Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
{{Short description|Nonprofit arboretum, botanical garden, nature center and historical site in Tennessee}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox park
| name = Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
| photo =
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| coordinates = {{coord|35|0|36.4|N|85|21|53.42|W|display=inline,title}}
| type = Arboretum, nature center
| location = 400 Garden Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States 37419
| area = {{convert|317|acre|ha}}
| created = 1956
| designer =
| operator =
| hiking_trails = 15 miles
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| website = {{URL|http://www.reflectionriding.org}}
}}
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center (317 acres) is a nonprofit arboretum, botanical garden, nature center and historical site located at 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The facility includes the 317-acre arboretum, 15 miles of trails, live animals indoor and outdoors, and a treehouse. The nature center participates in the endangered Red Wolf Species Survival Plan or SSP, breeding red wolves in captivity.{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/may/19/reflectiriding-nature-center-celebrates-birth/366349/|title=Reflection Riding Nature Center raising endangered newborn red wolf puppies [photos]|date=2016-05-19|work=timesfreepress.com|access-date=2018-05-22}}
The riding was created by John and Margaret Chambliss, and incorporated in 1956 to a vision laid out in the 1940s. It is dedicated to the study and conservation of native plant life.
The riding contains over 1,000 species of flora, with over 150 tree species. It includes a driving loop (3 miles) through woodland gardens, wildflower meadows, ponds, and along the banks of Lookout Creek, as well as some {{convert|12|mi|km}} of walking trails and paths.
History
{{expand section|date=February 2016}}
In 2011, the formerly separate Reflection Riding Arboretum and the Chattanooga Nature Center combined boards and management.{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/news/story/2011/jul/14/chattanooga-nature-center-and-reflection-riding-me/53993/|title=Chattanooga Nature Center and Reflection Riding to merge|date=2011-07-14|work=timesfreepress.com|access-date=2018-05-22}} The new organization was originally called the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center.{{cite web|title=Family fumes over Reflection Riding/Nature Center change|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/news/story/2011/nov/30/family-fumes-over-reflection-ridingnature-center/65039/|publisher=Times Free Press|accessdate=7 February 2016|date=November 30, 2011}} In October 2017 the nonprofit hired RootsRated co-founder Mark McKnight as president.{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/oct/11/rootsrated-co-founder-named-president-reflect/453820/|title=RootsRated co-founder named president of Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center|date=2017-10-11|work=timesfreepress.com|access-date=2018-05-22}} In March, 2018 they announced the creation of a new Forest Kindergarten and Forest School.{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2018/mar/12/chattanoogas-first-forest-school-and-new-fore/465676/|title=Chattanooga's first Forest School, new Forest Kindergarten launch at Reflection Riding|date=2018-03-12|work=timesfreepress.com|access-date=2018-05-22}} The organization has been a member of the red wolf species survival plan and captive breeding program since 1996{{cite web|title=Local sanctuary is home to pack of red wolves|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/life/entertainment/story/2018/jun/05/local-sanctuary-home-pack-red-wolves/472440/|publisher=Times Free Press|accessdate=2018-08-05|date=2018-06-05}} and has been an advocate for the program through educational outreach and programming.{{cite web|title=Proposal would shrink red wolves' habitat, allow people to kill critically endangered species|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2018/jul/30/red-wolves-habitat/475930/|publisher=Times Free Press|accessdate=2018-08-05|date=2018-07-30}}
See also
References
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External links
- [http://www.reflectionriding.org/ Reflection Riding Website]
- [https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/reflection-riding-arboretum-nature-center iNaturalist observations of plants and animals on Reflection Riding's campus]
- [https://reflectionriding.org/www/blog/viewpost/8/john-a.-chambliss-on-the-creation-of-reflection-riding John A. Chambliss on the Creation of Reflection Riding]
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Category:Arboreta in Tennessee
Category:Botanical gardens in Tennessee
Category:Geography of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Category:Protected areas of Hamilton County, Tennessee
Category:Tourist attractions in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Category:Nature centers in Tennessee
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