TN.gov Newsroom

Brown Bats with WNS - Courtesy: Nancy Heaslip, NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation

NASHVILLE – Caves located on state lands in Tennessee will be closed for a year in an effort to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) among the state’s bat population.

State agencies agreed to close all caves on public property after receiving a request from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Nature Conservancy has also agreed to follow the state’s lead to close all caves located on Conservancy property.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Historical Commission has announced 21 recipients of its 2009 Certificate of Merit Awards. The awards program, begun by the Commission in 1975, recognizes individuals or groups throughout the state that have worked to conserve or highlight Tennessee’s cultural heritage during the past year. The awards recognize historic preservation projects as well as work in the field of history.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

NASHVILLE – Tennessee State Parks announced today a Super Summer Special promotion, offering a discounted rate at each of the state’s six incredible state park inns for the coming weeks. With a Tennessee State Park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in the state, families seeking unique recreation opportunities, high-quality accommodations and an exceptional value can look a bit closer to home.

Kicking off today through July 2 and reconvening July 6–9, park patrons can stay overnight at a Tennessee State Park Inn for just $59.95 a night (excluding tax). There is no coupon necessary for this special rate and patrons simply need to ask for the “Super Summer Special” rate when making a reservation. Discounted rates apply to inn rooms only and cannot be used with other discounts or promotions. The discount is based on availability and reservations are suggested. 

NASHVILLE — The arrival of summer marks a great time to begin planning to participate in the 20th Annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will begin its seven-day ride on Sept. 13 and will feature a loop through some of Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes.

PIKEVILLE – Fall Creek Falls State Park’s Summer Concert Series is in full swing, offering live music every weekend through September 6. Featuring an array of artists, including country, bluegrass and folk, all concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (Central) and will run approximately two hours. Suggested admission “donation” is $3 and there is no admission fee for children six and under.

NASHVILLE – There’s no better way to express your love and appreciation than to take dad out for a delicious meal, with a Tennessee State Park serving as the perfect setting on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21.

NASHVILLE – Deputy Governor John Morgan will join Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke and Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan to present the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards at the Ed Jones Auditorium on the Ellington Agriculture Center campus in Nashville on Friday, June 12, beginning at 1 p.m.

NASHVILLE – Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in several activities at Tennessee State Parks and Natural Areas in celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – It’s time to dust off the fishing gear and head to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for its Annual Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, slated for Saturday, June 6.