The Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) natively grows plentiful throughout Tennessee’s rolling hills and valleys. In Autumn, its boughs become laden with plump apricot-colored fruits known as Persimmons. These sickly-sweet fruits are a staple for many overwintering locals such as black bears, white-tails, foxes, and skunks.

The White Oak (Quercus alba) is a native deciduous hardwood growing tall & wide throughout the state of Tennessee. In autumn, their leaves burst into burgundy & russet shades. They produce heaps of sweet acorns to ensure their survival as many critters like squirrels and birds gather and stow them away for winter stores.

Goldenrod (Solidago genus) grows rampantly native throughout North America, with approximately over 100 species. A pollinator favorite, its blossom-laden stalks bloom in shades of yellow ochre peaking mid-September through October before going to seed. Mistakenly blamed for Fall Hay Fever, goldenrod’s pollen is too heavy and sticky for wind to pick up - Ragweed is likely the true culprit of your autumnal allergies with its windborne pollen.

If not for conservation efforts of the TWRA in the late 1990’s, Tennessee would lack a single Elk. Today, the majority happily roam the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area of East Tennessee in herds of 25 or more. Elk enter Rut, or mating season, from late September through October, just after Bulls shed velvet & begin to emit high pitched bellowing calls and low-toned grunts known as Bugling in early morning and late evening hours in the hopes a female will answer their summons.

Found in Tennessee’s brushy meadows and brambly shrublands, the Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is losing habitat due to increased development of vacant pastures and old farmland. Their call consists of sweet-ringing whistles, often resembling the accelerated pace of a bouncing ball, sung from a perch atop bristled briars, rugged fence lines, or swaying stalks of grasses. Supporting communities like Seven Islands State Birding Park is a great way to ensure the conservation and survival of this species.

The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is the singular native species of trout in the Appalachian region’s cold-water systems. Despite the name, they are a type of Char rather than true Trout. Their distinct white-lined fins, rusty undersides, and contrasting olive green backs spattered with yellow and blue-haloed red spots make them arguably the prettiest fish to inhabit Tennessee waters.