Submitted
On the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation, located in East Tennessee, more than 1,100 vascular plants, 72 fish, 34 mammals, and more than 200 bird species have been observed.
This year, the public is invited to nine nature walks designed to highlight not only the rich flora and fauna diversity of the reservation, but also to demonstrate the work being done to sustainably manage and conserve this resource. Walks will take place on several locations across the Oak Ridge Reservation beginning in late winter through mid-summer. No pets, please.
Reservations for the following events must be made in advance by noon the Thursday prior to each walk by contacting Tracy Clem at (865) 574-5151 or [email protected] More information about these walks is available by contacting Trent Jett at (865) 574-9188 or [email protected]
American Woodcock and Birds of Prey Nature Walk—Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, February 29
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads in Oak Ridge.
Time: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Leader: Vincent Pontello (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), Trent Jett (ORNL)
Limit: 30 (children are allowed)
Description: The American woodcock has an elaborate flight display that can only be viewed in the twilight hours as the sun rises and sets. Join us as we catch a glimpse of these amazing birds on the ORR. In addition, we will have a chance to learn about falconry and birds of prey. Local falconers will be on hand to teach us about hawks and falcons and demonstrate their remarkable hunting skills. Walking will be on gravel roads and through fields, not in overly steep terrain (distance of less than 0.5 miles). Participants need to have sturdy shoes and should dress in layers. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is suggested as some of the walk will be at dusk or after sunset. Recommended items include water, binoculars, field guide to birds, and bug spray if needed.
More Than Fur Mammal Hike—Solway Bend
Date: Saturday, March 14
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leader: Lindsey Hayter (biologist), Sarah Darling (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: Come join us for a hike to search for the signs mammals leave, and how having them around can benefit you. Learn about what they’re “saying.” There will be an opportunity to get hands on with pelts, and skulls of some of the most common mammals found on the ORR, and discuss the physical adaptations that can help you to identify them. Walking will be through fields and over dirt and gravel roads. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
Wildflower and Old Growth Forest Walk
Date: Sunday, April 12
Location: Meet at West Guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Highway 95)
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: Larry Pounds and Paul Durr (botanists)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Description: We will see many native spring wildflowers as well as a stand of old growth trees which has been thriving for more than 240 years. Walking will be off trail, in moderately rough terrain (distance about 1.5 miles). Since this is an off trail hike in rocky country, participants need to have good balance and stamina. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Be aware that there may be some shallow wet areas we will be walking through, and boots are recommended.
Bird Nature Walk—Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, April 25
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Leader: Trent Jett, Sarah Darling, and Neil Giffen (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Description: Walking will be over dirt and gravel roads (distance 1-2 miles). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray, field guide to birds, binoculars, and water. We should see birds of prey and many sparrows in the extensive native grass fields, migrating warblers in the early successional and mature forested areas, and wading birds in the waters along the Clinch River.
Fish and Aquatic Insects—Bear Creek
Date: Saturday, May 16
Location: Meet at North Boundary Greenway trailhead west, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Highway 95), near Highway 58 and 95 junction.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leader: Trent Jett (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: We will visit lower Bear Creek where we will learn about the local fish and aquatic insect populations that are native to the Oak Ridge Reservation. Techniques for collection of aquatic organisms will be demonstrated and participants will have an opportunity to help. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Wear older shoes or rubber boots if you would like to get in the creek and help. Some waders will be made available also.
Impacts and Control of Invasive Plants—Heritage Center Greenway Powerhouse Trail
Date: June date to be determined
Location: Meet at East Tennessee Technology Park visitors overlook, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Highway 58)
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Leader: Kitty McCracken (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: We will observe and discuss many species of exotic invasive plants that occur in East Tennessee and their impacts on local flora. In addition, we will demonstrate and discuss techniques for control of invasive plants including mechanical, chemical, and use of prescribed fire. Bring plenty of questions because discussion is a major component of this educational walk. Walking will be mostly along gravel/dirt roads. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
Reptiles and Amphibians Inventory—Solway Bend
Date: Sunday, June 7
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: John Byrd and Kathy Strunk (CRESO)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: We will collect several turtle species, talk about local snake identification, and discuss management of local herpetological populations. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to get involved and learn about the animals. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt and gravel roads (limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
Town or Country: How to Make Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat—Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, June 13
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leader: Lindsey Hayter (biologist), Sarah Darling, Jamie Herold (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: Come learn how to make your backyard into a habitat both you and your wildlife neighbors can enjoy. From bird feeders to bat boxes, we’ll talk about what structures will be the most useful in your neighborhood. During our walk we’ll discuss strategies used on the Oak Ridge Reservation to landscape with native plants and remove invasive plants, and the various types of techniques that can enhance your property for wildlife. Walking will be through fields and over dirt and gravel roads. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
History Talk at Historic Freels Cabin—Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, August 22
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Leader: Mick Wiest (host)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Description: We will discuss the history of the Oak Ridge Reservation and the families that lived in the area. The walk will be held at the historic Freels Cabin, which will be open for touring. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt and gravel roads (very limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
You can contact John Huotari, owner and publisher of Oak Ridge Today, at (865) 951-9692 or [email protected]
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