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For immediate release March 23, 2006
TENNESSEE STATE NATURAL AREAS WEEK SET APRIL 3-9, 2006
Special activities across Tennessee celebrate the 35th Anniversary of
the State Natural Areas Preservation Act
Nashville, Tenn. – Tennesseans are encouraged to join in a weeklong celebration of Tennessee’s State Natural Areas April 3-9 with activities such as wildflower hikes, guided tours and volunteer stewardship activities.
“Tennessee is blessed with some of the most beautiful and fruitful land and water on the face of the earth, and an important part of preserving our heritage is preserving and protecting the outdoor spaces that represent our state’s natural landscape,” said Governor Phil Bredesen in proclaiming April 3-9 Tennessee State Natural Areas Week.
The State Natural Areas Program provides long-term protection for rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal life. They also protect ecologically sensitive areas, areas of geological and archaeological interest, and areas of great scenic beauty. First established in 1971 by the Tennessee Natural Areas Preservation Act, today there are 69 state natural areas covering nearly 105,000 acres. Tennesseans and the Department of Environment and Conservation are celebrating the 35 th Anniversary of the Natural Areas Preservation Act in 2006.
“Much like 35 years ago when the public realized the importance of protecting special places and generated significant support for the Natural Areas Preservation Act, people today are interested in understanding and conserving unique landscapes across Tennessee,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke . “Tennessee's State Natural Areas reassure citizens that some of our most ecologically significant land is being protected for future generations while also available for public enjoyment now.”
The week includes a full schedule of events in many of these 69 natural areas. Whether your interest is in a canoe float, cave exploration or wildflower or birding hike, there is a wide variety of interesting activities planned to engage Tennesseans in appreciating and enjoying these special places.
“I encourage Tennessee residents to take advantage of the rich diversity found in the plants, animals and forests of our distinctive regions,” said Fyke. “Some of the nation's most outstanding species and natural features are found in our State Natural Areas.”
The full schedule of activities is available online at www.tdec.net/nh/natareas/naweek06.pdf. Or call 615-532-0434 for schedules and information. All activities require reservations, so please call early to assure an opportunity to participate.
Overview of Activities by Region
Events in East Tennessee will include:
- Hike to DeBord Falls or be part of the 38 th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage at Frozen Head State Natural Area in Morgan County
- Hike to the famous Twin Arches State Natural Area in Scott County
- Visit River Bluff TVA Small Wild Area in Anderson County where you can see a spectacular array of spring wildflowers such as yellow trout lilies, celandine poppies, bloodroot, spring beauties and toothwort
- Take an interpretive walk along the Black Oak Ridge Proposed State Conservation Area in Roane County to see spring wildflowers
- Join a wildflower and bird hike at House Mountain State Natural Area in Knox County to experience a diversity of spring wildflowers and early songbird migrants, and perhaps even hear a ruffed grouse drumming
- Visit Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area in Carter County to see one of Tennessee’s most productive brook trout streams and early spring wildflowers
Events on the Cumberland Plateau will include:
- Join a group to visit Colditz Cove State Natural Area in Fentress County to experience first hand one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Tennessee, Northrup Falls, which plunges nearly 60 feet into a beautiful pool in the gorge filled will magnificent old growth hemlock, white pine trees, and lush rhododendron growing along the creek as it cascades through boulders.
- Take a geology field trip to Ozone Falls and Piney Falls State Natural Area in Cumberland County
- Attend a native plant workshop at Burgess Falls State Natural Area in White County
- Visit Bone Cave State Natural Area in Van Buren County for a cave tour through Bone Cave, a valuable source of salt-peter during the War of 1812 and the Civil War where you will see much of the equipment used for mining as it remains well preserved today
- Join Stuart Carroll for the 25 th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage at Fall Creek Falls State Natural Area in Van Buren County
- Visit Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Grundy County for a famed Collins Gulf wildflower hike where you will see brilliant spring bouquets of trillium, phacelia and trout lily, and the unassuming yet fragrant blossoms of trailing arbutus
- Walk, hike and see the range of wildflowers and land formations at Fiery Gizzard in the South Cumberland Recreation Area in Grundy County
- Visit Carter Caves State Natural Area in Franklin County to hike the Buggytop Cave trail and experience the interesting ecology and geology of this area
- See the vertical rock walls at the Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County
Events in Middle Tennessee will include:
- Hike at the Duck River Complex State Natural Area in Maury County where you can see spectacular bluffs overlooking the Duck River, as well as spring wildflowers, wildlife and the surrounding caves, bluffs, glades, and open areas along the river
- Take an easy canoe float down the Duck State Scenic River, also in Maury County, where you can see river life and the surrounding bluffs, glades, and open areas along the river
- Hike and help with trailbuilding at Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area in Maury County.
- Visit Short Springs and May Prairie State Natural Areas in Coffee County where you will see some of middle Tennessee’s beautiful spring wildflowers and waterfalls and one of Tennessee’s most unique tall grass prairies
- Hike and canoe at the Dunbar Cave State Natural Area Spring Fling in Montgomery County
- Join a group for a wildflower hike at Couchville Cedar Glades State Natural Area in Davidson County where unique assemblages of rare and common plants that occur only in these globally rare ecosystems
- Take a guided nature hike at Montgomery Bell State Natural Area in Dickson County
Events in West Tennessee will include:
- Experience a deep swamp canoe float into remote parts of Reelfoot Lake State Natural Area in Lake and Obion Counties where a variety of wildlife and birds, an eagle nest, and old growth cypress forest can been seen up close and personal
- Join a canoe float at the Ghost River Natural Areas in Fayette County where you can follow a winding channel through cypress-tupelo forests and wetlands habitats
- Paddle from lake to lake while observing waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and forest songbirds at Sunk Lake State Natural Area in Lauderdale County
- Join a raptor education program, float a pontoon boat or take a wildflower hike at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and Natural Area in Shelby County
- Hike the recently completed loop trail along limestone barrens and cedar glades at Carroll Cabin Barrens Natural Area in Decatur County
All of these exciting trips and more are being offered at natural areas throughout Tennessee as we celebrate State Natural Areas Week. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.tdec.net/nh/natareas/naweek06.pdf or call 615-532-0431.
For more information about the Tennessee State Natural Areas program, visit www.tdec.net/nh.
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