Meet Tanya Povolny | Founder of EcoLogic and Ecological Land Management Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanya Povolny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanya, how do you think about risk?
My approach to risk has been profoundly influenced by my upbringing as a third culture kid, growing up in various countries around the world. These early experiences exposed me to unique challenges, teaching me that change is a constant in life. From a young age, I learned that embracing a degree of uncertainty can foster adaptability, a quality I’ve carried with me throughout my life and career.

Living in different countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures enabled me to develop a keen sense of empathy and an innate ability to recognize opportunities where I could make a meaningful impact or build connections. These skills were invaluable for navigating the intricacies of various societies.

Furthermore, my international upbringing exposed me to occasional risky situations, such as civil unrest, terrorist threats, and other security concerns. These experiences honed my ability to assess and manage risk effectively. They taught me the importance of staying composed and making informed decisions under pressure.

My diverse background also instilled in me a spirit of exploration and a genuine openness to new perspectives and experiences. This forward-thinking outlook led me to establish EcoLogic in 2019, well before ecological land management was being widely discussed or offered. I believe that embracing change, has been pivotal to my personal and professional journey. It has allowed me to identify opportunities that others might overlook and to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of life and business with confidence.

What should our readers know about your business?
EcoLogic is a company born out of passion and the desire to make a difference in the world of environmental conservation and restoration. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and determination.

In late 2019, I found myself at a crossroads, facing the prospect of starting a business for the second time. While the idea of entrepreneurship was not new to me, having successfully co-launched another company a mere 7 months prior, going solo was a thrilling yet challenging prospect. I had always been inspired by the idea of making a meaningful impact on our environment, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So, when a few colleagues and I were unexpectedly let go from our forest restoration job, it felt like the universe was pushing us toward starting our own company.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is to trust in my own vision. Being a creative problem solver, I wasn’t afraid to pivot and adapt when needed. This flexibility ultimately led me to part ways with my initial business venture and start EcoLogic. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the path to success requires changing strategies and having the courage to take a different route.

EcoLogic was founded on the principle of providing what I felt was lacking in my previous venture – a professional space that nurtured diverse talents, skills, and interests. I wanted to create an environment where people with a shared goal of mitigating climate-driven challenges through regenerative landscape management services could thrive. In the environmental sector, breaking into the industry can be challenging, and I wanted EcoLogic to be a bridge for individuals who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.

What sets EcoLogic apart from others is our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. As a member of the neurodiverse community, I wasn’t unfamiliar with feeling unsupported in the workplace. With EcoLogic, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase that the strength of our team lies in our diversity, and we’ve worked hard to create a supportive and open environment where everyone’s unique skills and perspectives are valued. We’ve also embraced change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, and this flexibility has allowed us to adapt to the ever-evolving challenges in the environmental sector.

Our journey hasn’t been without its difficulties, but the challenges we’ve faced have only made us more resilient and determined. We want the world to know that EcoLogic is more than just a business; it’s a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet. We invite anyone who shares our vision to join us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable and regenerative future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would embark on a nature-focused adventure that celebrates our shared love for the outdoors. Our journey would include forays to some carefully chosen, yet undisclosed, mushrooming spots.

We’d hike some of the Atlanta area’s treasured natural spots like Lionel-Hampton Beecher Park, Fernbank forest, and Arabia and Panola Mountain. We’d explore Constitution Lakes, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the forest while engaging in forest forensic walks. Constitution Lakes offers a spectacle of sunsets over the lakes, followed by a hike back that can be on the more adventurous side when headlamps become necessary.

For a day trip, there’s Sweetwater Creek where we’d bring a packed lunch and take our time exploring the many trails through beautiful Piedmont forest.

To kickstart our days, I’d recommend a visit to Little Tart, a local gem with three locations, one conveniently situated on the way to Constitution Lakes from my side of town.

As a dedicated supporter and volunteer with the Georgia Native Plant Society, I might take my friend along on a plant rescue where we often have get to see rare plant species. For leisurely evening strolls, Westside Quarry near my neighborhood provides a serene escape and boasts diverse native plantings.

EcoLogic collaborated with a local urban farm called Unearthing Farms, and I would bring my friend to this site for a tour to see regenerative agriculture in action, and of course, pick up some of the freshest produce in town. If we wanted to immerse ourselves further in the local culture, we’d visit the Grant Park and Carter Center farmer’s markets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Eli Dickerson for the immense trust he placed in us from the outset. Eli awarded us a significant management contract for Fernbank Forest, which served as a crucial stepping stone in our journey. This opportunity not only allowed us to validate our concept but also provided us with a publicly accessible site. This site has played a pivotal role in advancing our mission to empower the community with the tools necessary for landscape regeneration. It all begins with exposure and education, both of which find their home at Fernbank.

Website: www.ecologicatl.com

Instagram: @ecologic.atlanta