Plus, meet the Nashville Zoo's new fanaloka pup.
 
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Today’s Forecast

68º | 0% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:49 a.m. | Sunset 6:59 p.m.

 
Read it and leaf
A view of a walking trail in Centennial Park with lush green trees and grass as the sun peeks through them.
Use this guide to identify the types of trees at Centennial Park. | Photo via @centennialpark
A new Urban Tree Canopy Assessment determined that between 2016 and 2021, Nashville’s tree canopy declined by 674 acres. That’s about the size of five Centennial Parks.

Metro is responsible for conducting this assessment every five years. Why the spotlight on trees? Beyond mitigating stormwater runoff, improving air quality, offering cooler summer temperatures, and supporting wildlife habitats, trees provide lasting benefits for physical and mental health.

Report highlights

The results — based on 2021 imagery from the USDA’s National Agriculture Imagery Program — provide a snapshot of canopy changes between 2010, 2016, and 2021. As of three years ago, Nashville contained 56% tree canopy (169,832 acres) and 24% (72,400 acres) available for canopy expansion. The remaining 20% (think: roads and parking lots) is deemed unsuitable for planting.

From 2010 to 2021, Nashville experienced a 1.7% (5,095 acres) increase in canopy. Yet, gains from tree planting and natural revegetation were countered by tree loss, primarily due to development, extreme weather events like tornadoes, and Emerald Ash Borer infestation, according the report.

A graphic of Davidson County, Tennessee, breaking down Nashville's tree canopy by Urban Services District (39%) and General Services District (67%).

Overall, both districts experienced a net gain in canopy over the 11-year study period. | Graphic via Metro Nashville

Community-level canopy

To aid future urban forestry planning, Metro assessed the existing tree canopy and potential expansion in Davidson County’s 14 community plan areas. While 10 areas had below-average tree canopy cover, the far north and southwest portions of the county — think: Bellevue, Joelton, and Whites Creek — contribute over 50% of Metro’s total canopy.

In terms of potential planting areas (PPA), the Madison and Donelson-Hermitage-Old Hickory community plan areas have the highest percent available at 30% and 29%, respectively. Downtown offers 183 acres of plantable space, which could double its canopy cover. See the complete breakdown on page 16.

Rooting for more trees

While the report doesn’t get into specific recommendations, area organizations are working to increase Nashville’s tree canopy.

Just last week, the Tennessee Environmental Council gathered at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to commemorate the one million native trees planted by the organization from 2007 to 2024. Meanwhile, Root Nashville has planted and distributed 37,000 trees — working toward its goal of 500,000 trees by 2050.
 
 
Events
 
Wednesday, March 20
  • Paul Jacobs | Wednesday, March 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl. | $26+ | Jacobs is a frequent guest soloist with the Nashville Symphony and returns for a powerhouse program of J.S. Bach and Liszt.
  • Sierra Ferrell | Wednesday, March 20-Thursday, March 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $51+ | The artist performs her “Shoot for the Moon” tour with special guests Nikki Lane (3/20) and Vaden Landers (3/21).
Thursday, March 21
  • Third Thursdays | Thursday, March 21 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. | $22 | Guests 18 years and older are invited to explore the Adventure Science Center after hours.
Friday, March 22
  • We Them One’s Comedy Tour | Friday, March 22 | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $138+ | The show features Deray Davis, DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, Lil Duval, Mojo Brookzz, and Money Bag Mafia.
  • The War and Treaty | Friday, March 22 | 7:30-8:45 p.m. | Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery, 3125 Hwy. 231, Shelbyville | Free | The Grammy-nominated country duo will take the stage in celebration of the bar’s one-year anniversary.
Saturday, March 23
  • Middle Tennessee Daffodil Show | Saturday, March 23-Sunday, March 24 | Times vary | Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Dr. | Cost of admission | Make your way to Massey Auditorium to view floral designs, photography, and art on display.
  • Start Your Engines! | Saturday, March 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lane Motor Museum, 702 Murfreesboro Pk. | Cost of admission | Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of select museum vehicles.
Sunday, March 24
  • Sleepover at the Museum | Sunday, March 24 | 3 p.m. | Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Pl. | $11+ | Join Mason and friends for a musical and scientific scavenger hunt in this Nashville Symphony concert.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Plan Ahead
 
BrickUniverse returns with a bigger and blockier experience
A large castle made of LEGOs with soldiers, boats, trees, and multiple soaring spires.
Not even former NBA defensive icon Dikembe Mutombo has this many blocks. | Photo provided by BrickUniverse
BrickUniverse is back, and it’s about to block your world.

The beloved fan expo and celebration of all things LEGO returns to the Farm Bureau Exposition Center May 25-26 for its fourth straight year, demonstrating (again) that everyone’s favorite plastic brick is so much more than just a toy.

Thousands of LEGO enthusiasts of all ages will have the chance to build, learn, explore, and meet award-winning professional artists from around the country to delve into the imaginative process of brick-building firsthand. Attendees can expect:
  • Larger-than-life LEGO exhibits and works of art, from intricate mosaics to massive 100,000-piece block sculptures
  • Dedicated Building Zones to unleash your colorful creativity
  • Exclusive merch + limited-edition LEGO sets
  • LEGO building contests with the chance to be featured on BrickUniverse’s website and social platforms
  • Much more
Tickets are already going fast, so we recommend securing yours sooner rather than later.
 
News Notes
 
Announced
  • The Nashville Zoo announced the birth of a male spotted fanaloka pup. The zoo has four other spotted fanaloka in its care and is the only US facility to house this small mammal native to Madagascar. You can say hi to this male pup at the zoo’s veterinary center.
Sports
  • Nashville SC released their Leagues Cup 2024 Group Stage schedule — a matchup against Mazatlán FC at GEODIS Park (July 31) and a road match vs. New England Revolution (Aug. 6). Season ticket holders can purchase tickets today at 10 a.m. before the general public sales begin at 2 p.m.
Watch
  • Official watch party alert. Cheer on the 12th-seeded Vanderbilt women’s basketball team tonight as they take on Columbia in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament. The event at Central BBQ begins at 7:30 p.m. with free food while supplies last. RSVP here.
Eat
  • Dicey’s Tavern is hosting west side bar Otto’s on Tuesday, March 26. Find a seat on Dicey’s back patio (6-10 p.m.) for a special crunchy taco pizza and frozen Painkiller cocktails, as well as tunes from Otto’s own DJ Corn. Here’s a sneak peek.
Community
  • Civic Design Center will host local teens at its Up-Size Field Day on Saturday, March 23. Visit Madison’s Cedar Hill Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to view designs and share ideas for an up-size playground — aka, a playground exclusively for teens — and participate in field games.
Plan Ahead
  • Early birds catch the jingle bells. Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s 14th annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency returns for a 12-concert run on select dates in November and December. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Finance
Trending
 
 
Biz
 
💼 We’re taking you to business school
Downtown Nashville skyline at sunset with a view of the Cumberland River and Batman building.
Learn more about the area’s top industries and employers. | Photo via Pexels
More than 1.2 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Nashville metro area’s $188 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about Music City’s heaviest hitters?

Consider this Nashville Business 101 — your guide to our region’s key industries and major employers.

The key industries

There are four major industries that represent the bulk of the region’s economy, based on 10-county data from Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Health care
  • Music and entertainment
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Tourism and hospitality
Learn more about the leading industries and get to know the region’s top employers at the button below.
 
Asked
 
Test your business knowledge: Which company employs the most people globally?
A. Amazon
B. McDonalds
C. Walmart
D. Starbucks
 
The Buy
 
The Baby Shower Gift Guide. Give the gift of parenthood practicality or highchair high-fashion for the growing family in your life.
 
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The Wrap
 
Dylan Today’s edition by:
Dylan
From the editor
I haven’t made it over to Hillsboro Village’s newest restaurant, Only Chicken, but I’m loving the pop of color on the patio. Heads up, they also serve vegetarian dishes, according to the menu.
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