Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office

06/10/2026

The Barrens topminnow propagation and reintroduction plan was approved in 2024, opening the door for more than 1,000 Barrens topminnows to be released back to the wild.

Today, we’re already seeing the payoff — stronger populations, restored spring habitats, and a renewed future for one of Tennessee’s rarest fish.

None of this would be possible without the dedicated partnerships among agencies, researchers, landowners, and conservation groups working together to bring this species back from the brink. A powerful reminder that conservation succeeds when we collaborate. 🤝

📸: Abbey Brown, USFWS (Barrens topminnow being acclimated before getting released to the wild)

06/03/2026

Jumping into June with another Endangered Species of the Month🐟

With its bright colors and distinguishing exclamation point on their backs, the endangered Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) is one of Tennessee’s most charismatic small fish. It lives in clear springs and streams on the Barrens Plateau, where groundwater changes and the invasive western mosquitofish threaten its survival. Restoring springs and controlling invasive fish are key to keeping this topminnow thriving in its native waters.

📸: Abbey Brown, USFWS

05/21/2026

USFWS biologists Emily Granstaff and Warren Stiles attended the second annual Race for the Laurel Dace in Spring City, TN, an event organized by the Tennessee Aquarium. Participation grew to 200 racers this year, helping raise vital funds for laurel dace conservation.

The biologists hosted an educational booth featuring a game to identify parts of a laurel dace and spark conversations about endangered species. The event fittingly took place the day after Endangered Species Day and highlighted the laurel dace, the official fish of Spring City.

This growing community celebration continues to build awareness and support for protecting one of Tennessee’s rarest fish.

Photo credits: Emily Granstaff (USFWS) and Doug Strickland (Tennessee Aquarium)

05/19/2026

Tennessee Field Office biologist (Karman Morgan) recently assisted staff from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority to collect brooding females of the endangered Cumberland rockface for a captive propagation effort at TWRA's Cumberland River Aquatic Center. The Cumberland rockface has been reduced to only two native populations in the Powell River (VA/TN) and Duck River (TN). This effort is being funded by the Service to reestablish several mussel species, including the Cumberland rockface, back into the Elk River (TN/AL). The last record of the Cumberland rockface from the Elk River was in 1970.

📸: Brittany Bajo-Walker, TWRA

05/15/2026

Today, we join people across the country in recognizing Endangered Species Day—a moment to reflect on the incredible species that helps define our nation’s natural heritage and the work it takes to keep it thriving.

For years, Americans from all walks of life—private landowners, conservation groups, local communities, and dedicated public servants—have stepped up to protect the plants and animals that make this country extraordinary. Every habitat restored, every partnership forged, and every recovery milestone reached is a testament to what we can accomplish together.

📸: USFWS, Emily Granstaff, Robby Cogburn, Abbey Brown

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

A brand‑new conservation facility at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is officially up and running! This project came to life through an incredible team effort across the Tennessee Field Office, Dale Hollow NFH, and Conservation Fisheries, Inc. This facility will improve the long-term sustainability of rare fish recovery programs and build the collective capacity needed to safeguard additional species across the region.

Keep an eye out for the Grand Opening of this exciting new facility — more details coming soon! 👀

Proud of everyone whose dedication made this possible. Another big win for conservation--Check out this Story!

April 7th, 2026, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the endangered Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery in Celina, Tennessee. After more than three years of planning and collaboration between the hatchery, the Service’s Ecological Services Program, and ...

05/04/2026

It's Mussel MAY-nia!!!

Meet the Cumberland rockshell (Theliderma intermedia)!

This little riverbed homebody spends its days quietly filtering water—like a tiny, hard‑working vacuum cleaner keeping our rivers fresh. It may not move fast, but it sure keeps things flowing smoothly. Clean rivers, happy mussels, happy everyone!

📸: Andy Ford, USFWS

04/30/2026

The Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office (TNFO) works every day to protect the wildlife, lands, and waters that make Tennessee such a special place to call home. As part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we team up with communities, landowners, and partners across all levels of government to use sound science and practical solutions to conserve the state’s most at‑risk species and the habitats they depend on. Whether restoring streams, supporting recovery efforts, helping guide fair and responsible land use, or responding to ecological emergencies, our work strengthens the health of Tennessee’s ecosystems while supporting local economies, rural traditions, and clean water for families. By caring for the natural heritage we’ve been entrusted with, TNFO helps ensure that the landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities Tennesseans treasure today will continue to thrive for future generations.

This past year was no exception! Check out some of the highlights from our Fiscal Year 2025 🐠🌿🦇

04/21/2026

The Tennessee Field Office, represented by Karman Morgan, recently participated in a Career Expo at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Madison, AL. The event featured professionals from a wide variety of fields, including NASA, local law enforcement, and Disney Cruise Lines. Students in grades 5–8 were able to interview each professional and ask questions about education paths, daily responsibilities, and what they enjoy most about their work.

Karman hosted an interactive table showcasing an aquarium with invasive Western mosquitofish, a tadpole, and a diving beetle. Students also explored shells from native Alabama mussels, including the endangered Carolina Heelsplitter and Rabbitsfoot. Through these displays, students learned about the ecological importance of freshwater mussels and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s work to conserve threatened and endangered species.