A. Last year, Radnor Lake Natural Area had between 850,000 and one
million visitors!
Q. What is a Class
II “Natural Area”?
A. With this classification comes the most restrictive
set of land management rules of any state park. Technically, protection
of natural resources is the highest priority in this designation,
and all activities must be conducive to nature observation and research
to maintain the Class II classification.
Q. What makes Radnor
Lake unique?
A. Radnor Lake is one of the largest pockets of wilderness (1,200
acres) in the United States in close proximity to a major city. Status
as a protected ecosystem allows a remarkable diversity and abundance
of wildlife and plant life to thrive. At Radnor Lake songbirds, herons,
geese, wood ducks, green snakes, rattlesnakes, frogs, toads, fish,
otters, turtles, beaver, wildflowers, blackberry bushes, wild roses,
grand oak trees, flowering dogwood, and many other members of the natural
world live undisturbed. Approximately 240 species of birds, twenty-six
of these waterfowl, have been identified at Radnor.
Q. Why can’t you jog, bike,
and walk dogs on trails?
A. These activities interfere with wildlife observation and upset the delicate balance of the sensitive
ecosystem maintained at Radnor Lake.
Q. How many miles of trails are
there at Radnor?
A. Six miles, including easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes.
Q. Are any trails accessible to
people with disabilities?
A. Yes, there are “all-terrain” wheelchairs available
in the Visitors’ Center, making the lake trail accessible for all.
Q. Why isn’t picnicking
allowed at Radnor?
A. Handouts turn wildlife into tame life!
Q. What can visitors do in addition
to enjoying the trails?
A. The experienced Radnor staff stays busy leading a variety of
programs including wildflower walks, moonlight hikes, canoe floats,
reptile programs, and birds of prey demonstrations. Click here for a monthly calendar of events.
Q. What is done for the younger
generation at Radnor Lake?
A. Children come to Radnor by the busload—from public schools,
private schools, churches, and inner-city programs. Rangers lead them
through activities, gently introducing them to the natural world.
The hope is that children will learn what their elders know—that
the world of nature is a place to replenish the spirit. For group program information, please call the Visitor Center at 373-3467.
Q. Do seniors explore Radnor?
A. There is an active community of seniors who enjoy daily Radnor
walks, participate in the programs, and are among the most active of
volunteers.
Q. What research is conducted?
A. Research is the foundation for valuable environmental education
and has been ongoing throughout Radnor Lake’s history. We have worked with Tennessee State, Middle Tennessee State University and David Lipscomb University to conduct research on the turtle, deer, and coyote and waterfowl populations. You can read more about our current research projects with MTSU here and here.
Q. How can I help protect Radnor
Lake?
A. Contribute generously to Friends of Radnor and volunteer during
monthly cleanup days.
