“KEEP OUT.” The iron bars that greet visitors at three entrances to the Old Forest are anything but welcoming. Designed to prohibit vehicles from entering the State Natural Area, the gates accomplish something unintended as well: discouraging pedestrians and cyclists from enjoying the forest trails.
This past Saturday, several dozen park lovers joined us to review a draft of the Old Forest State Natural Area Management Plan. Drafted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s State Natural Areas Division, the plan outlines a path for Overton Park Conservancy to
Lately we’ve talked a lot about what it means to manage the Old Forest: from developing a forest inventory to deciding which invasive species to tackle, working in an ecosystem like this one is a big job. That’s why we’ve been working with the Tennessee
While there’s obviously no substitute for a leisurely walk on the Old Forest Trail, one thing you definitely can’t do in the wintertime is enjoy a lush green trek through the woods…until today! Thanks to the Google Street View Trekker Loan Program, the Old Forest
Today’s Commercial Appeal puts a spotlight on the Midtown Urban Forestry Fellowship, a partnership between Overton Park Conservancy and Rhodes College to develop an inventory of the Old Forest. (Go read it if you haven’t!) The article illustrates a crucial dynamic in forest management: balancing a
This weekend, the University of Memphis Student Leadership & Involvement council hosted its first Service on Saturday of the fall semester. More than 100 members of U of M fraternities chose to spend their Saturday in Overton Park, thanks to a fantastic effort coordinated by
If you’re reading this anywhere in the Southern United States, you’re bound to be familiar with kudzu. This plant, which is native to Asia, was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in 1876. It was distributed widely as a garden plant, as
We know that many of you love walking, running, biking, or just reflecting in the Old Forest State Natural Area. It’s a different place depending on the season of the year, and you never know what sort of interesting plant or animal life you’ll see
Since our last spotlight on the birds of the Old Forest, the weather has warmed up slightly. Starting in April, we should begin to see the spring and summer birds head back into our area. But for now, we’re offering one more look at the
It’s an understatement to say that we’re itching for spring to arrive at Overton Park. But while the landscape is largely still monochromatic, there’s an opportunity for some early bloomers to shine. Time to see how well you know your tree and shrub buds! We
