Oak Ridge Reservation Unveils 2026 Nature Walks

Guided tours highlight the diverse flora and fauna of the protected natural area.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

The Oak Ridge Reservation, home to over 1,100 vascular plant species, 72 fish, 34 mammals, and 230 bird species, is opening up its natural areas for public nature walks in 2026. The walks, which will take place across multiple locations on the reservation from late winter to late summer, aim to showcase the rich biodiversity of the Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park and the sustainable conservation efforts underway.

Why it matters

The Oak Ridge Reservation is a unique protected natural area that has been carefully managed to preserve its ecological diversity. These public nature walks provide an opportunity for the community to directly experience and learn about the reservation's flora and fauna, as well as the important research and conservation work being done there.

The details

The Oak Ridge Reservation nature walks will take place at several locations across the protected area, allowing participants to explore a variety of habitats and see different plant and animal species. The walks will be led by expert naturalists and researchers who can provide insights into the reservation's ecosystems and the efforts to sustainably manage this important natural resource.

  • The nature walks will begin in late winter and continue through late summer of 2026.

The players

Oak Ridge Reservation

A protected natural area in Tennessee that is home to over 1,100 vascular plant species, 72 fish, 34 mammals, and 230 bird species.

Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park (NERP)

A research area within the Oak Ridge Reservation that is dedicated to the study and conservation of the reservation's natural resources.

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The takeaway

The Oak Ridge Reservation's public nature walks offer a unique opportunity for the community to directly experience and learn about the rich biodiversity of this protected natural area, as well as the important research and conservation efforts underway to preserve it.