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November 23.2025
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Connecting Art and Community: Explore Alexis Jones' Impact at Nashville SC
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12.14.2025
Discover Nashville Zoo's Hands-On Conservation for Puerto Rican Crested Toads
Update Hands-On Conservation: The Journey of Puerto Rican Crested Toads The conservation efforts for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne lemur) showcase a powerful collaboration between local zoological institutions and global conservation initiatives. At the forefront of these efforts is the Nashville Zoo, which has actively participated in breeding and conservation programs for this endangered species since 2008. Turning the Tide: A Conservation Success Story Thanks to Nashville Zoo's dedicated work, their team saw significant success in their conservation endeavors around 2012 when they introduced a hormone cocktail called Amphiplex. This innovative approach to breeding has allowed them to produce over 33,000 tadpoles for release back into Puerto Rico, with a record-breaking 6,681 tadpoles shipped in 2025 alone. This remarkable achievement underlines the effectiveness of ex-situ conservation efforts to support in-situ (native habitat) conservation. The Importance of Community Engagement Conservation isn't just about the animals; it's also about building relationships within the community. During her recent trip to Puerto Rico, Pia Sandonato, an Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo, engaged directly with local conservation initiatives. She assisted in hands-on fieldwork, experiencing first-hand the challenges these toads face in their natural habitat and learning the significance of community involvement in conservation. Tackling Challenges with Local Collaboration Pia's trip highlights the urgent need to address various challenges threatening the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, including habitat loss, invasive species such as marine toads, and the impacts of climate change. The collaborative work among various zoos, local communities, and organizations like the Puerto Rican Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) is critical in creating effective strategies for habitat restoration and toad population recovery. Future Directions in Conservation Looking ahead, the Nashville Zoo's engagement in the Puerto Rican Crested Toad’s conservation project points to an optimistic path. With support for the establishment of new breeding habitats and the conduct of educational programs focused on the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship, Nashville Zoo plays a vital role in ensuring a future for this unique species. How You Can Help Conservation efforts like those for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad remind us of the collective responsibility we share for our natural world. Interested families and animal lovers can participate in similar initiatives by educating themselves and engaging in local conservation efforts. As the Nashville Zoo highlights, every individual has a role to play in protecting our planet's diverse species. If you enjoyed this story, why not stay connected? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information and updates about events that celebrate the joy of nature and wildlife conservation in our community!
12.03.2025
Discover How New ABC Board Members Are Shaping Nashville's Creative Culture
Update Welcoming New Leaders to ABC Nashville The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville is buzzing with enthusiasm as we welcome three exceptional new members to our Board of Directors: Brittany Macon, Marca Barr, and Eric Cook. Each of these talented individuals brings unique skills and experiences, aiming to contribute to Nashville’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Spotlight on Brittany Macon Brittany Macon is a real estate attorney at Polsinelli, where she champions real estate developers and corporate clients through the twists and turns of commercial transactions. Having graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and Vanderbilt Law School, Brittany is passionate about mentoring within her community. She is actively involved with Monroe Harding, an organization dedicated to foster care, and has previously served as chair for Sewanee Village Ventures. Brittany is not just a legal expert; she is also a devoted family member, looking forward to welcoming her first child into the world. Her commitment to nurturing both the community and her family shines bright in Nashville. Eric Cook: Champion of the Arts Meet Eric Cook, the Director of So+Co Community Initiatives, a fund designed to uplift underrepresented creatives in Nashville. Eric’s journey began as an employment defense attorney with a wealth of experience, including a significant role at Lyft overseeing litigation strategies. His philanthropic efforts aim to expand access to existing arts programs and introduce new opportunities for emerging artists. This dedication reflects his deep respect for Nashville’s artistic diversity and speaks to his vision for a more inclusive creative community. Marca Barr: A Steward of Community Health With a career starting at HCA Healthcare, Marca Barr is a vital player in the Revenue Cycle leadership at Parallon. She specializes in projects that enhance patient safety and healthcare efficiency. Her passions extend beyond her professional life; Marke embraces outdoor activities with her family, enriching her connection to Nashville's natural beauty. She is committed to fostering trust and collaboration in her professional endeavors, making her a role model for upcoming leaders in the community. Community Impact: Strengthening Nashville’s Cultural Landscape The Arts & Business Council continues to play a crucial role in weaving arts into the fabric of Nashville life. With these new board members, they are not just enhancing leadership; they are also reinforcing a commitment to serve vital causes, including youth programs, foster care advocacy, and health initiatives. These areas are critical to ensuring Nashville remains a nurturing environment for both artists and the community. Get Involved: Join the Movement! Are you inspired by the contributions of Brittany, Eric, and Marca? Involvement in local initiatives is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether through volunteering or participating in community events, your engagement can enrich the lives of those around you. Let's build a connected and thriving Nashville together! If you enjoyed this story, why not stay connected? Join Nashville Local Unplugged on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive local information. @nashvillelocalunplugged
11.13.2025
Explore Local Art and Community at Nashville's Soundwaves Gallery
Update Nashville Celebrates Local Artists Through Soccer-Inspired ArtThe Soundwaves Gallery at GEODIS Park is alive with creativity as it showcases ‘THE HE(ART) OF NASHVILLE,’ a captivating exhibition blending the world of soccer with the vibrant artistry of local talent. This season, artists Taylor Walton and Jennifer Folsom's remarkable contributions to the Starting XI promise to engage Nashville families and fans alike.Meet Taylor Walton: A Voice for ChangeTaylor Walton, an African-American visual artist from Chattanooga, uses his art to confront critical social issues. His piece CITY OF GOD is a stunning combination of acrylic paint, oil pastels, team memorabilia, and more—all mounted on plexiglass from a Nashville SC substitution board. Walton’s work not only showcases soccer but also reflects on serious themes of race and socioeconomic disparity, capturing the weight of the Black experience in America.Growing up in the South, Walton faced societal challenges, which fueled his passion for art as a means of expression. He combines diverse techniques like illustration and printmaking to create impactful narratives, demonstrating how sports can intersect with personal and cultural history. His artistic vision aligns with Nashville’s rich landscape of storytelling, making it essential for residents to support local creators, especially those who address vital community themes.Jennifer Folsom: Fiber Artist Transforms Game MaterialsAlongside Walton, Jennifer Folsom’s work, In the Net, utilizes upcycled soccer goal netting—demonstrating that art can evolve from the everyday. The conical book structure of her piece integrates diverse materials like indigo and black walnut ink, inviting viewers to reflect on community connections. Folsom's artistic journey draws from her experiences as a fiber artist actively engaged with Nashville's crafting community. Her aim is to fuse craft with storytelling and heritage, capturing the spirit of teamwork that so resonates in sports.As Programs Chair for the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance, Folsom has empowered numerous makers, turning her focus on how the craftsmanship of local artists can influence the cultural narrative of Nashville. By reimagining soccer materials, Folsom heralds how tradition and innovation can coexist, thus echoing Nashville’s commitment to creative growth.The Community Impact of Soundwaves GalleryThe Soundwaves Gallery initiative isn’t only about art; it’s a call to action for Nashville families, volunteers, and civic-minded individuals to come together and embrace local culture. Each artwork will be auctioned off at the end of the season to support the Nashville SC Community Fund, aimed at enhancing the lives of youth through sports initiatives and community enrichment programs. This reinforces the importance of community involvement—not just in art appreciation, but in nurturing social impact through support for local charities.Attending the Soundwaves exhibit provides families an opportunity to connect with their local artists, engage in meaningful conversations, and inspire the next generation of creators. As families gather to celebrate art and sport, they are also fostering a community spirit rooted in empathy, creativity, and support.
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