Art and Science Come Together with Reflection Flyway Mural
The Reflections Flyway mural, unveiled April 7, 2022. Photos by Olivia Ross, Times Free Press.
For centuries, migrating birds have filled the skies over Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center as part of an ancient bird migration super highway known as the Mississippi Flyway. Its prominence on this flyway makes Reflection Riding a fertile observation point for migrating birds. To help scientists better understand the migration habits of millions of birds, Reflection Riding installed a Motus Wildlife Tracking Station at its Welcome Center about a year ago.
Dr. David Aborn, Professor of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga explained, “many people don't realize the Tennessee Valley serves as a type of off ramp on the migration superhighway known as the Mississippi Flyway. Having a Motus Tracking Station at Reflection Riding will allow for the automated tracking of birds as they migrate each year. This will give us great information now and even better information on migration habits as more stations come into service across the Flyway."
Although this cutting-edge science instrument is an international, collaborative research tool that helps scientists follow the movements of migratory birds to help manage and conserve them, the equipment itself looks out of place when compared to the natural beauty of Reflection Riding. To help the MOTUS tracking system fit into its surroundings at Reflection Riding, a mural has been completed on the building hosting the equipment. The mural, entitled “Reflection Flyway,” will be unveiled to the public on April 7, 2022 at 3pm eastern.
“The tower just looks like a radio antenna,” explained Mark McKnight, President/CEO of Reflection Riding. “We wanted to draw the community’s attention to the purpose of this technology, which is helping to solve the mysteries of bird migration. To do so, we commissioned this mural to help educate our visitors, members and the entire community about the critical importance of this research on species movement.”
Collaborating with local artists Gus Gaston, Derek Witucki and Allen Tyus, the mural invites visitors' interest and questions on not just bird migration, but also the role the land and air corridor at Reflection Riding has played over the centuries.
“Science communication is what brought me into this project. Learning about the world, uncovering its mysteries—that is what excited me as a child”, Derek Witucki said. “My hope is that other people will find it exciting too. Most importantly, I want to share that excitement and wonder for science with kids.”
“We think this mural will expand the conversation about science and conservation with our community,” said McKnight. “Reflection Riding works hard to build a deep understanding of and care for the natural world in the people we serve. Citizen science, particularly when presented in an engaging way, inspires us all to notice nature and protect our natural resources.”
Reflection Riding received support and funding from Public Arts Chattanooga, ArtsBuild and Southeast Tennessee Development, which allowed Reflection Riding to utilize the talents of local artists. Additional support provided by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and anonymous donors to Reflection Riding.
The mural was covered widely in the press by our media friends at WDEF, the Times Free Press, the UTC Echo, The Chattanoogan. Thanks to the reporters and photographers who helped make this such a success!
