Middle Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S. and considered the most biodiverse state without a coastline, home to 7 of the 8 most ecologically rich rivers in North America.  It ranks first out of all states in freshwater fish diversity with more than 325 species and is a hotspot for other aquatic species like mussels, snails, crawfish and aquatic insects.  This abundance of water of course supports all types of life and Tennessee is ecologically rich in general.

The parks around Nashville like Shelby, Percy Warner and Radnor Lake are host to an abundance of wildlife that make them distinct from other places.  It’s common to spot deer at all times of the day and I often see large birds like turkeys, hawks and owls near dusk.  Further outside the city, around the lakes and rivers are more rare sights I’ve seen like bald eagles, river otters and pelicans.  These photos reflect that diversity of wildlife as well as views of the quaint rural areas around middle Tennessee like Natchez Trace Parkway.