February 2026

How Protecting Small Streams and Wetlands Protects Rivers

More than two decades ago, Where Rivers Are Born helped establish the scientific case for protecting the small streams and wetlands that form the backbone of our river systems. This newly updated edition—developed by the University of Georgia’s River Basin Center in collaboration with leading freshwater scientists and American Rivers—reflects more than twenty years of additional peer-reviewed […]

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New Research Shows TWRA Operations and Outdoor Recreation Fuels Economy

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) released “The Economic Impact of TWRA Operations and Outdoor Recreation” report, prepared by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee. This in-depth study highlights the significant role TWRA plays in both conservation and economic development across the state. Within this research, TWRA operations and

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Why Cold Winter Weather Doesn’t Disprove Global Warming

As much of the United States digs out from record snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures, you might be hearing a familiar claim: “Global warming can’t be real if it’s this cold.” But conflating short-term weather with long-term climate trends is exactly the mistake that fuels misunderstandings about what a changing climate means. Read more. Bill Frist – A Second Opinion

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Lookout Mountain Conservancy Announces Boulderfest 2026 and Weed Wrangle

The Lookout Mountain Conservancy will hold its seventh annual Boulderfest climbing competition on Saturday, March 21 at its Boulders on Old Wauhatchie, the South’s largest urban natural bouldering park. Held at LMC’s Rockmont Park in St. Elmo, Boulderfest invites climbers of all ages come together to celebrate a day filled with nature, community and friendly

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Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative Announces Small Grant Program

Land trusts in the United States and their partners are invited to apply for funds to support conservation on private and public lands from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative. This program provides financial support to projects that improve bird habitat on private and protected lands and that work to build partnerships

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Spotlight: Southeast – Invasive Carp, Longleaf Pine Forests and a Conservation Win in North Carolina

Battling Invasive Carp in the Tennessee River System — New Incentives for 2026 The Tennessee River system has long faced a pressing ecological challenge: invasive carp. Species like silver carp, bighead carp, black carp and grass carp are non-native and highly prolific. They outcompete native fish for food, alter aquatic ecosystems, and even pose safety risks to

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Presenting the Eastern Red Cedar

The Eastern Red Cedar is a somewhat common conifer in the Southeast. It can be found in a variety of habitats, but it really likes limestone. Besides providing food and cover for numerous wildlife species, it is also popular for other uses, such as fence posts and outdoor lumber, due to its resistance to rot.

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New Map Shows Tennessee’s Polluted Waterways

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has mapped polluted waterways across the state.  Tennessee boasts about 60,000 miles of streams and rivers, along with 29 reservoir lakes. The state agency has been monitoring their water quality for decades and periodically releases new data.  This year, about 19,000 miles of waterways are considered “impaired” with

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