Oak Ridge Today

Comedy group Einstein Simplified at UT Arboretum for May 6 fundraiser

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Einstein Simplified

Einstein Simplified

 

Enjoy an early Mother’s Day with comedy group Einstein Simplified

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society again presents an evening of laughter and live improvisational comedy with Einstein Simplified during a fundraiser on Sunday, May 6.

The fundraiser is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. May 6 at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

“Come enjoy the fun as this well-known Knoxville area comedy improv group entertains us with original, unrehearsed improv,” a press release said. “If you like ‘Second City’ and ‘Saturday Night Live,’ this show is for you! Given today’s roller coaster political climate, we expect a very funny show. Don’t miss it!”

Due to popular demand in 2017, the group is returning to the Arboretum for the second year, the press release said. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has Father-Daughter Hike this month

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. (Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. (Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, February 17, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. The hike is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

In 2018, the UT Arboretum Society is offering a monthly hike on the third Saturday of each month. For the ninth year, the Arboretum is showcasing the February hike as the Father-Daughter Hike, but everyone, regardless of age, is welcome on this hike, a press release said.

“We encourage grandfathers to bring their granddaughters, uncles to bring their nieces, older brothers to bring their young sisters, etc.,” the press release said. “This is a great winter occasion to spend some quality time outdoors and to learn about the UT Arboretum’s trails. We’re all tired of the cold weather, so why not come out an enjoy some exercise?”

This is a short trail hike (one to 1.5 hours), the press release said. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum, Tennessee Bluebird societies have two programs on bluebirds this month

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BLUEBIRD PIC 3

Learn about bluebirds and their environments

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society and the Tennessee Bluebird Society will present two programs on bluebirding this month, a press release said.

A program titled “Bluebirding Basics” will be held on Tuesday, February 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge campus, Goff Room 104.

A second program, “Bluebird Nest Box Trail Monitoring Training,” will be held on Thursday, February 15, at Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge campus, from 7 to 8 p.m., City Room.

If you are interested in bluebirds or want to learn more about them, you are invited to attend these free programs, the press release said. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has New Year’s Walk on Jan. 1

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society has its Fourth Annual New Year's Walk at the UT Arboretum at 901 S. Illinois Ave. in Oak Ridge on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. (Photo by UT Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society has its Fourth Annual New Year’s Walk at the UT Arboretum at 901 S. Illinois Ave. in Oak Ridge on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. (Photo by UT Arboretum Society)

 

If you are overloaded on football, food, and festivities, the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society is offering a great alternative: The Fourth Annual New Year’s Walk at the UT Arboretum on Monday, January 1, 2018.

The arboretum is at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

“Start out the year on the ‘right foot’ by joining the walk that begins at 9:30 a.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, where you will be greeted by fellow hikers and offered coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks,” a press release said. “At 10 a.m. the group will leave for a guided walk that will last about 45 minutes. The hike will follow a forest trail and will visit the Elmore Holly Collection, giving participants the opportunity to see the hollies still covered with berries.

“This is an easy walk on the trails and is suitable for all ages. The Arboretum Society encourages everyone to come out to enjoy an outdoor respite before heading home to watch the bowl games on TV.”

This is a free program offered by the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop at UT Arboretum on Tuesday

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will hold a Make and Take Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at the UT Arboretum Program Shelter at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

“Join UT Arboretum Education Program Coordinator Michelle Campanis to make a centerpiece in a fresh pumpkin,” a press release said. “Michelle will lead the group in looking at ideas and examples of fall-themed centerpieces using pumpkins, gourds, and other plants.”

Materials will be supplied. The class fee is $25. Registration is required and is limited to 20 participants. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 21

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge.

“Fall is the ideal time to add plants to your landscape,” a press release said. “Beaver Creek Nursery, East Fork Nursery, Riverdale Nursery, Sunlight Gardens, as well as the UT Arboretum Society’s members and friends, will be offering a variety of high quality plants at this sale.”

Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted for payment. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society to hold fall wildflower walk meet & greet in September

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Kris Light is pictured above on a fall wildflower walk at the University of Tennessee Arboretum. (Photo by UT Arboretum Society)

Kris Light is pictured above on a fall wildflower walk. (Photo by UT Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will host a meet-and-greet followed by a fall wildflower walk at Haw Ridge Trails on Saturday, September 2. The event is scheduled from 9-11 a.m.

Kris Light, an expert naturalist, educator, and photographer will lead this fun, educational, and easy walk, a press release said. Participants may want to bring a camera to take pictures of the many wildflowers, the release said.

Describing the walk, Light said, “Most people think of springtime as wildflower season, but late summer and fall color the fields and roadsides in gold, purple and white. Come to the fall wildflower walk to learn more about the wildflowers of the fields.” [Read more…]

Award-winning PBS science educator to present eclipse program Aug. 10

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Submitted photo

Submitted photo

 

Award-winning PBS science educator Janet Ivey will present a program on the solar eclipse in Oak Ridge in August.

Ivey is creator of “Janet’s Planet,” which is syndicated on 140 public television stations throughout the U.S. and has received 12 regional Emmys and five Gracie Allen awards, a press release said.

Her August 10 program is titled “A Day in the Dark! Solar Eclipse 2017!” It’s sponsored by the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society.

The family-friendly program will be held in the UT Arboretum Auditorium on Thursday, August 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the press release said. The arboretum is at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

Butterfly Festival at UT Arboretum on Saturday, July 29

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Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Monarch release, UT Insect Zoo, speakers, and children’s activities are highlights

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present its Second Annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium and surrounding grounds, 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.  It is cosponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. The gate will be open at 9:30 a.m., with coffee and donuts available.  The event will take place rain or shine, a press release said.

The event, which drew hundreds of area participants in 2016, is designed for children and adults of all ages. There is ample parking in designated areas of the Arboretum adjacent to the event, the press release said.

The day’s highlight will be the release of 100 butterflies, some at noon and the remainder at 2 p.m.

“We invite children to help release the monarch butterflies, which will be offered at a cost of $10 per butterfly,” the press release said. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.

Nationally recognized author Rita Venable is the keynote speaker. An award-winning writer, photographer, and butterfly expert, Rita will speak about “Small-scale Butterfly Gardening” at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., she will speak on “Butterflies of Tennessee,” the subject of her popular book. Her book will be available for purchase and signing, the press release said. [Read more…]

‘When Good Trees Go Bad’: Lecture & walk at UT Arboretum on Thursday

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Oak Ridge Forest is pictured above in the spring of 2016. (Photo by UT Arboretum)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Oak Ridge Forest is pictured above in the spring of 2016. (Photo by UT Arboretum)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present a short talk and lead a walk on Thursday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Led by Forester Jeff Holt, the short talk and walk will focus on the impact of disease and damage as observed in trees on the walk, a press release said. Holt will discuss how these issues relate to tree hazard mortality risk as they may relate to management and safety of the trees. During the walk, Holt will lead the group around the Arboretum to discuss affected trees, the press release said.

Celebrating 52 years in 2017, this program is one of many activities that will be offered this year by the UT Arboretum Society. The program is co-sponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center.

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, is one of 10 outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.

UT Arboretum Society to hold MOTH…er’s Night Out on Saturday

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Hebrew Moth (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

Hebrew Moth (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will sponsor the popular MOTH…er’s Night Out program to learn about moths and other nocturnal insects on Saturday, May 20, a press release said. The program is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. at the UT Arboretum, which is located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

“Have you ever wondered about what kind of insects are out hunting and eating while you sleep snugly in your bed at night?” the press release asked. “Come learn about these creatures with naturalist Kris Light. After an introductory program in the Visitors Center, we will venture outdoors to check the sheets to observe the insects that have been attracted by the black lights.

“Bring your camera, your friends, and your kids as well as a magnifying glass, a flashlight, and a desire to learn about these fascinating critters! This program is appropriate for all ages.” [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has Spring Wildflower Walk on Sunday

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Kris Light (Submitted photo)

Kris Light (Submitted photo)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will have a spring wildflower walk on Sunday, April 9.

The walk is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Haw Ridge Park on Edgemoor Road in Oak Ridge. The parking lot is at the west end of the park. The walk is free and open to the public. Kris Light, an expert naturalist, educator, and photographer will lead this fun, educational, and easy walk, a press release said.

Participants may want to bring a camera to take pictures of the many wildflowers on the grounds, the press release said. If participants have a wildflower book, Light suggests bringing that as well. [Read more…]