The Nickajack Naturalist

Ticks Suck: How to Identify Them and Avoid Bites

NPR

                                                                                            (Photo: Erik Karits/Unsplash)

Here's what you need to know about what kinds of ticks to watch out for, where — and what to do if you get bitten.

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DeSoto State Park Adds 157 Acres Adjacent to Little River

Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources

The upper part of DeSoto Falls at DeSoto State Park.     (Photo: Bob Butters) 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently completed the purchase of a 157-acre tract of land along Little River near DeSoto Falls. The additional land expands DeSoto State Park, and it also protects critical habitat along Little River and maintains the pristine natural beauty of the DeSoto Falls area.

Read more.

 

Affordable Adventure

By Jess Daddio -  Blue Ridge Outdoors

                                         (Photo: Blue Ridge Outdoors)

You don't need a ton of money or expertise to explore the outdoors--especially in Chattanooga.

Read more.

 

How to Have a Wild & Scenic Summer

Thrive Regional Partnership

From beautiful falls in northeast Alabama, to float trips on the Hiwassee, and everywhere in between, there's a lot of adventure to be had this summer! Pick up the summer issue of Get Out magazine to see our recommendations for outdoor activities and local restaurants in greater Chattanooga on page 26.

Check it out.

 

Reflection Riding's Framework for the Future Endorsed by Free Press

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

                                                    (Photo: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center)

Did you see the editorial in a recent issue of Chattanooga Times Free Press? Not only does it share some of the history of this incredible place, but it’s a ringing endorsement of Reflection Riding's Framework for the Future, which brings the founder’s vision full circle. 

“Explaining and preserving that [biodiversity], it seems to us, is what Reflection Riding's new vision and plans are all about and why it is important that the project receives support and public backing as it moves forward.” - Clint Cooper

Read Full Article

Plus, earlier, CEO Mark McKnight and board chair Santosh Sankar joined Ray Bassett on air with WUTC’s Scenic Roots to talk more about the Framework for the Future. Take a listen! 

The Naturalist Afield - 7-25-2021

A weekly roundup of nature-related odds and ends from the region and beyond.

• The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy   American Trails

Outdoor business alliances across the country—from Alaska to New Mexico, North Carolina to Maine, Michigan to Idaho—have joined forces to elevate the
vital importance of a thriving outdoor industry.

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• Two TWRA Executives Reflect on 75 Years of TWF   Tennessee Wildlife Federation

For 75 years, Tennessee Wildlife Federation has been dedicated to conserving our state’s great outdoors.  One of the ways they do this is by recognizing the individuals and companies working to improve Tennessee’s wildlife, waters, and wild places.  Check out this story from TWF's history that shows how one business went above and beyond what was required to help Tennessee’s natural places thrive. 

Watch videos from former TWRA Director Ed Carter and America's Longest Serving Wildlife Chief, Gary Meyers. 

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• Did you know that Alabama is America’s Amazon?   Pat Byington - Bham Now

There are more species of oaks on a single hillside on the banks of the Alabama River than you can find anywhere else in the world. The Mobile River Basin makes Alabama home to more species of freshwater fish, mussels, snails, turtles and crawfish than any other state. Alabama ranks first in biodiversity and the contest isn’t even close. 

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Compiled by Bob Butters

Behold, the Armadillo!

By Tish Gailmard - Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

                                                                 (Photo: John and Karen Hollingworth/USFWS)

Surprising to some, many of us have seen armadillos in our immediate area. These unusual looking animals have only reached Tennessee in the last 30 years or so, but their potential range continues to expand because of their rapid breeding cycle, adaptability, reduction of predators, and climate warming caused by increasing carbon in the atmosphere.

Read more.

 

Hikes to Caves and Waterfalls in the Chattanooga Area

NOOGAtoday

Foster Falls.                                                                      (Photo: Bob Butters)

NOOGAtoday has compiled a list of five waterfalls and five caves in the Chattanooga area they recommend visiting.

Read more.

YETI Sponsors River Group's Goal To Remove 125,000 Pounds Of Trash In 2021

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful news release

A boatload of trash that volunteers collected at a cleanup on June 26, 2021 on the Tennessee River in Soddy Daisy, Tenn.  (Photo: KTNRB)

As Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful hits its first-time milestone of 80,000 lbs. of trash removed from the Tennessee River watershed within a year, YETI has committed $10,000 to become the title sponsor of the organization’s goal to remove 125,000 lbs. of trash in 2021.

Read more.

Exploring the Savage Gulf West Trailhead

From the Friends of South Cumberland's TrailTracker newsletter

Greeter Falls.                                                                    (Photo: Bob Butters)

South Cumberland State Park is a big and wild place — 31,000 acres of BIG and WILD!  Did you know there are 12 trailheads within SCSP — each leading to amazing places and great adventures in different parts of the park?
 
Each month, the TrailTracker is going to feature a different trailhead, with “inside information” that you can use to have a great adventure in that area of the park.
 
We’re going to scramble these up, so you’ll have a chance to experience a different part of the park each month, but we’re also going to feature them at the time of the year when there’s something especially interesting or unique going on at each trailhead!

THIS MONTH, we’re going to explore Savage Gulf West, where the swimming holes are outstanding, and a shower beneath Greeter Falls is a rite of passage for many park visitors!