December 2025

Critical Park Inholding Protected at Grundy Lakes

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and Friends of South Cumberland State Parks recently announced that they have partnered to purchase a critical inholding within the Grundy Lakes area of Fiery Gizzard State Park. The groups intend eventually to transfer ownership to the state park. Although small – only about an acre – protecting the property has large implications. Particularly […]

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Nature Conservancy Maps Show Conservation Priority Areas

The Nature Conservancy has recently published several maps showing priority habitat conservation areas in Tennessee, Kentucky and adjacent regions. Aquatic Habitat Priorities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Southern Appalachians shows aquatic habitat priorities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Southern Appalachians, and associated adjacent/upstream land conservation priorities. TN-SWAP 2025 COAs and Combined Land Conservation Priorities & Terrestrial,

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Tennessee State Parks to Host First Day Hikes as Part of Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Dozens of Tennessee State Parks will host First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day as part of a national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. This state’s version of the celebration, Tennessee America 250, will feature events across the state all year, including the First Day Hikes that have been part of the parks’ Signature Hikes

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Identifying Winter Sparrows

Sparrows are an identification challenge for birders of all skill levels—but they’re also subtly beautiful, endlessly interesting to watch, and common. During the winter months, many sparrows lack their bright and often namesake markings, making identification tricky. Study them at your feeder to get to know the distinctive shapes and intricate patterns that hold the secret

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Tennessee RiverLine Looks Back on 2025

This has been a year of notable growth for the Tennessee RiverLine initiative, with new team members, strengthened investments, expanding resources, and fresh opportunities for people across the region to connect with the river in welcoming and meaningful ways. From expanded programs to new kayak fleets in North Alabama, the momentum continues to build toward

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Rare Mussel Species Discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River

The National Park Service has been monitoring freshwater mussel populations in the Obed River for years…In a recent survey, the National Park Service discovered Pleuronaia dolabelloides, the slabside pearly mussel. This endangered species, currently known only from a few tributaries in the Tennessee River system, has never before been found in the rivers of the Emory/Obed

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