s life and the conditions under which he worked—often in difficult terrain, carrying heavy equipment into remote places. Drawing on historical research, contemporary photography, and selections from George Mason University Library’s Masa collection, the session connects his legacy to the work of conservation today. It asks a simple question: what does it look like, in any era, to truly see a place—and take responsibility for it?

David Huff is founder of the George Masa Foundation, a photographer, and a trail maintainer on the Appalachian Trail. His work focuses on conservation, storytelling, and leadership, helping connect people more deeply to the natural world.