We couldn't leave you hanging after last week—so we're back with even more walleye wisdom from Mike Jolly, TWRA's veteran Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager with over 30 years on the water. Tennessee's walleye story is one of science, dedication, and incredible success.
This year alone, TWRA hatcheries produced 2.9 million walleye fingerlings (up from 2.2 million last year), making walleye the #1 species raised statewide. Why? Explosive demand and booming opportunity. These fish grow fast—reaching the 16-inch keeper size (and sexual maturity) in just 2–3 years in many reservoirs. That's lightning speed for a premium game fish!
We dive into the hatchery magic: collecting March–April broodstock, hand-stripping eggs and milt, incubating in tumbling jars, then raising ravenous fry in ponds (watch out—they turn piscivorous quick, aka the polite term for "cannibalistic"). The result? Thriving populations that fill their own niche without displacing other species.
Anglers are loving it. Over 16,000 targeted walleye trips recorded in recent creel surveys (a conservative estimate), plus thousands of hours on waters like Watts Bar. The excitement is real—big fights, predictable patterns, excellent table fare, and year-round tactics from spring spawning runs to summer trolling with shad-imitating crankbaits, downriggers, jig-and-minnow drifts, and even night fishing under lights.
A major telemetry study on Watts Bar (nearly 40,000 acres) is already revealing habitat preferences, spawning fidelity, and movement patterns—data that will sharpen future stocking for maximum success. Tagged fish (bright orange dorsal loop tags) are out there—catch one, call the number, and help build a better fishery.
From tailwater cool zones to rocky points, walleye deliver the full package: patternable like a deer hunt, delicious on the plate, and backed by science-based management. Check regulations and stocking reports at TNWildlife.org.
Ready to chase the next bite? Grab your gear—Tennessee's walleye boom is calling. Tight lines, and thanks for tuning into WildCast! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Dive into the world of Tennessee's native walleye on this exciting episode of Tennessee WildCast! Host Jason Harmon and co-host Mime Barnes visit with Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager Mike Jolley to explore everything about this torpedo-shaped predator—from its unique pearly eyes and impressive teeth to its fascinating river-run spawning habits.
Mike shares the incredible story of Tennessee's 1960 world-record 25-pound walleye from Old Hickory, discusses why our reservoirs create ideal habitat (despite limited natural reproduction), and highlights TWRA's massive stocking efforts—nearly 3 million fingerlings this year alone! Learn how walleye are thriving in places like Watts Bar, Chickamauga, and Nickajack, reaching keepable size in just 2-3 years, boosting angler trips statewide, and drawing out-of-state visitors eager for trophy fights.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love Tennessee's outdoors, this episode is packed with insights on why walleye fishing shines even in winter. Don't miss it—tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube! The conversation is so good, it continues next week!
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Dive into the fascinating world of falconry on this episode of Tennessee WildCast! Recorded live from the Region 3 office in Crossville, surrounded by impressive wildlife mounts, hosts Don King and Jason Harmon visit with Vincent Pontello, TWRA’s Region 3 Wildlife Program Manager and passionate falconer.
Vincent takes us on a journey through one of the oldest hunting sports known to humanity. In Tennessee, falconers partner with majestic birds of prey like red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, Cooper’s hawks, kestrels, and even peregrine falcons to pursue small game such as squirrels, rabbits, doves, ducks, and more.
Learn about the intricate equipment, the permitting process, and the mandatory two-year apprenticeship under an experienced sponsor. Vincent even brings his trusty 14-year-old Harris hawk, “Gaylord,” into the studio—a remarkably social and seasoned hunter who’s become part of the family.
From the thrill of watching a hawk soar through the woods to the deep bond formed between falconer and bird, this episode reveals why falconry isn’t just a sport—it’s an art form and the ultimate partnership with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or simply curious about Tennessee’s outdoor heritage, this conversation will leave you captivated. Want to learn more? Visit the tnwildlife.org or join the Tennessee Falconers Association Facebook group.
Don’t miss this unique look at one of Tennessee’s most intriguing wildlife traditions—perfect for ringing in the new year with a fresh appreciation for our wild spaces! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Join us on this special episode of Tennessee WildCast as we celebrate Darrell "Bones" Bernd and his well-deserved TWRA Fisheries Division Lifetime Achievement Award. With retirement just days away on December 31, Bones stops by to reflect on more than 40 years of service with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
From his start in 1984 mowing grass at Bedford Lake to building early electrofishing equipment and working on the streams and reservoirs of Middle Tennessee, Bones shares stories of a career dedicated to fisheries management. He discusses the remarkable biodiversity of Tennessee waters—home to over 300 fish species, with the Duck River system among the most diverse in the world—and how the state has changed from rural to increasingly urban landscapes.
Bones touches on advancements in technology, from basic generators to modern tools using DNA and data, and how these help TWRA adapt to growing challenges like development and water use. Along the way, he offers insights into the agency's evolution and the teamwork that has always defined it.
This thoughtful conversation is a tribute to Bones' contributions and a look at the ongoing efforts to protect Tennessee's aquatic resources.
Tune in to hear his experiences and perspectives. Whether you're an angler, outdoor enthusiast, or interested in conservation, this episode offers something for everyone. We hope you'll join us! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Tune in to the latest Tennessee WildCast episode for a candid, eye-opening conversation with TWRA bear experts Dan Gibbs and Janelle Musser, recorded right after the recent commission meeting.
From historic bears roaming all the way to Memphis, to today’s thriving population of around 6,000, this is the real story of one of Tennessee’s greatest wildlife comeback successes – and the growing challenges that come with it.
You’ll discover why bear conflicts are rising even when the population is stable, why it’s almost always about human behavior (trash, bird feeders, deer corn, chicken coops), and how simple changes like bear-resistant cans and electric fencing can prevent most issues. They also share what really happened when Gatlinburg went bear-proof, why “moving the problem bear” rarely works, and what the new deer baiting rules could mean next fall.
Whether you’re seeing your first backyard bear or you’ve lived here forever, this episode is packed with practical advice for keeping bears wild and people safe. Plus, get a look at the brand-new “Tennessee is Bear Country” license plate and the one website every Tennessean needs: BearWise.org.
Don’t miss it – grab your coffee and tune in now! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
It’s a heartfelt farewell to Assistant Chief of Wildlife Wally Akins this week on Tennessee WildCast, as he steps into retirement after an incredible career with TWRA.
Join us for a bittersweet, story-filled episode as we look back on Wally’s journey—from his first post as a wildlife officer in wide-open Hancock County, to managing the legendary Hiwassee Refuge during the early days of the Sandhill Crane comeback (from 28 birds to over 10,000!), to helping build the private lands program and helping lead the Wildlife Division.
We’re talking cherished Cherokee National Forest deer camps, epic Thanksgiving pies that never lasted 24 hours, taking that first Cherokee deer at age 21 after a decade of hard hunting, running bird dogs for grouse and woodcock, and the excitement of Tennessee’s first quail quota hunt in decades on Bridgestone-Firestone WMA. Wally reminds us why small-game hunting with family and friends creates memories that last a lifetime—and why habitat on private lands remains the key to bringing quail and other species back.
Whether you’ve known Wally for years or are just meeting him, this episode is pure Tennessee outdoors heart and soul. Pull up a campfire chair, grab a slice of pie, and join us as we send off a true wildlife professional with stories, laughs, and one last “thank you” for a lifetime of service. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Imagine a snowy morning 25 years ago when 50 elk from Canada stepped onto Tennessee soil for the first time in over 150 years. Fast-forward to today: roughly 700 elk roam the mountains, and one young hunter just lived a story most of us only dream about.
This special episode of Tennessee WildCast was recorded live at Thlete Outdoors with a packed house. We look back at the historic elk restoration, then bring it full circle with 15-year-old Gavin Wood and the unforgettable youth hunt that capped the 25th anniversary season.
From the original release in snow-covered Royal Blue, to the very first modern elk harvest in 2009, to Gavin’s week this fall: passing multiple bulls, holding out for the one he nicknamed “Red October,” and finally connecting on a beautiful afternoon with family and friends cheering him on.
It’s a celebration of conservation success, passing the tradition to the next generation, and the kind of hunt that reminds us why we do this. Real people, real emotion, and a Tennessee wildlife comeback story that still gives chills.
Grab some coffee, settle in, and join us for a feel-good episode you’ll want to share with every hunter you know. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Join us on Tennessee WildCast as we tour Flintville Hatchery – the state’s oldest operating trout hatchery – just days before the 2025-26 winter stocking season begins.
Hatchery Manager Steven Day walks us through the raceways filled with rainbow trout (including some 16-20” trophies and golden palomino rainbows) that will soon be headed to lakes and streams across Tennessee. We see newly hatched fry, learn about the year-round work of raising 120,000–130,000 adult trout, and discover the technology and teamwork that keep the fish healthy 365 days a year.
Region 3 Streams Biologist Connor Ballard explains the winter trout program: 42 stocking locations, roughly 75,000 rainbow trout released from late November through February, and three new waters added this year. He shares why most stockings happen in Middle and West Tennessee, how to read the schedule at tnwildlife.org, and tips for families wanting to fish close to home.
From the hatchery building to the stocking trucks, this episode shows exactly how Tennessee delivers catchable trout to neighborhood ponds, city parks, and small streams every winter. Whether you’re chasing a quick limit of seven fish or just looking for a fun outing with kids, the winter trout season is one of Tennessee’s best outdoor traditions.
Grab your orange gear and join host Jason Harmon for an unforgettable episode at the Feather to Fork event! Co-host Don King welcomes Tennessee football icons Coach Phillip Fulmer and Carl Johnson – freshman dorm rivals turned lifelong hunting buddies and SEC champions.
Relive epic gridiron tales: From beating Bear Bryant’s Alabama three out of four years, to the nail-biting 14-13 Liberty Bowl upset over Arkansas, and that miraculous 95-yard fumble return against Kentucky that still has Wildcat fans fuming! Coach Fulmer shares his fresh Paul Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award honor.
Then pivot to the wild side: Hear about Alaska adventures, 14-hour horseback elk hunts, chukar and hungarian partridge in the Frank Church Wilderness, fishing adventures, and duck blinds in West Tennessee. These Vols legends pass the torch at Feather to Fork, mentoring York Institute students in bird hunting and conservation.
From Neyland Stadium roars to sunrise fields, this is brotherhood, tradition, and the outdoors at its finest. Whether you bleed orange or not, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave inspired. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Join host Jason Harmon and co-host Don King from the Feather to Fork event at The Sawbriar near Jamestown, Tennessee. John Bush, Director of Schools at Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute, shares his 28-year journey in education and why York is the most fulfilling chapter. Students don’t just learn—they work. From raising pheasants to operating backhoes, every CTE student spends three hours exploring hands-on booths: fly casting, drone flying, skeet, and more.
Student Gabriela helped catch pheasants and set up vendors at 6:30 a.m. The pheasants are raised from day-old chicks by York Institute students on the school’s 400-acre working farm. What began as a simple pitch—“Let us supply Sawbriar’s hunt birds”—quickly grew into Feather to Fork, Tennessee’s ultimate outdoor-ag celebration.
Founded in 1926 by World War I hero Sgt. Alvin C. York, the school became a state-operated special district in 1937. Today, it stands alone: the only comprehensive high school run directly by the Tennessee Department of Education and home to the largest high school campus in America by acreage.
York students earn associate’s degrees on campus—no extra cost, no transportation hurdles—graduating college two weeks before high school. They dominate in sports, lead in FFA, and process free-range Thanksgiving turkeys ($60—email to reserve - Visit www.yaidragons.com).
TWRA is here with casting demos and fisheries in action. This is Tennessee education at its best: hands-on, high-achieving, and rooted in legacy. Listen now on Tennessee WildCast. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Buckle up, outdoor lovers! Hosts Jason Harmon and Don King dive knee-deep into the electrifying Feather to Fork event at The Sawbriar, where high schoolers from York Institute transform from classroom to field in Tennessee’s ultimate outdoor classroom.
Meet Fred & Rhonda Moody - They’re not just raising pheasants; they’re raising the next generation of hunters, farmers, and leaders.
From chicks to shotgun blasts, students earn their wings through summer farm duty, gun safety, and one-on-one mentorship with drone pilots, knife forgers, and even a certain legendary Vols coach snapping selfies and hunting with the kids.
Hear Rhonda, a proud TWRA Commissioner, champion women in the woods: “It’s okay to shoot a gun!” Watch ag enrollment explode as kids beg to join the program that’s literally feather to fork.
Fred’s purple “Make Agriculture Great Again” hat says it all—this is Sergeant York’s vision reborn.
Coming Soon on Tennessee WildCast: The school director, a star student, and a secret celebrity episode!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a career fair with live birds, fly rods, and zero lectures—this is your wake-up call.
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Get ready for an episode of Tennessee WildCast that’s buzzing with excitement! Host Jason Harmon and co-host Mime Barnes bring you the scoop on a groundbreaking conservation triumph: the reintroduction of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) to Tennessee!
Join us as we dive into this inspiring project with experts Sam King, Natural Areas Program Manager at TDEC, and David Haney, a Bird Conservation Coordinator with TWRA. Together, they unravel the story of how a project to save the rare white fringeless orchid sparked a bold mission to bring back this iconic woodpecker, absent from Tennessee since the 1980s.
Discover the RCW’s unique charm—its striking white cheek patches, vibrant red crest, and fascinating clan-like family dynamics. Learn why the ancient shortleaf pines of Savage Gulf’s 16,000-acre wilderness are the perfect home for this threatened species, and how meticulous habitat restoration, prescribed burns, and artificial nest cavities are setting the stage for their return by Fall 2028. This isn’t just about one bird—it’s a ripple effect, boosting species like the Bachman’s sparrow, bobwhite quail, and even deer and turkey, all thriving in this revitalized ecosystem.
Sam and David share their passion for this once-in-a-lifetime project, from hand-clearing understory to navigating complex permitting processes. Feel the thrill of rebuilding a “collapsed house” for Tennessee’s wildlife! Want to help? Visit TNSwap.com or TNWildlife.org to support this historic effort. Tune in and join the movement to bring back a piece of Tennessee’s natural heritage. Don’t miss this episode—it’s conservation in action!
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Dive into the ultimate deer hunting showdown on Tennessee WildCast with host Jason Harmon, alongside returning legend Adrian Wilson and YouTube sensation Catman Outdoors! In this pulse-pounding episode, they spill game-changing strategies for tagging trophy bucks on public AND private land—perfect for the heart of fall season!
From winter scouting hacks (spot trails like never before in January—no leaves, no sweat!) to mastering the rut: Hunt doe bedding areas, funnel points, and river edges where big boys cruise relentlessly. Learn thermal tricks to sneak in undetected (morning ups, evening downs—don't blow it at dawn!), plus mobile saddle hunting with Timber Ninja's lightweight carbon sticks—quiet as a whisper, set up in minutes, and move like a ninja to chase shifting patterns!
Adrian reveals camera tricks (move 'em seasonally!), topo map mastery for buck beds, and why ag fields flip from corn to acorns FAST. Catman drops rut gold: Soft rattling to spark curiosity, grunt calls on cruising giants (one snort-wheeze pulled a 7-yard monster!), and kayak access for untouched public spots.
Whether you're a newbie or seasoned hunter, these insider tips—from scent control (it lingers 30 days!) to energy-saving buck habits—will fill your tag. Feel the adrenaline as they relive epic close calls!
Why watch? Real talk from pros who've DONE IT. Subscribers, this is your edge for a wall-hanger!
Tune in NOW on YouTube, radio, or your podcast app. LIKE | COMMENT your top tip | SUBSCRIBE for weekly WildCast’s! SHARE with your hunting crew—tag a buddy and plan that next stand!
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Get ready for an electrifying episode of Tennessee WildCast with hosts Jason Harmon and Don King. This week, we’re diving into the heart of the Volunteer State’s biodiversity with an action-packed show that’s all about the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Join us as we explore Tennessee’s incredible natural diversity, from Mountain City to Memphis, with over 1,600 species under the care of our dedicated Biodiversity Division. Our guests, Josh Campbell and Chris Simpson, spill the beans on their thrilling careers—stocking fish, surveying caves, and protecting everything from bats to mussels. Learn how the SWAP, a proactive conservation blueprint since 2005, keeps Tennessee’s wildlife thriving by tackling threats and prioritizing habitats. With vibrant stories of cave-diving teams, conservation partnerships, and the upcoming Tennessee Biodiversity Summit on October 22nd at MTSU, this episode is a must-listen for nature lovers! Discover how you can get involved, from volunteering to exploring SWAP’s interactive maps at TNswap.com or TNwildlife.org. Don’t miss the chance to hear about white-nose syndrome, endangered species like the Indiana bat, and the tireless work of a small but mighty team of 27 making a massive impact. Like, share, and keep coming back for more Tennessee WildCast—your ticket to the wild side of Tennessee!
Dive into an electrifying episode of Tennessee WildCast with hosts Jason Harmon and Don King as they reel in the excitement of the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP)! Joined by Travis Scott, Assistant Chief of Fisheries, they unpack the thrill of catching trophy fish across Tennessee’s diverse waters, from Dale Hollow’s world-record smallmouth bass to Chickamauga’s largemouth giants. With TARP nearing its 10,000th trophy fish submission, this episode is a celebration of Tennessee’s incredible fisheries and the anglers who make it happen. Learn how TARP recognizes 27 species, offers cool awards like certificates and Master Angler patches, and even helps biologists manage fisheries by tracking trophy catches. Discover top fishing spots, like Nickajack and Watts Bar, and get insider tips on chasing musky or winter trout as the season heats up. Travis shares exciting updates on crappie production and the 25th anniversary of sturgeon reintroduction, hinting at natural reproduction milestones. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or looking to hook your first fish, this episode is packed with inspiration to grab your rod, get your license at tnwildlife.org, and join the chase for a trophy. Don’t miss the chance to explore Tennessee’s world-class fishing opportunities and learn how an out-of-state angler landed 40 trophy fish in just months! Tune in, subscribe, and share to celebrate Tennessee’s fishing legacy and maybe even become a Master Angler yourself.
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Get ready for an exciting episode of Tennessee WildCast with host Jason Harmon and co-host Don King, diving into the world of outdoor adventure! This week, they’re joined by Keith Beam, GSM Outdoors’ Director of Product Innovation, to spotlight the legendary Camillus Knives. With a history dating back to 1876, Camillus offers rugged, reliable blades like the Carnivore and Felix, perfect for camping, hunting, or everyday carry. Three lucky winners will snag two knives each in an epic giveaway—don’t miss your chance to win!
In addition to Camillus Knives, tune in to learn why orange-handled knives are a game-changer (no more losing them in the wild!) and discover practical tips for ground blind hunting, from scent elimination to decoy placement for that perfect shot. The team shares expert advice, like brushing in your blind and facing decoys toward you to outsmart deer and turkeys. Visit gsmoutdoors.com or Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Pigeon Forge to explore Camillus and other top brands. Like, share, comment, and tag a friend for your shot at these awesome knives!
To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Dive into the ultimate fusion of grit and groove on this episode of Tennessee WildCast, where host Jason Harmon and co-host Don King welcome the unstoppable Josh Isenberg—an outdoorsman raised on squirrel hunts and shotgun shells in rural Kentucky, now a Nashville audio wizard mixing for legends like The Time Jumpers and Vince Gill. With deer season just a week away, Josh shares stories of "earning the trigger": that profound respect for the harvest, from boning knives at age six to processing every ounce of meat with your kids, turning freezer trophies into family feasts that taste like self-reliance and tradition.
Feel the anticipation build as they unpack the quiet magic of the woods—discerning a deer's step from a squirrel's scamper, the early-morning breath-fogged thrill of opening day, and why the social spark of dove hunts and a fish fry outshines any solo score. Josh reveals how his dual worlds collide: the same razor-sharp listening that tames chaotic tour consoles also hones a hunter's edge, proving life's best lessons echo from the backwoods to the front-of-house.
But it's more than hunts—it's heart. Josh’s wife traded cake decorating for chicken processing, raising a crew of mini-adventurers on worms, lines, and wild weekends. Whether you're gearing up for archery season, craving tips on family outings that forge unbreakable bonds, or just fired up by tales of tenacity in Music City and the fields, this episode is your pre-dawn coffee jolt. Grab your hunting guide, lace up those boots, and join the conversation—because out there, every twig snap is a story waiting. Don't miss it; the wild is calling.
Get ready for an explosive episode of Tennessee WildCast that every deer hunter needs to hear! Join hosts Jason Harmon and Don King with special guests Dan Grove, Wildlife Veterinarian and Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee, and Tabitha Lavacot, Region 2 Species Biologist, as they dive into the critical topic of hemorrhagic disease impacting Middle Tennessee’s deer population. With deer season just around the corner, this episode is packed with must-know insights about this viral outbreak, its differences from CWD, and how it’s affecting counties like Sumner, Wilson, and Giles. Learn why dead deer are found near waterholes, how midges spread the disease, and what hunters should do if they spot a sick deer. Additionally, learn practical tips for reporting cases and discover why a hard frost could be the game-changer in stopping the outbreak. Don’t miss the exclusive scoop on the upcoming Biodiversity Summit at MTSU on October 22, featuring an exciting wildlife announcement! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a wildlife enthusiast, this episode is your ticket to staying informed and prepared. Tune in now! Subscribe, like, and share to join the conservation conversation. Don’t let this critical info pass you by—click now to listen and stay ahead of the game!
Get ready for an exciting episode of Tennessee Wildcast! Join us as we visit with Joey Woodard, Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, and dive into the thrilling Wildlife Conservation Raffle, closing in just one week on September 14th! With over $10 million raised in eight years, this raffle funds critical conservation efforts, like acquiring thousands of acres for wildlife habitats. Discover incredible prizes, including a $50,000 Ford vehicle voucher, a high-performance Caymas boat, an off-road camper, and a coveted Tennessee elk hunt tag. Learn how ticket purchases (starting at $20) support the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and offer chances to win turnkey hunting and outdoor gear packages.
Visit wildliferaffle.com to purchase tickets!
Joey also shares updates on the soon-to-reopen Montgomery County Shooting Complex, featuring new ranges and reactive steel targets, perfect for family fun. Plus, hear about the upcoming First Time Fowlers event, introducing women to duck hunting at Reelfoot Lake. Tune in to explore how partnerships drive conservation and how you can get involved. Visit wildliferaffle.com/featured-prizes/ to grab your tickets before the deadline and join the mission to protect Tennessee’s wildlife! Don’t miss this episode—listen now!
The Tennessee Biodiversity Summit is a landmark event set for October 22, 2025, at Middle Tennessee State University’s grand ballroom. Hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), it aims to educate the public about Tennessee’s rich biodiversity, one of the most diverse inland states, boasting over 350 fish, 400 birds, 140 mussels, 97 crayfish, 65 reptiles, 75 mammals, 85 amphibians, and 401 snail species. The summit highlights unique habitats, from East Tennessee’s mountains to West Tennessee’s bottomland hardwoods.
The event targets a broad audience, from backyard birdwatchers to conservation enthusiasts, fostering collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations. Attendees will gain actionable steps, such as contributing to citizen science via iNaturalist or volunteering as Tennessee naturalists. The TWRA’s Biodiversity Division, with just 27 staff managing 1,600 non-game species, relies on partnerships with groups like the Nature Conservancy and sponsors like Bridgestone and TVA. Keynote speaker Roger McCoy, Tennessee’s state naturalist, will join experts discussing bats, mussels, snakes, amphibians, and crayfish. Registration, including a student discount, covers breakfast and access to 18 vendor booths. Visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/tennessee-biodiversity-summit.html for details.