Wesley Wanders

Wesley Wanders Hi, I’m Wesley. Welcome to my hiking page! Visit my website to see more!�

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a well-known, large flowering plant in the aster/daisy family. The sunflower...
07/08/2026

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a well-known, large flowering plant in the aster/daisy family. The sunflower is often associated with summer due to its bright sunny appearance and corresponding bloom time. Cultivated individuals grow to be around 10 feet tall with 5 inch wide flower heads. Wild populations are typically smaller. The tallest ever recorded common sunflower was 35 feet tall!

Common Sunflowers are widely farmed for their edible seeds. These can be eaten raw or used to make oils used in cooking. Birds also enjoy these seeds, making them a primary ingredient in bird seed mixes. In the agricultural sector, the plants make a great snack for livestock.

It is found throughout most of the world today, but originally was discovered on the grasslands of the Great Plains. It is not a flower you’ll likely find out hiking, but it is an important and symbolic North American plant! If you want to see more wildflowers, give me a follow and check out more photos on my website:
https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildflowers

The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a common amphibian in the eastern United States. Eastern Newts have thre...
07/01/2026

The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a common amphibian in the eastern United States. Eastern Newts have three life stages: Larva, Red Eft, and Adult.

Newts are born underwater with gills. In the larva stage, they do not leave the water. As juveniles, they enter the “Red eft” stage where gills are shed and the newt spends most of its time on land. During this time, they display a vibrant orange color with spots created by black rings. This makes them very easy to spot when out for a hike despite their small size! Between 2-3 years, the Eastern Newt undergoes another major change. They regrow their gills, becoming aquatic during adulthood. Their skin becomes olive green with a yellow belly, however they keep their red spots. Their tails also become more stout and blade-like, helping them swim more efficiently.

Eastern Newts live in woodlands with permanent bodies of water nearby. They are highly adaptable to changes in their environment. They can even regenerate limbs! They can also release toxins through their skin when threatened, although they are relatively harmless to humans.

Check out more amphibians here: https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildlife-Galleries-Folder/Amphibians-Page

The Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) is a rare wildflower endemic to the cedar glades of Middle Tennessee....
06/24/2026

The Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) is a rare wildflower endemic to the cedar glades of Middle Tennessee. The pink/purple flowers are atop long, hairy stems. A defining characteristic of these flowers that differentiates them from similar coneflowers is their upward-curving petals. It thrives in the thin soils and fun sunlight of cedar glades. Tennessee Coneflower blooms from mid-June to early July.

One of the best places to see this flower in its natural habitat is in Cedars of Lebanon State Park located in Lebanon, TN. You can see all the photos from my recent trip to this park here:
https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Region-Pages/Southeast-Areas/Tennessee-Hikes-Folder/Cedar-Glades-Trail

Today we will be looking at one of Tennessee’s tallest waterfalls! Fall Creek Falls is a staggering 256 ft. sheer-drop w...
06/17/2026

Today we will be looking at one of Tennessee’s tallest waterfalls! Fall Creek Falls is a staggering 256 ft. sheer-drop waterfall located in Fall Creek Falls State Park on the Cumberland Plateau. This makes it the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River! There is an observation point at the top of the gorge that takes little effort to visit. For the more adventurous, a steep climb down into the gorge will get you right under Fall Creek Falls. During wet periods, visitors will also get to see C**n Creek Falls flowing right next to it. The state park is also known for several other impressive waterfalls such as Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls. Check out my hike in this park here for more photos: https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Region-Pages/Southeast-Areas/Tennessee-Hikes-Folder/Fall-Creek-Falls

This week’s post is a plant you might have seen blooming lately, American Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans). This native w...
06/10/2026

This week’s post is a plant you might have seen blooming lately, American Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans). This native woody vine has a showy flower resembling a trumpet. Each inflorescence produces 2-8 red-orange flowers. As with most vines, it grows rapidly. It can easily climb trees, shrubs, or human-made structures. Trumpet Vine is native to the eastern U.S., where it inhabits woodlands, riverbanks, and suburban areas. This plant can cause a skin rash in some people. It is best to handle the plant with gloves on.
Visit my galleries page to see more wildflowers:
https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildflowers

Northern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor constrictor) are a subspecies of the North American Racer. This species is on...
06/03/2026

Northern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor constrictor) are a subspecies of the North American Racer. This species is one of several “black snakes” found on the east coast. They are long, slender, and have a shiny appearance. Their heads are narrow with a white chin. Juveniles have a gray pattern that fades to pure black as they age.

Black Racers are nonvenomous and harmless to humans and pets. They may bite if handled, however this snake typically flees when spotted. If backed into a corner, it will curl into a defensive position. As the name implies, racers are very fast! They can move up to 10 mph on land. That’s the speed of a jogging human!

Racers are beneficial to homeowners and farmers as they help control rodent populations in suburban and rural areas. They primarily feed on rodents, but also eat frogs, toads, lizards, and bird eggs. Racers are visual hunters that are highly active during the daytime. When hunting, racers use a unique technique called periscoping. This is where the snake raises its head up and upper body vertically to see the surrounding area better. They are one of the few snake species that use this technique!

These snakes prefer dry habitats with open, grassy areas. They are often found in woodland margins next to fields or lawns. Northern Black Racers range from southern Maine to the northern regions of Georgia. They can be found as far west as eastern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. It is the official state reptile of Ohio.

Check out more snakes and other animals in my galleries on my website: https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildlife-Galleries-Folder/Reptiles-Page

Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is a showy species of evergreen shrub native to the Appalachian Mountain...
05/27/2026

Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is a showy species of evergreen shrub native to the Appalachian Mountains. Clusters of pink to magenta flowers bloom throughout the plant from April to June. Bloom time is often dependent on elevation. It can grow in a large range of elevations, but it’s most commonly found high on mountain balds across Appalachia. This shrub is named after the Catawba River, where it was first seen by Europeans settlers in the early 1800’s. Check out more wildflowers on my galleries page!🌸
https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildflowers-Folder/Wildflowers-by-Color

With a rainy Memorial Day weekend coming up, it might be a good time for a short waterfall hike. Spruce Flats Falls fits...
05/20/2026

With a rainy Memorial Day weekend coming up, it might be a good time for a short waterfall hike. Spruce Flats Falls fits the bill! This tiered waterfall drops down mossy rocks a total of about 30 feet into a pool below.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this place used to be a hidden gem. Within the past couple of years, it has become quite popular despite not being on an official park trail or map. To get here, take the “Buckeye Trail” located behind the Tremont Institute. Although a bit hilly, the entire hike is less than 2 miles making it easy for most to complete. It is a perfect spot to relax before making a quick getaway when heavy rain approaches!

Check out my hike to Spruce Flats Falls here: https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Region-Pages/Southeast-Areas/Great-Smoky-Mountains-Hikes-Folder/Spruce-Flats-Falls

Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is a wildflower native to the central and eastern U.S., ranging from Nebraska to th...
05/13/2026

Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is a wildflower native to the central and eastern U.S., ranging from Nebraska to the Carolinas. Flowers are purple, blue, white, or bicolored with a small spur coming off the back of the flower. This plant’s Latin name “tricorne” comes from the three-lobed beaked fruits it produces. Depending on location, you can find these flowers blooming from March-May. Look for them growing in rich mesic forests and prairies. Check out more wildflowers here:
https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildflowers

Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) are small, eye-catching songbirds in the cardinal family. Their diet is primarily mad...
05/06/2026

Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) are small, eye-catching songbirds in the cardinal family. Their diet is primarily made up of insects and seeds. Indigo Buntings spend the summer in North America from the Great Plains to the East Coast. In the winter, they migrate down into Central America and the Caribbean.

This species is a perfect example of sexual dimorphism on display. Male birds are a vivid blue during the summer to attract a mate. During the winter/non-breeding season, males lose their blue plumage and become brown. Females are brown year-round, making them slightly more difficult to identify in the field. You’ll often find them in brushy forest margins, open deciduous forests, and farmlands.

Check out more bird photos here: https://wesleywanders.smugmug.com/Pages/Galleries-Pages-Folder/Individual-Galleries-Folder/Wildlife-Galleries-Folder/Birds-Page

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328 Cedar Forest Road
Lebanon, TN
37090

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