Grandfather Presents: Dale Hall

H. Dale Hall has over 40 years of professional experience in fish and wildlife resource management in both the federal and private sectors. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with duties across the United States and the Caribbean. In the course of those assignments, Hall worked on nearly every high-profile environmental issue in America. A fisheries and wetlands biologist by training, Hall spent significant time working on the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. In his last three and a half years with the FWS, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Following retirement from federal service, Hall was CEO of Ducks Unlimited Inc. for over nine years. During that time, more than $2.5 billion was raised and more than 2 million acres of wetlands, grasslands and waterfowl habitat were conserved. He is the author of numerous scientific articles and two books: “Compelled” and “My Appalachian Trail.”

Dale resides with his wife of 48 years, Sarah, in Tennessee. They have two daughters, a son and three grandchildren.

Grandfather Presents Schedule

• 8 a.m. for June, July and August events, 9 a.m. for September event | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. New this year, your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
• 4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. New this year, your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
• 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)
• 5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)
• 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds
• 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker
• 7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.

Grandfather Presents Tickets
Two tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events.

 “VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book-signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included.

• $60 “VIP Reception” Adult
• $51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member

(limited quantity available)

 “Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book-signing” session after the event.

• $25 “Presentation” Adult
• $20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member
• Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).

Tickets for this event go on sale here June 25 at 10 a.m.

Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase “Presentation” tickets or “VIP Reception” tickets.
You will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase.

Non-Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase “Presentation” tickets or “VIP Reception” tickets.

Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-733-2013 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fill your summer with learning and exploration: See our “Grandfather Presents” Reading List. 

Learn more about our 2024 Grandfather Presents speaker series.