Description:  We will walk through a field of ironweed, asters, goldenrods, and other colorful plants. We will discuss plants and the insects that visit them. This field is home for the uncommon Dion Skipper and Southeastern Plains Bumblebee. The walk is considered easy and kid friendly. Meeting Place/Time: We will meet in the parking lot for AutoZone Auto Parts at 235 Water St. Suite A, Savannah, TN 38372; coordinates of the meeting site are 35.221984, -88.246275.  Meet at 9:30 am…

Description: This is a joint outing for Wild Ones, TNPS and TCWP. The Oak Ridge Barrens is a small property that supports at least three Tennessee rare plant species: prairie goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides), naked-stem sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis), and Torrey’s mountain mint (Pycnanthemum torreyi). Torrey’s mountain mint is not only rare in Tennessee but considered globally imperiled by NatureServe. Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) has managed the Barrens for 26 years. Volunteer workdays continue to control exotic and native woody,…

Description:  We will explore the roadsides of northern Decatur County and the wildflowers along the way.  Liatris and goldenrods will be numerous, and we will be on the lookout for barbed rattlesnake-root (Nabalus barbatus), a rare plant in Tennessee. Meeting Place/Time:  Love’s Truckstop off Exit 126, I-40. 10:00 am Central Difficulty:  Easy to moderate Lunch:  Bring Facilities:  At meeting place. Leader:  Bart Jones,  Phone: 901-485-2745  Email: bjones7777@hotmail.com

Steve Murphree is a Professor of Biology at Belmont University who specializes in Entomology and Ecology Research. He is a frequent contributor of articles about arthropods to the Tennessee Conservationist and has been interviewed about insects by local print, radio and television media. Since coming to Belmont, he has visited many classrooms in middle Tennessee to give insect/spider presentations, and has taught summer insect day camps for children (Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies).  He assists staff members at local nature centers/events…

Dr. Larry Pounds earned his doctorate in plant ecology from the University of Tennessee. Since then he has been fortunate enough to make a living mostly “hiking around” looking for rare plants. He has worked as a botanical consultant for several organizations, currently TVA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He serves on the boards of the Tennessee Native Plant Society, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and Cumberland Trails Conference. He often leads wildflower walks for the public. With his recent…