Conservation Conversations

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,…

April Conservation Conversations: What’s Blooming: Invasive vs. Native Species in Tennessee

Together we’ve gone out and removed invasive privet, planted native tree saplings, and learned how to cultivate our gardens. We got further into the weeds and dug even deeper into this hot topic this past Wednesday in our latest Conservation Conversations: What’s Blooming?.  Guiding the discussion were our invited guest experts, Murray Gheesling and Cooper…

What’s that smell? It’s absolutely odoriferous!

There’s an entire world under our city, one that is comprised of miles of pipes and sewer infrastructure that carry our waste and treat it. However, what happens when these systems get overwhelmed? Age? Or fail? One possible consequence is a sewer overflow. Ron Taylor, Program Director with Clean Water Nashville, and Dorie Bolze, Harpeth…

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…

Conservation Conversations Burning Series Part I: Wildfires and Water Quality

Poor air quality and hazy skies. There’s often a bright orange hue and the occasional layer of ash coating your car and yard. These are some of the common impacts of wildfires we might experience when one is nearby. But have you ever considered how a wildfire might also impact the waterways?  This is exactly…

Harpeth Conservancy is now taking over Richland Creek Watershed Alliance!!

We have some GREAT news to share with you! Harpeth Conservancy has merged the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance (RCWA) into its programs. After over 10 years of hard work, Monette Rebecca retired as the Executive Director of RCWA. She will continue as an expert consultant with HC so that her hard work and legacy live…