One subject which continues to inspire grassroots community organization in Tennessee in water quality. Tennessee wants fishable and swimmable waterways. People in Tennessee recognize that clean water is imperative to our health, the environment and to our way of life. The CWEET organization in Cocke County has been working to protect the Pigeon Ri…

The Cumberland River Basin is an area which extends from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky down through Middle Tennessee and finally into Western Kentucky. This is an area of about 1800 square miles. The river provides life supporting water for the citizens who make this place home and supports some of the most ecologically diverse places in North …

The City of Louisville, Kentucky, is one of only four cities in the world which can claim a system of parks designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted and his family firm of landscape architects. Now over 100 years old, these 17 parks are a treasure to the citizens of Louisville and to the nation. These historic parks continue to serve their function an…

Now retired after decades of distinguished service to the Tennessee State Parks, Murray Crow sits down with Mark and shares memories of his remarkable parks experience. Beginning with his schooling at UT Martin, continuing through postings at parks throughout the state, both smaller parks and resort parks and ending with many years at central offic…

Our guest today is Aaron Browning, recently installed President of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association. A native of eastern Kentucky and former college tennis player, Aaron serves as Deputy Director of the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department. TRPA is the leading professional organization for persons working in the field of …

There is a growing movement of concerned citizens which is encouraging people and communities to be more thoughtful about how they manage their home landscapes. Encouraging the reduction of turf grass and exotic ornamentals and encouraging the use of native plants. The Middle Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones is a group which has this as their mission…

Each year the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) recognizes one or more persons with the Fellow Award. This is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Parks and Recreation Profession. Our guest today is Michael Gorham, the 2023 TPRA Fellow. Mike served as President of TRPA in 2001-2002, at which time …

It has now become commonplace to hear scientists express concern for loss of habitat for wildlife. This is true across the broad spectrum of plants and animals. Much attention has been placed upon the decrease in population of important pollinator species such as bees, butterflies and moths. This loss has been caused by many factors such as the wid…

Remember when the NFL draft occurred at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville and several ornamental Japanese Cherry Trees were to be removed to accommodate the stage for this production? The trees in Nashville can not speak for themselves. And, with the dramatic and sometimes unwieldy growth and development pressures in Nashville it is important t…

Fort Pillow State Park was created in 1971 so as to preserve the site of the Civil War era military fort and notorious battle. It is a National Historic Landmark. The fort was originally built by the Confederacy to serve as a protection for Memphis. When Memphis was taken by the Union it was abandoned by the Confederates and taken over by the Union…