TW 445 - What’s Lurking In Tennessee’s Wild Side? Find Out At The Biodiversity Summit.

The Tennessee Biodiversity Summit is a landmark event set for October 22, 2025, at Middle Tennessee State University’s grand ballroom. Hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), it aims to educate the public about Tennessee’s rich biodiversity, one of the most diverse inland states, boasting over 350 fish, 400 birds, 140 mussels, 97 crayfish, 65 reptiles, 75 mammals, 85 amphibians, and 401 snail species. The summit highlights unique habitats, from East Tennessee’s mountains to West Tennessee’s bottomland hardwoods.

The event targets a broad audience, from backyard birdwatchers to conservation enthusiasts, fostering collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations. Attendees will gain actionable steps, such as contributing to citizen science via iNaturalist or volunteering as Tennessee naturalists. The TWRA’s Biodiversity Division, with just 27 staff managing 1,600 non-game species, relies on partnerships with groups like the Nature Conservancy and sponsors like Bridgestone and TVA. Keynote speaker Roger McCoy, Tennessee’s state naturalist, will join experts discussing bats, mussels, snakes, amphibians, and crayfish. Registration, including a student discount, covers breakfast and access to 18 vendor booths. Visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/tennessee-biodiversity-summit.html for details.