{"id":19798,"date":"2021-05-20T18:28:42","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T18:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/envirobinztn.com\/?p=19798"},"modified":"2021-11-18T17:03:33","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T17:03:33","slug":"celebrate-international-biodiversity-day-in-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/envirobinztn.com\/celebrate-international-biodiversity-day-in-tennessee","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate International Biodiversity Day in Tennessee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an environment, whether that\u2019s a specific ecosystem or the entire, beautiful planet Earth. And on May 22, 2021, the 15<\/span>th<\/span> International Biodiversity Day is celebrated. International days such as this are intended to unite people in a common goal and educate us on the importance of issues such as biological diversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For biodiversity to thrive globally, we must all act locally. So let\u2019s bring it a little closer to home and look at biodiversity in Tennessee, why it matters, and what we can do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Biodiversity in Tennessee<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tennessee is a pretty impressive state, ecologically speaking. It boasts rainforests, plains, plateaus, river valleys, and more. (Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are actually a rainforest?) Middle Tennessee itself is primarily comprised of a highland rim that surrounds a central basin, home to some of the richest agricultural land in the state. Reelfoot Lake in the western part of the state is just one example of the swampy, deciduous forests in the Mississippi River Bottomlands. And Reelfoot is one of the few bald eagle nesting areas in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Biodiversity Matters<\/span><\/h2>\n

The variety of ecosystems also means Tennessee is home to a wide spectrum of plant, animal, and marine life. Humans are nothing without the natural world in which we live. The plants and animals feed us, many medical remedies are either found in nature or inspired and derived from nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve heard so much in the past several years about the decline of bees. Bees are responsible for pollinating approximately one-sixth of the flowering plants across the globe and around 400 different agricultural plants. That means Tennesseans heavily rely on these hard-working insects. In addition to helping with our food supply and beautifying the state, they act as a link in the food chain for other animals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A healthy ecosystem means healthier humans. The health of water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, which supply our homes and businesses, is also critical. What goes into the lakes, reservoirs, creeks, rivers, and storm drains impacts our water supply. Yes, there are treatment plants to keep us safe and protected. But the water still has to come from somewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Protecting Our Biodiversity<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a few ways to encourage healthy biodiversity in your area. Some are so simple while others may require a bit more effort. But all of them are important and will benefit you, not just nature.<\/span><\/p>\n