While there are many ways to enjoy Tennessee’s natural beauty, some of them can be a bit harder to find. Take the Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia verna) for example; it’s a flower that’s fairly common out west and further north. But here in Tennessee, established populations of it are only known to occur in two places. One of them belongs to a family that has promised the land will always be protected. Wild Side Guide Craig Owensby shows us how these magical blossoms are being preserved, both in pictures and in person.
Taylor Hollow State Natural Area is the other place the flowers are known to thrive. If you are interested in seeing them, be sure to contact the Nature Conservancy first. While it is a state natural area, the land is still privately owned and you need to make an appointment to visit.
Part of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), the Division of Natural Areas is dedicated to restoration and protection of plants, animals, and natural communities that represent thenatural biological diversity of Tennessee.
From show 2803
