Gum Spring Creek Restoration
At Reflection Riding, conservation and restoration are at the heart of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, we’re excited to announce that we’re undertaking a significant streambank restoration project on Gum Spring Creek.
We Saved the Bend (Again)!
“Moccasin Bend is a cultural treasure that must be protected and preserved for future generations." — Christi Branscom, Commissioner of Tennessee's Department of General Services
Interpreting with Empathy
There is a growing movement within the conservation community to share the stories of nonhuman species in a way that promotes connection and compassion within the public realm. Through empathetic language, we can help our community relate to the natural world
Red Wolf, the Protector
The American Red Wolf (Canis rufus) is the most endangered canid in the world. Years of mismatched worldviews between Western and Indigenous ideologies have put this animal at odds with habitat encroachment and the U.S. government, but a recent decision to capitalize “Red Wolf” has been made to honor the animal's cultural ties to the Cherokee Nation. Read on to learn more about the history of the Red Wolf.
Progress From the Ground Up
With your support, our Framework for the Future groundwork continues. From solar panels to new signage on our campus, we are laying the foundation for an exciting future!
Gaining Ground for Land Conservation
This past year, we welcomed 455 students from The Howard School to our campus and hired three Native Landscape Management Apprentices—Jahore Vann, Blandy Lopez, and Maria Alonzo Francisco.
Cicadas Mesmerize Our Region
In a marvelous act of nature, one trillion periodical cicadas have emerged into our eastern forests this spring! Dubbed “cicada-geddon” by some, our country has witnessed the synchronization in time and space for both the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood.
A Year of Fruitful Events
You filled this year with genuine community connection. Together we celebrated friends, family, caretakers, and the wonders of nature.
Nature is the Best Teacher
At Reflection Riding, we value the importance of inquiry-based learning. Through everything from Nature Experiences to Field Trips, our team strives to spark curiosity at every stage of life.
Thinking Outside the Box with Turtle SAFE
North American turtles face rapid decline due to a number of factors, including the illegal pet trade and international smuggling. As a founding member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) American Turtle Program, we currently care for eight box turtles who have been rescued through the program.
Sparking Curiosity Through Outreach
In response to community demand, we expanded our outreach programs and greatly increased our public engagement efforts.
Tribute to the Treehouse
Writing about our George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse, Nancy Dorman Hickson said: “Kids instinctively understand the magic of a tree house.” But many people over the years—not just kids—have felt the magic of our treehouse and its impressive, three-trunked Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata).
Native Plant Apprentice: Emma Boice
Emma Boice reflects on her time as a Native Plant Apprentice this past summer.
Native Plant Apprentice: Shandelle Clifton
Shandelle Clifton reflects on her time as a Native Plant Apprentice this past summer.
Red Wolf Summit 2024
As a partner of the American Red Wolf SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction), we sent our Wildlife Curator, Taylor Berry, to the annual summit meeting this summer to discuss conservation efforts. Read on to learn his key takeaways!
Tracking the Wood Thrush with Motus
Have you noticed a tower fitted with antennas beside our office buildings? This special device is a Motus tracking station suited for scientific research–namely, tracking migratory animals. Read about Dr. David Aborn’s journey tracking the Wood Thrush using Motus.
Our Best Summer Yet
And, that’s a wrap! This year at Summer Camp at Reflection Riding, sponsored by Local 3 News and Rock/Creek, we had an amazing time with all kinds of nature discoveries and play! We are so thankful for our campers, who made each moment extraordinary.
Kym Martin Saves Monarchs
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are beautiful wonders of North America. During their southerly migration in late summer, we welcome them to our campus, where they can feed at two waystations filled with milkweed. Kym Martin is a monarch enthusiast who manages the two stations and has big plans for their future!
Restoring an Imperiled Bog Ecosystem
Last week, our land management team ventured to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains to aid in the restoration work of an imperiled Southern Appalachian bog ecosystem. Read on to see the collaborative work being done to restore this bog.
See Wildlife at Rock City
We are proud to be partnering with Rock City this summer season during their Mountaintop Summers events. Our wildlife team and animal ambassadors are making a show-stopping appearance as they share the importance of native animals with the public in an all-new educational show.