Reflection Riding

From vibrant blooms to thriving houseplants, these local nurseries are helping Chattanooga grow greener one plant at a time. 🌱 Each shop offers its own selection, expertise, and inspiration for gardeners of every level. Head to our website at the link in our bio to learn more about these local plant destinations. 📸 @richsmithphoto

Thank you for joining us at the most successful Brunch & Blooms yet!

🦅 Wildlife Wednesday: Tomial Tooth Learn about an interesting adaption found in certain birds of prey (like falcons, shrikes, and kites), the tomial tooth! This sharp tooth-like projection acts like scissors and helps these raptors quickly dispatch prey. Check out the tomial tooth on Clyde the American Kestrel!

This past Saturday, Brett [Big] and Yoni [Little] officially kicked off their mentoring journey together at @reflectionriding through our site-based mentoring program. Between trail hikes, tree planting, conservation projects, and outdoor adventures, this partnership is already rooted in growth, leadership, and connection. We can’t wait to see where the journey takes them next 💚🖤 #mentor #apprentice #chattanooga #mentorship #conservation

A Big Step for Native Plants 🌱 We’re excited to share the next chapter in native plant conservation at Reflection Riding: the Tennessee Valley Seed Project. This long-term commitment focuses on sourcing local ecotype seeds, establishing seed-producing plant populations in restored grassland habitat on campus, and propagating future generations of plants for our community and region. What is an ecotype? An ecotype is a genetically distinct population within a plant species that has adapted to the specific conditions of a region—things like climate, soil, elevation, and seasonal patterns. By growing plants from local ecotypes, we can help support healthier, more resilient landscapes that are deeply connected to this place. This work takes time, care, and collaboration. We anticipate having plant material available for the public beginning in 2028, and we’re just getting started. The success of this effort will depend on community involvement, and we can’t wait to grow this alongside you. From seed scouting and ethical seed collection to propagation, growing, and planting, there will be many ways to participate in the years ahead. To get involved, contact [email protected]. Follow along to keep up with our progress, and learn more on our new blog—link in bio.

Brunch & Blooms Update 🌼🥂 This Saturday's celebration among the flowers is SOLD OUT due to the outpouring of community support. While we can't wait to enjoy this special day with you, we have an exciting announcement for everyone: our silent auction is now live online with nature-inspired essentials! Get ahead of the crowd by making a one-time donation to secure your favorite item! Browse these items at our link in bio.

🐾 Welcome to Wildlife Wednesdays 🐾 Watch how Wildlife Curator Taylor Berry trains Evi the Bobcat to voluntarily go inside her crate. Training like this is so important for our animal ambassadors because it prioritizes the animal's choice, which encourages participation in their own healthcare.

📢 Concert Tonight is Delayed Until 6:30 PM 📢 For all of our concert-goers for tonight's music with @randysteeleonbanjo , we're pushing all operations back ONE HOUR due to inclement weather this evening. 📍 Gates open at 6:30 PM 🎶 Music starts at 7:30 PM We apologize for any inconvenience. We made this decision for the safety of our visitors and staff, and we can't wait to see you all soon under the mountain!

Support Science This Weekend 🔬 The City Nature Challenge starts this weekend, April 24-27! This worldwide initiative aims to observe and identify as many wild organisms as possible—plants, animals, fungi, and more! Cities around the globe compete to see who can make the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most people on the iNaturalist app. Help us put Chattanooga on the map by joining our free on-campus programming this Friday through Sunday. Community science is so important because it informs scientific research, which helps conservationists protect our world! Check out our programs at the link in bio.

Celebrating Spring, Together 🌼 Brunch & Blooms returns this season for a relaxed morning among the flowers on Saturday, May 9. Since its beginning in 2022, this event has grown each year thanks to the support and momentum of our community—thank you! We’re also thrilled to highlight our co-chairs for this year: Bena DeVaney, Bena Pearson, Carla Morgan, and McCall DeVaney. These mother-and-daughter duos are helping bring Brunch & Blooms to life in a way that feels more connected than ever. We’re so thankful for their leadership! Get your tickets at our link in bio. Enjoy a cocktail brunch, live music from @alva_leigh , and time together among the flowers. It’s going to be a lovely day! Thank you to our sponsors: @southeasternsalvage , @cocacolaunited , @eldershardware , @first_horizon , NAI Charter, Nancy and Charlie Belin, @tva , @buildsagedesign , Daisy Maury’s-Ballard and Matthew Ballard, @chattwhiskey , @cityofchattanooga , @hhmcpas , Bill Moore and Crissie Smith, Chris and Ellen Moore, Julia and Keith Sanford, @athens_chattanooga , @blackcreekchattanooga , @bleufoxcheese , @boathouse_cha , @huttonandsmithbrewing , @sophies_shoppe , and @theunicornnashvillechattanooga .

Join Us Among the Blooms 🌸 Brunch & Blooms returns on Saturday, May 9, for a joyful celebration of spring's beauty. Gather with us to support our Native Plant Nursery and P. Robert Philp Memorial Garden at our favorite springtime event of the year! Enjoy a cocktail brunch, live music from @alva_leigh , and time with loved ones, all while immersed in the wonder of the season. Get your tickets at our event link in bio. Thank you to this year's co-chairs for bringing this timeless tradition to life: Bena DeVaney, Bena Pearson, McCall DeVaney, and Carla Morgan. We're also thankful to our 2026 sponsors: @southeasternsalvage , @cocacolabottling , @eldershardware , @first_horizon , NAI Charter, Nancy and Charlie Belin, @tva , @buildsagedesign , Daisy Maurya-Ballard and Matthew Ballard, @chattwhiskey , @cityofchattanooga , @hhmcpas , Bill Moore and Crissie Smith, Chris and Ellen Moore, Julia and Keith Sanford, @athens_chattanooga , @blackcreekchattanooga , @bleufoxcheese , @boathouse_cha , @huttonandsmithbrewing , @sophies_shoppe , and The Unicorn Catering.

Last Call for Camp Savings 🏕️ Heads up, campers—TODAY is the last day to take advantage of early bird rates for Summer Camp at Reflection Riding! Gear up for wild adventures on a 300+ acre campus—running weekdays from June 1 through July 31. Register at our link in bio to save on summertime fun. Plus, check out our all-new After Care program to provide extended flexibility every Monday through Friday.