Here Comes the Sun Solar Campaign Exceeds Goal

It’s that time of year again! The part of the growing season when invasive species management efforts on campus are focused on an exotic grass, 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘮.

Sophie writes about her experience as our very first Operations and Administrative Intern.

Are you interested in raising Monarch butterflies? Read on for advice from a Reflection Riding volunteer who has years of experience doing just that!

Help us harness the energy of the sun this summer with the Here Comes the Sun Campaign! Reflection Riding recently received a $60,000 grant from the Southface Foundation to fund solar installations and other sustainability improvements on our campus. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match and your support will help us make the match. Supporters just like you have already stepped up and we've received $10,000 in gifts so far. Make your gift today!

A few years ago, the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (Agrilus planipennis) came to Southeast Tennessee and killed most of the ash trees in the area. This invasive and destructive beetle is native to Asia and came to the US in wooden packing materials in 2002. Soon thereafter, the beetle began to impact and kill ash trees in the US. More recently, you may have noticed that ash trees impacted by the beetle are falling down regularly now across the region and on our entire campus.

This year was one of unprecedented growth for Reflection Riding. That growth allows a laser focus on our conservation mission. It takes exceptional philanthropic investment from donors, members, businesses, foundations, government, sponsors, planned givers, and many other generous partners. Thank you!

Build an incredible garden using native plants from Reflection Riding’s Native Plant Nursery

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 and a new mural, entitled “Reflection Flyway,” last week.

Prescribed fires can be helpful for many reasons, including the removal of unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem. Using prescribed fires as a management tool will also help these areas recover and restore its native biodiversity.