Tribute to Ember
On October 26, 2025, we lost a dear friend. Ember the Red-shouldered Hawk was an integral part of our team here at Reflection Riding. For 11 years, she educated thousands of guests about the importance of her species with a fierce gaze and willing attitude. Although she’s gone, Ember will continue to live in the hearts of many.
Fostering Connection, Increasing Access
With your support, our vision for the future is becoming a reality! This year, we launched a new mobile guide that dives into the culture, history, and ecology of our campus. We also kicked off a Summer Campaign and have begun construction to make our campus more accessible for all.
Native Plants: Pillars of Life
Native plants sustain all life on Earth, and their conservation is vital for a happy, healthy world. We piloted a partnership with Hixson High School and found homes for 2,871 native plants propagated at the school!
Profile Trail Restored by Volunteers
Our only single-track trail on our campus is now restored thanks to Randy Medley and volunteers from the Scenic City Hiking Club and Chattanooga Hiking Club. The Profile Trail is a peaceful walk in the woods that winds through dogwoods forests, wildflower coves, and untouched beauty.
Growing the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
Our Native Landscape Apprenticeship Program continues to grow as we prepare high schoolers with careers in conservation, land management, and environmental stewardship. We welcomed 234 Howard students onto our campus for learning and now have five apprentices!
Growing Minds in the Great Outdoors
Through field trips, outreach programs, and visits to our Nature Playscape, we reached more than 17,000 children with hands-on nature experiences this year!
Gum Spring Creek Restoration
Healthy waterways are necessary for successful ecosystems, which is why we’re restoring a previously neglected stream right at our entryway. By removing invasive species, creating the Nature Playscape, and revitalizing the streambank, we’re restoring water quality that flows into the Lookout Creek watershed. Many thanks to QuikTrip and Mark Ray for their efforts!
Nature Connects Us All
Your enthusiasm for community in nature has made this our biggest year yet for public events. From the Campfire Concert Series to Follow the Fire and Brunch & Blooms, our programs continue to grow with our visitation.
Turn the Tide for Turtles
As a founding member of the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) American Turtle Program, we work with the Turtle Survival Alliance to combat turtle declines across the country. We expanded our enclosure capacity this past year to turn the tide for our reptilian friends!
Red Wolf 2025 Update
The American Red Wolf (Canis rufus) is a critically endangered species, but conservation programs work! Learn how this population is increasing in the wild thanks to the help of the USFWS and SAFE American Red Wolf partners.
Howard Apprenticeship Update - Summer 2025
Our Native Landscape Management Apprenticeship continues to shine. Check out this program’s recent updates.
Summer Camp 2025
What a great summer! Thank you for joining us at Summer Camp at Reflection Riding!
Tribute to Corey Hagen
Corey Hagen is a passionate educator and nature-lover who has shared his expertise with us and our community since 2005. Now that Corey is moving onto his next steps in life, we’d like to celebrate his 20 years with us!
Native Landscape Apprenticeship Continues to Grow
Our Native Landscape Management Apprenticeship is ramping up! We recently hired two new apprentices: Yoni and Janett. We’re taking a look at this past year’s progress and plans for the summer season.
Catalyst Sports Retreat
Catalyst Sports visited Reflection Riding’s campus for a retreat in adaptive mountain biking to empower those with physical disabilities with the opportunity for adventure sports.
Profile Trail Restoration
The Profile Trail is a meandering 3-mile pathway that provides peaceful woodland walks along our ridges and valleys. After years of overgrowth, the Scenic City Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association has adopted the trail. Read on to learn how they’re restoring the system.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a stunning, shade-loving native to the Southeast. A plant with year-round interest, this shrub has oak-like leaves and pyramidal white blooms.
Emily Jackson Receives National Award
We are thrilled to share that Emily Jackson, Lead Naturalist at Reflection Riding, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award. This prestigious national award recognizes individuals who are making a meaningful impact on the environmental education of youth, and Emily’s work exemplifies that spirit in every way.
Plant This, Not That
Popular landscaping plants often include non-natives and invasive species that do not benefit ecosystems (sometimes even causing extreme harm!). We’d like to share several native alternatives that support our Southern Appalachian habitat and bring beauty to your space!
Tackling Invasives, One Training at a Time
Ethan Brincefield, Invasive Species Specialist, attended Invasive Species Ambassador Training with Invasives Free USA and Wild Spotter at Lake Guntersville State Park. This conference was a great opportunity to network and make connections with fellow weed whackers, along with helpful tips for boosting community involvement.