In 1913 the Louisville and Nashville Railroad purchased 1,000 acres of land just south of Nashville to build a reservoir large enough to supply water for its steam engines at nearby Radnor Yard.
Over the next couple of years, a dam was built along Otter Creek with a series of pipes that allowed around one million gallons of water to be drained off the lake daily. As diesel engines replaced the aging steam engines, the lake and surrounding areas were sold off. In 1971 local citizens, scientists, environmental groups, and other officials raised money to purchase the property from developers. The efforts of “Save Radnor Lake” helped establish Tennessee’s first official state park in 1973.
Today, Radnor Lake State Natural Area encompasses 1,368 acres and has an abundance of wildlife, environmental education programs, and hiking opportunities. The park is open from 6:00 AM until twenty minutes after sunset.
Radnor Lake is a great place for nature enthusiasts. Along with many types of wildflowers, there are a variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that can be observed. You are likely to see deer, owls, turtles, snakes, chipmunks, otters, and beavers just to name a few. During the spring and autumn months, Radnor Lake is a hot spot for migrating birds.
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center houses several birds of prey including hawks and bald eagles. They also offer interpretive programs conducted by park staff. Visit their website or give them a call for more details.
One experience I had there a couple of years ago really stands out in my memory. I had been observing a barred owl’s nest for several weeks, watching the adults feed and care for their owlet. That morning I arrived early in hopes of watching the owlet leave the nest (fledge) for the first time. After a couple of hours, there were no signs of the adults or the little owlet. As I was getting ready to leave, I caught a glimpse of what looked like a clump of leaves falling from a tree. It was actually the little owlet; it had apparently fledged shortly before I arrived.
As I looked down at it, it was just standing on the side of the trail, almost “begging” me to take its picture. I happily obliged and took lots of photos. After exploring the ground for a while, it climbed back up into the trees and practiced flapping its wings.
I thanked it for allowing me to share some time with it and moved on. Learn more about Radnor Lake State Natural Area at: www.tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake
Radnor Lake’s address:1160 Otter Creek Road Nashville, TN 37220