#494 Celebrating Wins In Conservation: Biodiversity Summit 2026

This week on the award‑winning Tennessee WildCast, we’re taking you straight into the heart of Tennessee’s wild side as we gear up for the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit! Host Jason Harmon is joined by co‑host Ashley Garrison, plus biodiversity experts Josh Campbell and Chris Simpson, for a fast‑paced, energetic dive into one of the most exciting conservation events in the state.Fresh off earning national recognition at the ACI Conference, WildCast is celebrating in style by spotlighting the incredible biodiversity that makes Tennessee truly one‑of‑a‑kind. From bald eagles soaring back from the brink, to newly discovered crayfish hiding beneath our waters, to over 1,500 species of greatest conservation need—this episode is jam‑packed with fascinating stories and surprising discoveries.You’ll hear how last year’s summit drew participants from 72 counties and 12 states, and how this year’s event is set to be even bigger. With the theme “MOVING THE CONSERVATION NEEDLE: WINS IN CONSERVATION,” the crew highlights conservation wins, innovative research, citizen science through eBird, and the brand‑new Conservation Opportunity Area Maps that connect YOU directly to the wildlife around you.And of course, they reveal this year’s keynote speaker: Chris Wood from Cornell University—director of eBird and one of the most influential voices in avian science today.Ready to be inspired? Ready to discover something wild? Won’t you take us back to Tennessee? Tune in and get your Biodiversity Summit tickets at TNWildlife.org!