NEST - Nature Education Society of TN

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NEST - Nature Education Society of TN

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Through educational opportunities, we seek to create a connection that will inspire you to protect and conserve Tennessee’s natural resources.

NEST is operated by Leslie Anne Allen and Jason Allen. See the "About" section for more information and bio. Nature Education Society of Tennessee (NEST) was created by Leslie Anne Allen and is operated by Leslie and her husband, Jason Allen. Whether you need help identifying plants and trees on your property or wish to have us present a program or hike for your group or organization, we offer a variety of services. We also plan to offer annual wildflower identification classes. Leslie Anne Allen was introduced to wildflower identification and elementary education at an early age, being influenced by her grandmothers. This led her to choose a degree in Environmental Interpretation and attend The Ohio State University. Upon graduation she “cut her teeth” as a naturalist in the Columbus Metro Parks. In 1995, she moved to Nashville and eventually worked as a tour guide at Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame, as a volunteer director at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, as an interpreter at Shiloh National Military Park, and as a ranger at Stones River National Battlefield. She then spent 21 years working for Tennessee State Parks as a ranger and interpreter, and was responsible for creating the first Story Trail in the state park system. In 2016 she earned the Certified Heritage Interpreter certification through the National Association for Interpretation, becoming one of the handful of environmental educators in Tennessee to receive this honor. Since 2018, she also has been teaching a popular wildflower identification class. Leslie Anne is passionate about connecting people of all ages to discover the natural resources of Tennessee. Jason Allen is a Nashville native who grew up roaming and exploring the woods near Percy Priest Lake. As a naturalist and wilderness guide, Jason has led interpretive programs for such groups as the Tennessee Native Plant Society, TennGreen Land Conservancy, Sierra Club, Outdoor Murfreesboro, and Tennessee Trails Association. He has also worked on special projects for such organizations as Missouri Botanical Garden, Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, and AmeriCorps. While working for Tennessee State Parks, Jason created park events and nature festivals, interpretive programs, flora & fauna brochures, newsletters, website content, and interpretive signs. In 2008 he created Couchville Lake Arboretum, which became the first state-certified arboretum in Tennessee State Parks. Jason has a special interest in cedar glade habit, and he maintains the Hip Cedar Glades of TN page. He is also a frequent contributor to The Tennessee Conservationist magazine. His writing and photography have appeared in numerous books, newspapers and magazines.

11/02/2026

Over the weekend we saw some brilliant fall color at Ravenwood Park in Hermitage. Check out this multi-colored Bitternut Hickory tree that we spotted along the Stones River!

We also found a magnificent Sugar Maple, and we decided to have a little fun with the fallen leaves.

On a side note: If you like trees, be sure to check out our November newsletter which went out today. We take an up-close look at the oak and hickory species found in Tennessee and how to ID them. Visit the blog page on our website to read all about it.

Happy November, everyone!

Photos by Jason Allen

10/26/2026

Yesterday while in Robertson County we visited Ridgetop Station Park for the first time. The trail had an impressive variety of trees, and we wanted to share some of our discoveries. Also, just in time for Halloween, we found late-blooming Devil's Walking Stick! We later made a quick stop at the nearby White House Greenway where we found more interesting species.

It's a great time of year for studying leaves and tree fruit! Click on individual photos for tree and leaf ID's.

Photos by Jason Allen

10/01/2026

October has arrived! To celebrate the season, we have once again created one of our wacky persimmon pumpkins.

The pumpkin's head is the fruit of a Common Persimmon tree, while the eyes are the fruit of Roughleaf Dogwood. The nose is Eastern Redcedar fruit, and the mouth is the foliage of Eastern Redcedar.

On a related note, our NEST October newsletter is hot off the presses! It showcases our favorite autumn leaves and spooky trees of Tennessee. You can read it here: https://www.nest-tn.org/post/october-spotlight-autumn-leaves-spooky-trees

Wishing you all a safe and happy October!

Photo by Jason Allen

09/24/2026

Autumn has arrived, and two of our favorite trees are showing off their colors! Pictured are Sassafras (top row) and Black Gum (bottom row).

Sassafras and Black Gum are two of the first species to change colors during the fall. In fact, we found splendid color from these two species back in late summer!

Which trees produce your favorite fall color?

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a fairly common tree in many parts of Tennessee. It is known for the aromatic, root beer‑like smell of its roots and bark. Native Americans used the tree for a wide range of medicinal purposes and also made tea from the inner bark and roots. They used the dried leaves as a spice to flavor foods. The leaves can also be ground to sweeten and thicken stews.

European settlers quickly adopted Sassafras tea; by the mid-1600's, Sassafras was America's number two export to Europe - second only to to***co.

Sassafras is a colonial species that is often found growing in groves. The leaves vary in shape; most are shaped like either a mitten, a “ghost,” or a football. In autumn the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.

The small greenish-yellow spring flowers are popular with honey bees and other insects. Dark blue fruits appear on female trees in late summer and are devoured by songbirds as fast as they ripen.

Sassafras is the host plant of the common Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly and the Spicebush Silkmoth.

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is known for its splendid fall foliage, which ranges from yellow, orange, red, scarlet, and purple. The bark is grayish-brown. Mature bark often becomes blocky, resembling alligator hide.

This species produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring, which are an excellent nectar source for bees. So it's also a good honey tree. The bluish-black fruit, which ripens in late summer/fall, is consumed by a variety of birds and other wildlife. Fruits are edible but sour.

Black Gum is usually a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands, and near ponds. It often produces many cavities, making it a favored den tree species. The tough wood is used for flooring.

Black Gum trees are normally 30-50 feet tall, but can grow up to 75 feet. It's also known as Black Tupelo, Sour Gum and Pepperidge.

Historically, pioneers used the fibrous woody tissue of its broken twigs as a toothbrush substitute. In fact, we've talked to a few folks who remember their families using Black Gum twigs as toothbrushes!

Photo by Jason Allen

08/27/2026

The month of August is slipping past! Before it's gone, we wanted to share some of our August findings, including colorful Green Dragon fruit, a Luna Moth at night, frogs, butterflies, spectacular Spider Lily blooms, and an unusual caterpillar that looks like bird droppings! Click on images for descriptions.

Have you seen any interesting flora or fauna this month?

Photos by Jason Allen

08/03/2026

One of our very favorite places in Tennessee is Sellars Farm State Archaeological Area in Wilson County.

If you wish to learn more about this site's history and its unique flora and fauna, check out our August newsletter: https://www.nest-tn.org/post/exploring-wilson-county-s-scenic-historic-archaeological-site

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy few summertime snapshots of Sellars Farm.

Photos by Jason Allen

07/01/2026

July is the month for Blazing Stars! These striking plants, also known as Liatris, decorate the grassy barrens of Tennessee during the month of July.

Seven Liatris species are found in Tennessee. The ones pictured here on our property are Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata). The flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and moths, including (pictured) monarchs, clearwing "hummingbird" moths, and swallowtails.

The Liatris on our property blooms from about mid-July through early August. Yes, it's gonna be toasty out this month, but these are worth seeking out - not only for the spectacular flowers but also for the incredible parade of insects they attract.

On a related note, our NEST July newsletter is out today, and we discuss some of our favorites of July, including blazing stars, limestone fameflowers and cicadas. You can read the newsletter here: https://www.nest-tn.org/post/july-sizzle-fameflowers-blazing-stars

Which Liatris species is your favorite? Also, what flora and fauna come to mind when YOU think of July? Or, if nature takes a back seat to shaved ice and snow cones this week, feel free to name your favorite flavor of those too, haha. We'll have a prickly pear!

Photos by Jason Allen

06/02/2026

We're excited to announce that registration is now open for our summer NEST Wildflower ID Class!

Instructor Leslie Rawlings Allen normally offers only one course per year, but due to popular demand we are offering a second course this year. It runs from July 26 through the end of August at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. It's a great way to beat the summer heat, make new friends, have a ton of fun, visit scenic natural areas, and learn about the native plants of Tennessee!

The course fee includes more than 24 hours of instruction, a notebook and handouts, light snacks, optional field trips, and a field notebook upon completion of the course. Certified Tennessee Naturalists will earn CE credit with attendance.

Space is limited. If you wish to register, view testimonials from former students, or get more info, go to https://www.nest-tn.org/wildflower-classes

We look forward to seeing you in the classroom this summer!

* UPDATE: This class is now sold out! Stay tuned for our next wildflower class in 2027...

05/10/2026

How about a cactus flower explosion for Mother's Day! This is Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia cespitosa) blooming today alongside our road in Davidson County.

This plant is native to Tennessee, which surprises many. In our area, it normally blooms from about mid-May to early June. The reddish fruits, which ripen later in the year, are edible and can be made into a yummy jelly or refreshing drink. The tender young green pads are also edible; once the spines are removed, they can be peeled and cooked like string beans.

The plant is also known as Indian Fig and Devil's Tongue. A wide variety of animals feed on the fruit, seeds and stem of prickly pear. Some wildlife take shelter under the shade of the large pads, and some animals even use broken-off pieces of the spiny pads to protect their nests.

Eastern Prickly Pear may not be as rare as many of the cedar glade species we discuss on our page, but there's no denying that its flower is one of the most spectacular you will see in our area! Have you seen any blooming?

Photo by Jason Allen

05/04/2026

We were honored and thrilled to lead a special hike to close out the 48th Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildflower Festival. Leslie Anne led a group to Mount View Glade in Davidson County, which is the site where Dr. Elsie Quarterman and one of her students rediscovered the Tennessee coneflower back in 1968.

We saw several rare and unique glade species, and we also learned about the life and work of Dr. Quarterman. And as an added bonus, we even found a Tennessee coneflower in bloom! It was a magical experience on a beautiful day, and we certainly felt Elsie there with us.

Thanks to Scott Pessoni for these wonderful photos!

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Mount Juliet, TN

Website

https://www.facebook.com/groups/951545518202410, https://www.facebook.com/jasonsnaturebooth, https://www.nest-tn.org/

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