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The Cumberland River watershed is part of the third most biodiverse freshwater in the world. Thousands of species rely on the land and waters in our region. Yet across the world biodiversity is declining at unprecedented and alarming rates. When many of us think about where wildlife lives, we probably picture wide-open parklands, protected national parks, and remote areas away from people. But biodiversity is also found right near our cities.

From April 30-May 3rd Nashville is one of over 400 cities around the world participating in the City Nature Challenge. During this one-weekend, people across the world get out to find, observe and share wildlife in their city. By using the app iNaturalist, these observations help scientists around the world understand what’s happening with biodiversity. You can find all the details about the event on our website. https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/event/city-nature-challenge-2021-nashville/.

In today’s episode, we talk with two biodiversity experts. First up, we’ll hear from Kim Bailey, a lifelong nature enthusiast and naturalist extraordinaire with Warner Park Nature Center. She’ll share more about how you can explore biodiversity in our cities. Then we hear from Richard Hitt, with the local chapter of WildOnes. Richard will share about what we can do in our own backyards to make them great habitat for Tennessee biodiversity.

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

Native Plant Finder: https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/

Field Guide to Insects of North America: http://www.kaufmanfieldguides.com/insects.html

Butterflies of Tennessee: https://ritavenable.com/?page_id=22

Wildflowers of Tennessee: The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wildflowers-of-tennessee-the-ohio-valley-and-the-southern-appalachians-dennis-horn/1100003358

A Field Guide to Eastern Trees: Eastern United States and Canada, Including the Midwest: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-field-guide-to-eastern-trees-roger-tory-peterson/1119268741