Oak Ridge Today

Learn about Tennessee’s bats at UT Arboretum on Thursday

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Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society

Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society

 

You can learn about the 16 species of Tennessee bats at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Thursday.

Sponsored by the UT Arboretum Society, this family friendly program will be led by Pandy English, the assistant chief of biodiversity for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, a press release said. It’s scheduled to start at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 2.

“We know that bats eat mosquitoes and help pollinate plants, but there is so much more to this mysterious creature,” the press release said.

The program will be at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, which is at 901 South Illinois Avenue. It will include a PowerPoint presentation, bat “show and tell” items, and children’s activities at the end, the press release said. Attendees will learn about bat myths and facts, the characteristics and types of bats in Tennessee, and why bats are one of our most invaluable species. [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…]

Reminder: Emerald ash borer workshop at UT Arboretum this evening

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An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

The Oak Ridge Tree Board is hosting a workshop focused on the impact of the emerald ash borer in the area. The event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, August 29, will provide important information regarding the emerald ash borer for property owners, landscapers, and others involved in the maintenance of green spaces, a press release said.

Ash trees make up a significant percentage of the urban forest in the area and have traditionally been a landscaping staple. Many of these trees in Oak Ridge are already dead or beyond treatment, but a significant number can be saved. At the workshop this evening, experts from around the area will address issues that include the identification of affected ash trees and responses to emerald ash borer infestation, including appropriate treatment. [Read more…]

City tree board has workshop on emerald ash borer on Aug. 29

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An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

The Oak Ridge Tree Board is hosting a workshop focused on the impact of the emerald ash borer in the area. The event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, August 29, will provide important information regarding the emerald ash borer for property owners, landscapers, and others involved in the maintenance of green spaces, a press release said.

“Ash trees make up a significant percentage of our urban forest and have traditionally been a landscaping staple,” the press release said. “Many of these trees in Oak Ridge are already dead or beyond treatment, but a significant number can be saved. At the workshop later this month, experts from around the area will address issues such as identification of affected ash trees and responses to EAB (emerald ash borer) infestation, including appropriate treatment.”

Those who attend will learn about these pests and their origin and how they spread across the country, as well as the techniques used in diverse areas ranging from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to urban areas, such as Knoxville and surrounding municipalities. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge will be viewing site for solar eclipse

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Solar eclipse (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

Solar eclipse (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge will be a viewing site for the solar eclipse on August 21.

It is estimated that the total solar eclipse in Oak Ridge will last 27 to 31 seconds at approximately 2:33 p.m. EDT August 21, a press release said.

The public is invited to view the eclipse in a clear area above the arboretum’s auditorium, the press release said. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m. for cars to park near the site. Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center staff will direct patrons to walk to the area at the top of the hill.

The public is invited to bring chairs, blankets, and viewing devices, the press release said. Normal arboretum rules will be followed including no pets and no picnicking. People are encouraged to bring water. Restrooms will be available in the auditorium building.

For this first solar eclipse over the continental United States since 1979, Oak Ridge is one of the few cities in the path of totality in Tennessee. [Read more…]

Einstein Simplified, an improv comedy group, at UT Arboretum on Sunday

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Einstein Simplified

Einstein Simplified

 

Einstein Simplified, an improvisational comedy group, will perform at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Sunday.

Organizers called it a great early Father’s Day gift for dad, spouse, or friends. But you must bring your sense of humor, they said.

“We live in a crazy up-and-down world, so the UT Arboretum Society is offering you a chance to forget all that on Sunday, June 11, at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge,” a press release said. “Join us as we all laugh non-stop as the renowned award-winning comedy group Einstein Simplified presents an hour of uninterrupted improv comedy. This 23-year-old well-established group performs funny, and often physical, unrehearsed comedy.”

The fun begins at 5 p.m. Sunday with a reception that includes wine and a wide variety of cheeses. “This is a chance to mingle with the comedy troupe and socialize with the crowd,” the press release said. The cost is $30 per person, and that includes one free glass of wine, cheese, crackers, and the comedy show.

All tickets will be sold before the event. There are no walk-up sales. Soft drinks will be provided free of charge. A cash bar for additional glasses of wine will be available. The preferred method of ticket sales is online at the UT Arboretum Society website at http://utas.brownpapertickets.com/. If online purchase is a problem, call (865) 776-8227. [Read more…]

One in critical condition, two discharged after fatal crash by UT Arboretum

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One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

A Corryton woman remains in critical condition at a Knoxville hospital and two people have been discharged after a fatal two-vehicle crash in Oak Ridge on Friday, officials said.

Tabitha Douglas, 26, is in critical condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, the hospital said Tuesday.

Douglas was driving a sedan at the time of the crash, which was reported at about 2:47 p.m. Friday at Commerce Park Drive, which is across from the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue.

A passenger in the sedan, Ashley Blalock, 30, of Knoxville, died. [Read more…]

One person dies, four injured in two-vehicle crash near UT Arboretum

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One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

One person died and four people were injured in the two-vehicle crash near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The crash was reported at about 2:47 p.m. Friday at Commerce Park Drive, which is across from the Arboretum.

The two vehicles involved were a sedan and a sport utility vehicle, the City of Oak Ridge said in a press release.

Three people were inside the sedan: two adults and one child. The adult passenger was killed. The adult driver and child passenger were injured.

Two adults inside the SUV were injured, the city said.

All of the victims were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Two were taken by UT Lifestar medical helicopters and two by ambulance, the city said. The extent of their injuries and current conditions are unknown. Their identities haven’t been released. [Read more…]

Two medical helicopters respond to crash near UT Arboretum

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Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017. One helicopter is visible just to the left of the road sign in the median above. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017. One helicopter is partially visible just to the left of the road sign in the median above. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 6:40 p.m.

Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon.

The crash was reported at about 2:45 p.m. Friday. The first helicopter, a UT Lifestar helicopter, departed at about 3:20 p.m., just as the second one approached to land on South Illinois Avenue.

It’s not clear yet how many vehicles or occupants were involved. [Read more…]

New Year’s Walk at UT Arboretum on Jan. 2

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If you want to get some exercise early in the new year, you can go on a short hike during the Third Annual New Year’s Walk at the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Monday.

The free walk is offered by the UT Arboretum Society. It starts at 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 2,  at the UT Arboretum Auditorium. There, 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 press release said. 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. [Read more…]

Tree workshop dedicated to Pat Imperato to be held at UT Arboretum

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University of Tennessee Arboretum fall scene (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

University of Tennessee Arboretum fall scene (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

Pat Imperato

Pat Imperato

A tree workshop at the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Saturday, November 12, will be dedicated to Pat Imperato, a tireless champion of environmental issues, a press release said. Her advocacy was evident in her long history of contributions to the Oak Ridge Environmental Quality Advisory Board and Keep Anderson County Beautiful, the release said.

The workshop will be presented by the Oak Ridge Environmental Quality Advisory Board in partnership with the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. It’s scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 12, at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, which is at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Imperato, 69, died in October, but she spent the last several years spearheading work on a “Tree Plan” for Oak Ridge. Imperato was also an outspoken proponent for proper stewardship of city and private lands, and she was interested in community education and outreach, the press release said. [Read more…]

MMC hosts Walk to Remember for those dealing with the loss of a child

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No matter the length, every child’s life leaves an impression on a parent’s heart. That’s why the Walk to Remember was established 16 years ago. The national event brings together parents, nurses, and caregivers who’ve lost children. It is a time to celebrate the lives of children who’ve passed away, a time to share memories and remember the life of a child.

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge will host the Walk to Remember on Sunday, October 30, from 2-4 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Arboretum, located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. (The walk will be canceled in the event of rain.)

Whether you are a parent who has lost a child of any age or a nurse or caregiver of a child, all are invited to attend the walk, bring mementos, and take part in a remembrance ceremony, a press release said. Walk to Remember is a free memorial walk sponsored by Methodist Medical Center. The program is held in cities across the country each October, and the Oak Ridge walk is the only program in the greater Knoxville area. [Read more…]