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 Niki Conolly | 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.
Forests of November
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on November 9, 2015 | Permalink
The waning fall color holds its magic in the November woods.
Fall Color Immersion
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on October 2, 2015 | Permalink
Randy has some great tips for the ultimate fall color experience.
Late Season Wildflowers
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on September 1, 2015 | Permalink
Late summer and early fall wildflowers provide a bounty of color. State Naturalist, Randy Hedgepath, shares some of his favorite fall flowers and where to find them.
A Bounty of Beauty and Color in August
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on August 17, 2015 | Permalink
August is when hot weather’s charm starts to wear thin, but it is a great time to see wild plants with their ripe fruits and berries. These ripe and soon to be ripe fruits give the season some of its most beautiful and colorful sights.
How About a Shady Walk?
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on May 26, 2015 | Permalink
Warmer weather doesn't mean staying inside! Tennessee State Parks have plenty of shady trails, perfect places to escape the summer heat. Dark Hollow Trail at Big Ridge State Park is ideal for exploring our shadier side!
The Ephemeral Season
Written by Randy Hedgepath | Posted on March 19, 2015 | Permalink
It is spring ephemeral season. That time of the year when wildflowers rush to grow, bloom and store energy for another year. These plants start growing as soon as the days get long enough and the soil temperature is warm enough.