Resources

Educational Resources

OWCA provides educational information and resources to help promote understanding of the Obed River watershed, its ecosystems, and the importance of responsible stewardship. 

Community Issues & Advocacy 

• OWCA provides information on environmental issues that may affect water quality within the watershed. When appropriate, OWCA shares publicly available information to help residents better understand regulatory processes, land-use impacts, and environmental protections.
  👉 Read more in the Fall 2023 newsletter (PDF).

Recycling & Waste Reduction

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  OWCA supports community education around recycling and waste reduction through partnerships and public events that promote practical, local solutions. 

Citizen Science & Observation

• Occultation Tutorial 👈
  This video provides an overview of occlusion observations and their use in scientific research. Education resources like this support citizen science efforts and increase understanding of observational data collection. 

Recreation & Place-Based Learning 

• Obed Wild and Scenic River Trailer 👈
  This short trailer introduces the Obed Wild and Scenic River, its unique geology, recreational opportunities, and the importance of conservation and stewardship. 

• The Obed Experience 👈
  This video offers an immersive look at the landscapes, recreation, and natural features of the Obed Wild and Scenic River, highlighting why this area is valued by visitors and the surrounding community. 

• Hiking at the Obed Wild and Scenic River 👈
  An overview of hiking opportunities within the Obed Wild and Scenic River, showcasing trails, scenery, and responsible outdoor recreation in the watershed.

Educational materials, including fact sheets, guides, presentations, and other informational resources, will be shared as they become available. 

Native Plants 

Native plants play a vital role in protecting the Obed River watershed by supporting local wildlife, improving soil health, and preserving the region's natural balance. The resources below are provided to help you learn more and make informed planting choices. 

• Native Wildflowers & Pollinators
  Learn Many native wildflowers often labeled as "weeds" play a critical role in supporting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Educational resources explore how these plants contribute to biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.  
  👉 Placeholder - coming soon 

• Description of Native Plants
  Learn what native plants are, why they matter, and how they support local ecosystems.
  👉 View Description of Native Plants (PDF)

• Picture Catalog of Native Plants
  A visual guide to help identify native plants found in our region.
  👉 View Picture Catalog (PDF)

• Bloom Times for Native Plants
  Plan your planting with a seasonal bloom guide for native species.
  👉 View Description of Native Plants (Excel)

Photos of native plants observed in the watershed are available in our Photo Gallery. 

Invasive Plants

Invasive plant species can threaten native habitats, reduce biodiversity, and impact watershed health.

This section will include general information and educational resources on invasive plants and their impacts in the Obed River watershed, along with links to trusted external sources when available. 

Links & Downloads 

This section includes links to external resources, partner organizations, and downloadable materials related to the Obed River watershed and environmental stewardship.

Hiking Trails of Cumberland County

• Daddy's Creek Section - Crab Orchard Mountain Segment
  The Crab Orchard Mountain segment of the Cumberland Trail includes approximately 7.5 miles of hiking along the Daddy's Creek corridor. This section offers a variety of scenic features that make it well-suited for both through-hikes and shorter out-and-back day hikes, including overlooks, rock formations, and nearly a mile of trail running alongside the creek. 
  Portions of the trail pass through a Wildlife Management Area. During designated big game hunting seasons, hikers are required to wear flourescent orange for safety. The trail is located in the Central Time Zone. 

Links and downloads are provided for informational purposes and will be updated as new resources are identified. 

Related Organizations

OWCA works alongside and learns from many regional and statewide organizations dedicated to conservation, stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation. The organizations listed below are provided as informational resources and are not operated by OWCA. 

Land & Water Conservation (State/ Regional) 

• Cumberland River Compact 👈
  A watershed-based nonprofit working to improve water quality and environmental health across the Cumberland River basin. 

• Friends of Cumberland Mountain 👈
  A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting land, water, and natural resources in the Cumberland Mountain region through conservation, stewardship, and community engagement. 

• Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM) 👈
  A nonprofit organization originally founded as Save Our Cumberland Mountains that worked to protect the land, air, water, and communities of the Cumberland Plateau. Later adopted the new name to reflect its expanded statewide mission and broader community-focused advocacy work.  

• TennGreen Land Conservancy 👈
  A nonprofit land trust working to protect important natural areas and scenic landscapes across Tennessee. 

• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 👈
  Oversees water quality, scenic rivers, and conservation programs across Tennessee. 

• Tennessee Environmental Council 👈
  A statewide nonprofit organization focused on advancing environmental education, conservation, and sustainable policies related to Tennessee's land, water, and natural resources. 

• Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency 👈
  Manages fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation statewide.

• The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee 👈
  The Tennessee chapter of The Nature Conservancy focuses on science-based conservation to protect lands and waters.  

Native Plants & Ecosystems

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center 👈
  A national leader in native plant research, conservation, and education.

• Tennessee Invasive Plant Council (TNIPC) 👈
  A statewide nonprofit that promotes awareness, education, and best practices for managing invasive plant species. OWCA references TNIPC resources to support invasive species management and habitat restoration efforts within the watershed.

• Tennessee Native Plant Society 👈
  An organization promoting the conservation, education, and appreciation of Tennessee's native plants and ecosystems. 

• University of Tennessee Extension 👈
  Provides research-based education on water, soil, native plants, and sustainable land-use practices. 

Rivers & Watersheds

• Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) 👈
  A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Tennessee's wild and scenic rivers and promoting wilderness conservation through research, education, and long-range planning. 

• Tennessee RiverLine 👈
  A statewide initiative working to connect communities, conserve river resources, and promote stewardship and economic vitality along Tennessee's rivers. 

• Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA)👈
  A state-wide organization promoting education, training, and best practices related to stormwater management and water quality protection. 

Trails, Recreation, & Stewardship

• Cumberland Trail Conservancy 👈
  An organization dedicated to developing, maintaining, and promoting hiking trails throughout the Cumberland Plateau. 

• Friends of the Cumberland Trail 👈
  Supports development, maintenance, and stewardship of the Cumberland Trail system. 

• National Park Service - Tennessee 👈
  Manages the Obed Wild and Scenic River and other protected lands in Tennessee. 

• Tennessee Trails Association 👈
  A volunteer-driven organization supporting trail building, maintenance, and advocacy across Tennessee.

Citizen Science & Environmental Education

• iNaturalist 👈
  A platform for documenting plants and wildlife observations. 

• SciStarter 👈
  Connects people to citizen science projects across many disciplines. 

Every effort helps protect and preserve this special place we share. 

Whether you're planting native species, volunteering your time, or simply learning more about our local environment.