
The Importance of Dead Trees
Trees are awe-inspiring, mighty forms of life that provide food, shelter, and oxygen…all of which are essential to life on Earth. But just like everything else that lives, trees' lives come to an end at one point or another. Even so, they cultivate a host of benefits after their life is concluded.

Emerging Trends in the Nature Center Profession
Our President & CEO, Mark McKnight, recently returned from the Association of Nature Center Administrators’ annual conference, “Thrive Outside”, held outside Baltimore, Maryland. Read more about his time out of the office touring other nature centers and learning from others in the profession.
What's All the Buzz About Hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are known as a keystone species, meaning several other species depend on them for survival in one way or another. Read more about the many important roles they have in our ecosystem.

Urban Wildlife
We live in one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Get to know your wild neighbors, develop habitat for them, reduce your noise and light pollution, enjoy their presence and learn about the jobs they perform to keep our environment healthy.

Creature Feature: The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
Learn more about this bright orange beauty that you've probably seen floating above flower beds and meadows during warmer months.

Escape to Nature 2022 Summer Camp - That’s a Wrap!
It’s time, once again, to say farewell to our summer campers, counselors, parents and volunteers that made Summer 2022 an awesome success!

Management of 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘮 Underway Along Trails
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.

Red Wolf Species Survival Plan 2022 Annual Meeting Update
An update from the annual Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (RWSSP) Summit meeting.

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

Native Landscape Apprenticeship Review
Madison writes about her experience as a Native Landscape Apprentice.


Catalpa Sphinx Moth
A catalpa tree in the new monarch waystation in our Jump Field was recently spotted covered with caterpillars. The catalpa tree, Catalpa bignonioides, is the host plant for the catalpa sphinx moth, Ceratomia catalpae.

7 Ways You Can Help Protect Our Eastern Box Turtles
Reflection Riding is an inaugural member of the Turtle Survival Alliance and the American Turtle SAFE initiative. SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) was founded in 2015 to focus expertise and resources on protecting and recovering species in need. As a participant in this turtle program, Reflection Riding now cares for confiscated eastern box turtles, hoping to determine the origins of each animal and return them to their natal territory. How can you help? Learn more about simple steps you can take to help turtles where you are.
Tribute to Our Great Horned Owl
Our cherished female Great Horned owl passed away at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center on June 24, 2022.

Raising Two Daughters and 1,000 Monarch Butterflies
Are you interested in raising Monarch butterflies? Read on for advice from a Reflection Riding volunteer who has years of experience doing just that!

Get to Know the Eastern Box Turtle
Reflection Riding is an inaugural member of the Turtle Survival Alliance and the American Turtle SAFE initiative. SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) was founded in 2015 to focus expertise and resources on protecting and recovering species in need. As a participant in this turtle program, Reflection Riding now cares for confiscated eastern box turtles, hoping to determine the origins of each animal and return them to their natal territory. How can you help? Head over to our blog to learn more about simple steps you can take to help turtles where you are.

Help us Harness the Power of the Sun
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!

Emerald Ash Borer Impacts our Campus
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.

Annual Report 2022
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!