University of Tennessee professor emeritus Gary McCracken is seen this summer near the new massive bat house built at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville. McCracken, who will help with research at the site, spent his life studying bats; he attributes their northward migration to climate change and warns of critical pest-control gaps if bats continue their decline.  J.J. Stambaugh/Hellbender Press

New exhibit will host research into critical pest-control species; could attract 200,000 bats to urban wildlife refuge

Bat, bat,
Come under my hat,
And I'll give you a slice
of bacon;
And when I bake
I'll give you a cake,
If I am not mistaken.

— Traditional nursery rhyme 

KNOXVILLE — Of all the critters that share this Earth with Homo sapiens, bats might have the most schizophrenic reputation of all.

Depending on who you ask, bats — of which there are at least a dozen species in East Tennessee alone — are seen as creepy, adorable, weird, useful or diseased. Opinions may vary, but the one thing that most folks might agree upon is that bats are, well, fascinating.

And that’s a good thing for local nature lovers, because up to 200,000 of them should soon be living at South Knoxville’s own nonprofit wildlife sanctuary, Ijams Nature Center.

Under the direction of University of Tennessee professor emeritus Gary McCracken and Ijam’s conservation director, Ben Nanny, a bat house has been constructed near Meads Quarry that’s expected to attract a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that will prove to be a delight for Ijams visitors. 

Allies come together to fight Enbridge’s Ridgeline gas pipeline through Obed watersheds

LANCING — Reclaim the Ridge is a weekend of music, nature, fun and action to raise awareness and funds in opposition to Enbridge’s proposed Ridgeline gas pipeline — set to slice across 122 miles of Tennessee and make 162 waterway cuts through tributaries of the Obed Wild and Scenic River system.

Project opponents and the like-minded plan to gather for Reclaim the Ridge Sept. 5-6 at the Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery for an unforgettable time featuring live music by The Local Honeys, camping, hiking, swimming and giant puppets from the Cattywampus Puppet Council! 

Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains closed because of a washout between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap that occurred during a heavy rain event; park officials anticipate it reopening by Sept. 30.  Kenzie Connor via NPS

US 441 from Sugarlands to Newfound Gap expected to reopen by end of September after heavy rains wash out roadway

Katie Liming is a public information officer with the National Park Service.

GATLINBURG — The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration continue to work quickly to repair the road washout on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. The FHWA has awarded the contract to Eclipse Companies, LLC, and the NPS and FHWA held a pre-construction meeting with the contractor on Friday. The contractor was expected to begin mobilizing equipment and supplies this week.  

Construction is expected to be completed on or before September 30.  

The park responded Aug. 1 to reports of a road washout and landslide event on Newfound Gap Road between mile marker 12 and 13 on the Tennessee side of the park (south of Alum Cave trailhead).

The affected area spans about 125 feet and has significantly undercut nearly the entire width of the southbound lane. On August 2, NPS and FWHA engineers visited the slide and immediately began project scoping. Both agencies worked quickly to complete the required steps of the design, permitting and contracting processes for construction. 

Damage to Cataloochee Road with the Caldwell Barn in the background in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Repairs following Tropical Storm Helene continue and will be supported by a grant from the Colquitt Foundation.  Friends of the Smokies

$750K donation to Friends of the Smokies part of a larger $2 million commitment to assist Hurricane Helene recovery 

Jim Matheny is Friends of the Smokies communications director.

KODAK — Reflecting a longtime devotion to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Colquitt Foundation has given $750,000 to the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies to save historic structures and help the national park’s Cataloochee Valley recover from damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

“Hurricane Helene left its mark on Cataloochee Valley. Cataloochee Ranch was founded in that valley, and we feel a responsibility to help. We are honored to partner with Friends of the Smokies to contribute towards its revival and restoration,” David Colquitt said.

The Colquitt Foundation made the gift on behalf of The Swag as well as Cataloochee Ranch, two historic mountain retreats operated by the Colquitts on the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Haywood County, North Carolina.

“Cataloochee Valley is a jewel for our entire region. Its cultural, historical, environmental and recreational value is something that cannot be replaced. On behalf of our 150+ Haywood County team members, we are honored to make this contribution,” Annie Colquitt said.

The $750,000 gift to Friends of the Smokies will fund restoration of historic structures damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, including cabins and barns from Cataloochee to Cosby. Through the Forever Places program, these critically needed funds will provide materials, supplies and support for a skilled staff of historic preservation experts to make the needed repairs.