Two more nature walks are scheduled this spring on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation.
They include frog calls and bat monitoring on Friday, May 19, and reptiles and amphibians inventory on Sunday, June 4.
Previous walks included wildflower walks on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 23, and a bird walk on Saturday, April 29.
The May 19 frog calls and bat monitoring event runs from 8 until 10 p.m. as participants will visit some small impounded waterbodies along the Freels Bend causeway to learn how Oak Ridge National Laboratory personnel are monitoring local bat populations and how to identify local frog populations based on calls. Nikki Jones and Kitty McCracken will lead the group along a one-mile level dirt and gravel road. A reliable flashlight is recommended as the walk will occur after sunset, a press release said. The walk is limited to 25, and children are allowed.
The June 4 reptiles and amphibians inventory will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Solway Bend and will be led by John Byrd and Kathy Strunk. Several turtle species will be collected and there will be a presentation about local snake identification and management of local herpetological populations, the press release said. The walk is over dirt and gravel roads and through fields of limited distance. The event is limited to 20. Children are allowed, and there will be opportunities for children to get involved and learn about the animals. Participants should have good balance. The group will meet at 1:30 p.m. at ORISE.
Reservations must be made in advance of each walk and the deadline is noon each Thursday prior to a particular walk. To make reservations, contact Tracy Clem at (865) 574-5151 or bodinetm@ornl.gov.
Participants to each walk should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Most walks are along dirt and gravel trails of about two miles. Service animals are permitted, but must remain under the control of the owner at all times.
More information is available by calling Trent Jett of ORNL’s Environmental Sciences Division at (865) 574-9188 or sending an email to jettrt@ornl.gov.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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