The Mystery of Marcescence
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on January 17, 2022 | Permalink
Why do some trees hold on to their leaves in winter? Let's explore this fascinating curiosity.
The Magic of Frost Flowers
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on November 12, 2021 | Permalink
Have you ever seen a frost flower? Discover this unique cold weather phenomenon.
Late Season Pollinators
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on October 27, 2021 | Permalink
Pollinators are busily making the most of the last season's flowers.
The Many Colors of Mushrooms
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on September 16, 2021 | Permalink
Mushrooms can make incredible photography subjects, and our State Parks are ideal places to find them!
The “Drama Noodle”
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on September 7, 2021 | Permalink
Learn about a special snake that's behaviors and appearance have inspired the entertaining nickname, “drama noodle.”
Willow Flies on the Tennessee River
Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on August 26, 2021 | Permalink
The mass emergence of mayflies on the Tennessee River is a sight to behold.
Bicycle Ride Across the Highland Rim
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on September 18, 2017 | Permalink
The 2017 ‘Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee’ began Saturday September 16 at Montgomery Bell State Park.
A Favorite Wildflower
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on April 24, 2017 | Permalink
It is hard to pick a favorite spring wildflower, there are so many beautiful flowers in Tennessee’s spring woods. I like the intricate and colorful flowers but I also like the plain small white ones too. If you take the time to use a hand lens magnifier they turn out to be intricate and beautiful as well.
Icy Beauty
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on January 26, 2017 | Permalink
Winter can be dark and grey but certain conditions can present you with incredible scenic wonders. A string of days with temperatures below freezing can build fairyland castles around waterfalls.
Some Interesting Fall Mushrooms
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on December 6, 2016 | Permalink
Mushrooms provide interest and beauty to a late autumn walk.
Fall Colors on the Paw Paw Trail at Fall Creek Falls
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on October 17, 2016 | Permalink
The dramatic reds and yellow of red maple, farkleberry, and tulip trees make the Paw Paw Trail at Fall Creek Falls an ideal walk on a fall day.
Late Summer in the Wildflower Meadow
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on August 23, 2016 | Permalink
Gossett Tract at Harpeth River State Park is a haven of late summer beauty. Join State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath as he walks through open, sunny meadows on a tour of late summer wildflower blooms.
Swimming at the Park Lake
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on June 23, 2016 | Permalink
A hot dry summer makes a lot of us yearn for a swim.
Mountain Laurel
Written by Niki Conolly | Posted on May 16, 2016 | Permalink
Take a walk in a state park soon and enjoy the show.
Unique Trillium in the Last Days of Spring
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on April 27, 2016 | Permalink
Mayapple and twisted trillium are highlights of the late spring ephemeral wildflower season.
Hotspots for Spring Wildflowers
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on April 12, 2016 | Permalink
Spring flowers are in full display in many of our parks and natural areas this month. Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy them:
Purple Phacelia
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on April 8, 2016 | Permalink
Set against a backdrop of spring green leaves and budding trees, purple phacelia can be found growing singularly or in waves of purple. This spring ephemeral doesn't disappoint.
Spring Flowers on Trees
Written by Randy Hdgepath | Posted on March 10, 2016 | Permalink
Spring blooms are not just for flowers. Take a look at some of Randy's favorite early spring bloomers.
Wonderful Winter Waterfalls
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on February 19, 2016 | Permalink
State Naturalist, Randy Hedgepath shares his tips on making the most of your winter waterfall trip.
Green in the Winter
Written by Randy hedgepath | Posted on January 6, 2016 | Permalink
Evergreens are the color in an otherwise gray and brown winter forest, but not all the green in the winter is evergreen.