Mistletoe is a curious plant. We all recognize it as one of the handful of plants we associate with Christmas. Yet, at the same time, mistletoe is also a valuable wildlife food plant, beloved by insects, birds and even deer. Which begs the question: How can a parasitic plant that grows in the tops of hardwood […]
Mistletoe – Holiday Decor or Wildlife Food? Read More »
I was recently reminded of the designation of the South Cumberland Plateau Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) as part of the 2015 Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) “The South Cumberland Plateau’s diverse forest and karst habitatssupport numerous sensitive and unique species.” The intended purpose of the SWAP
Spotlight on the South Cumberland Plateau Conservation Opportunity Area Read More »
Chattanoogans have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve Moccasin Bend and allow it to grow into the national park and archaeological preserve long intended by the people of the region and by Congress. Recently, the state of Tennessee set aside $260 million in American Rescue Plan funds either to relocate the 62-year-old Moccasin Bend Mental Health
Save Moccasin Bend – Sign The Petition Read More »
It has been two and a half years since the Southeastern Climbers Coalition first celebrated the acquisition of Woodcock Cove and they’ve been making massive progress towards fundraising and project goals ever since. As SCC nears the end of their loan period, Caleb Timmerman looks back at what they’ve accomplished and what they are still
SCC Reports on Progress at Woodcock Cove Read More »
The Tennessee RiverLine Partnership is looking back on a year filled with positive impacts, remarkable milestones, and shared adventures along the Tennessee RiverLine. Read the report. Tennessee RiverLine (Image: TN RiverLine)
Tennessee RiverLine Looks Back at 2023 Read More »
You don’t have to go very far to find an abundance of plants, trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, or amphibians. Start in your very own backyard, and you’ll discover biodiversity everywhere. Dogwood Alliance created the Biodiversity in Your Backyard series to help you connect with the natural world all around you. Learn more about what
Explore Biodiversity in Your Backyard Read More »
The Cumberland Naturalist extends warm wishes to all its readers for an enjoyable Christmas and a new year filled with peace and happiness. A special thank you goes out to the website’s loyal followers. Please stay tuned for exciting developments in the coming year. Bob Butters (Photo: Bob Butters)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Cumberland Naturalist! Read More »
You can launch your New Year’s resolutions for a healthy lifestyle with one of the free guided hikes on New Year’s Day at Tennessee State Parks throughout the state. There are hikes available for all ages and abilities. More than 40 parks are participating, and all the hikes are led by Tennessee State Parks rangers.
Launch Your New Year’s Resolutions with a First Day Hike at a Tennessee State Park Read More »
TennGreen Land Conservancy reports that in 2023 they were involved in the completion of collaborative conservation projects in 11 Tennessee counties, resulting in the protection of six and a half miles of streams and habitat containing six rare species. Click here to view, among other information, an interactive map detailing numerous conservation projects in and
TennGreen Land Conservancy Reports on Conservation Successes Read More »
By Bob Butters In early November, my wife and I went paddling at one of our favorite locations for such, Stevenson, Alabama’s Crow Creek Refuge. Crow Creek, here a shallow backwater of Lake Guntersville, is one of the best places I know of in the South Cumberland region for birding, but this seemed to be
Paddling with Pelicans at Crow Creek Read More »