Mikelle Benfield

July Conservation Conversations: Emerging Water Quality Issues in TN

We wanted to know what the experts were saying in regards to emerging water quality issues here in Tennessee. And so, for our July Conservation Conversations, we invited Dr. Tom Byl and Dr. Sam Dennis to share their perspectives, given their areas of research and expertise.  Dr. Dennis, Professor of Soil and Water Quality in…

June Conservation Conversations: Understanding Dams and their Impacts

I grew up with a skewed perspective on dams. In my mind, all dams were massive and monolithic. And that makes sense given that I grew up in Las Vegas, where Hoover Dam was a staple of the Vegas tourist agenda and landscape. A distinct memory from my childhood is a fourth grade field trip…

May Conservation Conversations: Flooding in Tennessee

After the crazy year we’ve had already, we couldn’t wait to dive into this month’s Conservation Conversations topic: Flooding in Tennessee. Nashville in particular has had a rocky past when it comes to flooding, and many residents are probably wondering what to do to keep their homes safe. From flood insurance, to 100-year rain events,…

How to find the water levels near you

United States Geological Survey (USGS) Water Information System 1. Go to the United States Geological Survey Water Information System: Mapper2. Type in your location3. Choose the gray access pin upstream from your location4.Click on access data and choose “Current/Historical Data”  Click on your area below to see Gage Height and discharge of the Harpeth River….

Conservation Conversations Burning Series Part II: Impact of Backyard Burning on the Environment

It is your responsibility for what you burnYour trash, your waste, it may take a turnThink of the water, think of the airThe particles will impact the nature we share An open burn?Uncontained?Watch the fire, watch the flames!It could spread and get out of controlWho do you call?The fire depot! Get a permitIts your responsibilityWe…