The environment of Tennessee in the United States encompasses a wide array of ecosystems, from mountain forests and rich river valleys to wetlands and grasslands. Tennessee lies within the Southeast United States and is physically shaped by features including the Appalachian Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau, and the expansive river systems of the Mississippi River watershed. Its diverse landscapes support abundant wildlife, extensive forests, freshwater resources, and have drawn generations of residents and visitors alike.
Politically, Tennessee is broken up into three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West. Physically, Tennessee is also separated into three main types of landforms: river valley plain, highlands and basins, and mountains.
Geologically, Tennessee can be broadly divided into four major regions:
TennesseeâÂÂs rivers and streams, including the Duck River, Tennessee River, and Cumberland River, drain into the Mississippi River watershed, supporting rich biodiversity and contributing to the stateâÂÂs agricultural productivity.
Coal, limestone, and other mineral resources are extracted across Tennessee, especially in the eastern mountains and central plateau regions.
TennesseeâÂÂs climate varies across the state, with the eastern mountains cooler and the western lowlands warmer and more humid.
Climate change in Tennessee has altered precipitation patterns, increased the frequency of droughts and extreme weather events, and affected terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
More than 17,000 miles of Tennessee streams are impaired under the Clean Water Act, and many lakes face water quality challenges due to pollution and land use pressures.
TennesseeâÂÂs ecology reflects its physiographic diversity, ranging from mountain forests to river floodplains and wetlands. The state supports multiple ecoregions and habitats:
Tennessee hosts a rich assemblage of wildlife, including over 89 mammal species, 70 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 325 fish, and more than 340 bird species.
The state features numerous nature centers providing environmental education, outdoor recreation, and wildlife observation. WellâÂÂknown centers include Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, Lichterman Nature Center, and Owl's Hill Nature Center. NashvilleâÂÂs parks system includes Beaman Park Nature Center, Bells Bend Outdoor Center, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and Warner Park Natural Center.
Forests cover more than 50â¯percent of TennesseeâÂÂs landscape, comprising nearly 14â¯million acres of predominantly hardwood and mixed forests. The Great Smoky Mountains host one of the richest temperate tree diversities in the world.
Tennessee contains more than 60,000 miles of streams and over 580,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. The Duck River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America.
TennesseeâÂÂs native flora includes thousands of plant species adapted to mountain, forest, grassland, and wetland habitats:
Tennessee has a wide range of parks and protected lands, including:
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) manages air, water, land, and natural resources, coordinating with federal and local partners.
Threats include habitat loss, invasive species, water pollution, and climate change impacts. Conservation organizations focus on habitat restoration, water quality, forest management, and biodiversity protection.