The Nickajack Naturalist

Endangered Listing of Migratory Monarch Butterfly a Warning Call for Species

National Wildlife Federation

Monarch Butterfly.                                          (Photo: Ryan Hagerty / USFWS)

The International Union of Conservation of Nature's addition of the migratory monarch butterfly to the Red List of Threatened Species^TM is further validation that this imperiled species is in desperate need of protection and recovery.

Read more.

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Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has several new monarch habitat restoration projects underway on campus and is looking for volunteers who are interested in helping monitor and maintain their newly planted waystations.

Learn more in Reflection Riding's newsletter.

Striking a Balance between Conservation and Growth

Thrive Regional Partnership

                                                                                                                      (Photo: Esri)

Thrive Regional Partnership's Cradle of Southern Appalachia initiative and Natural Treasures Alliance, as well as the data model built by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's IGTLab were recently featured in a story by ESRI, the global leader in geospatial mapping and research.

Check It Out

South Pittsburg Outlines Vision for Outdoor Recreation

Thrive Regional Partnership

                                                                                                                (Photo: SPARQ)

The CONNECT South Pittsburg Framework Plan outlines a vision of a city-wide bicycle and pedestrian network and a river park along the Tennessee River that will increase access to outdoor recreation and active transportation in South Pittsburg.

 

Outdoor Chattanooga Introduces Chattanooga Paddlefest

Outdoor Chattanooga

                                                                                          (Photo: Outdoor Chattanooga)

Summer has flown by and we are already approaching fall! This month Outdoor Chattanooga is offering a ton of fun outdoor activities plus the inaugural Chattanooga Paddlefest!

Read about this and more in the August 2022 Newsletter. 

Hidden Kayaking Spots to Explore in Tennessee

Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development

Nickajack Lake.      (Photo: Outshine Adventures)

Explore some of Tennessee's waters that lead you to stunning views. Paddle to the base of waterfalls, to bat caves, along historic small towns and more.

Find kayaking spots.

Mantle Lures: A Freshwater Mussel’s Secret Weapon

Tennessee Valley Authority

                                                                 (Photo: TVA)

Todd Amacker, TVA’s aquatic endangered species biologist and mollusk expert, says mussels are nature’s frontline water filters. TVA’s annual freshwater mussel surveys continue to show these rare species are thriving throughout the region, the public can rest assured their tap water is safe to drink.

Read more.

Fighting Invasive Forces with TVA

Tennessee Valley Authority

                                                                 (Photo: TVA)

Stephen Turner, TVA’s Aquatic Plant Management Program project manager and his team work with TVA’s partner agencies, state and local governments, homeowners’ associations and the public to monitor and control invasive species, ultimately making life better for the people of the Tennessee Valley.

Read more.

Rocky Face Ridge Park Opens as Whitfield County's "Crown Jewel"

Mitch Talley, Whitfield County Director of Communications - The Chattanoogan

                                                                                             (Map: Whitfield County, GA)

With 1,000 acres of land, soaring atop a mountain and resting down in a valley, with a pond thrown in for good measure, the park will offer something for everyone.

Read more. 

Seven Tips to Enjoy Wildlife Safely

Tennessee Valley Authority

                                                                 (Photo: TVA)

Each year, there are dozens of bear attacks in various parts of the world. Following these seven tips from biologists will help to stay safe in the wild and enjoy nature for generations to come.

Read more.

Biden Has Reinstated FICOR, a Group Tasked with Growing the Outdoor Industry

Steve Larese - Outside Business Journal

The Federal Interagency Council of Outdoor Recreation will focus on promoting and growing the outdoor economy, as well as increasing access to public lands.

Established under President Obama, FICOR was suspended by the Trump Administration in 2020. With the recent signing, FICOR again aims to promote economic development through the outdoor industry.

Read more.