Terrific Tennessee Trilliums

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on March 6, 2023  |  Permalink

Trilliums are a diverse family of wildflowers and Tennessee is a great state to see them! Let's get to know them better.....

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A Year in Birds at TN State Parks

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on January 14, 2023  |  Permalink

Birds and birders are flocking to our State Parks! What was seen in the year 2022?

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Are Leaves Really “Litter?”

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on November 18, 2022  |  Permalink

Let's explore the one type of litter that is actually good for the environment, as well as the organisms whose lives depend on it.

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Discover Moths for National Moth Week

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on July 25, 2022  |  Permalink

Moths are some of the most dazzling insects to be found in Tennessee. How can you best discover them in our parks or your own backyard? Read on...

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10 Facts About Fireflies You May Not Have Known

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on June 27, 2022  |  Permalink

There is much more to these dazzling insects than meets the eye!

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The Bees of Early Spring

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on March 24, 2022  |  Permalink

We aren't the only ones that await early spring blooms with eager anticipation! Let's meet some of the first bees to emerge and learn about the blooms that are key to their survival.

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“A Wonderful Bird is the Pelican…”

Written by Holly Taylor | Posted on February 28, 2022  |  Permalink

American White Pelican sightings are on the rise in our State Parks. Let's learn more about this magnificent bird and where you can best spot them.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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Some Interesting Fall Mushrooms

Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on December 6, 2016  |  Permalink

Mushrooms provide interest and beauty to a late autumn walk.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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