April 24, 2017  |   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. So, I have many favorites, but a few stand out because of color, habitat, or a personal connection.

June 27, 2022  |   Fireflies lighting up a June night at Edgar Evins State Park

July 25, 2022  |   Happy National Moth Week!

In spring, Tennessee's state parks burst with wildflowers. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors by staying the night at one of these stunning parks, where you'll discover both beautiful wildflowers and lots of spring activities.

December 6, 2016  |   On a recent walk in Montgomery Bell State Park on the Baker’s Cemetery Trail I found beautiful shelf fungi. It was yellow and orange and growing out of a fallen oak. It is called ‘Sulfur Shelf’ or ‘Chicken of the Woods’ and it seems to only grow out of oak wood. This is a favorite edible mushroom which I have tried and I like it very much. Please do not gather it from the park so that other visitors may enjoy its aesthetic value.

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.

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

September 16, 2021  |   Many of us associate Tennessee State Parks and Natural Areas with places to enjoy wildflowers. Indeed, these lands often protect unique and imperiled plant species and are excellent places to admire and photograph them.

With autumn in full swing, winter approaches quickly. Days shorten, temperatures fall, and soon much of the plant and animal life will slip into dormancy.