The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center (CA&NC) at Reflection Riding is offering an array of classes every weekend - directed towards folks wanting to know more about their natural surroundings.
People who attend these classes can come nose to nose and eye to eye with Sandhill Cranes, Red Wolves, and a variety of owls. They can also learn about the geology of Lookout Mountain, history of Reflection Riding, do nature journaling and learn about photography, native wildflowers and trees.
"We are excited about the mission of our new adult education programming designed to provide hands-on, land-based experiences for the amateur naturalist, the backyard conservationist, and all life-long learners,” Dr. Jean Lomino, CA&NC executive director said. “Experts in a variety of nature education specialties will use as their classroom the unique and historic field and forest property of Reflection Riding Land Conservation Trust."
Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center (formerly Chattanooga Nature Center) was the first to provide environmental education classes in the Tri-State area - nearly 35 years ago. Since that time, over half a million school children have been to the property, learning about native animals and plants.
“This program is an exciting step for the future of these two organizations who have joined as one to offer our community the best of both,” Rowena Lee Belcher, CA&NC board hairwoman said. “We want to remind people of all generations that we provide a unique learning environment for a diversity of mission related topics from protection of our native flora and fauna, the fascinating history of the area and even what an “arboretum” actually is! The forecast is looking good, come take a walk in the woods with us.”
All programs will be begin at CA&NC Visitor Center unless further noted and require registration. Call 423 821-1160, ext. 0 to register for these howling great new programs.isit chattanoogaanc.org for more details.
The classes are listed below:
Herpetology
Date: January 26
Time: 12:00 – 2:00pm
Ages: 16 +
Cost: Members $15; Non members $20
Corey Hagen, CA&NC Director of Education will help participants become better acquainted with the reptiles and amphibians that live in our backyards. The presentation will cover many snakes, frogs, toads, lizards, salamanders that live in this region and their adaptations for survival. Live animal ambassadors will help to illustrate the principles presented. The program will take place entirely indoors.
Introduction to Sandhill Cranes
Date: January 26
Time: 2:00-3:00
Ages: Program geared to age 12 and up
Cost: $8 Members; $10.00 Non members
Dr. David Aborn, UTC Professor and Ornithologist will teach a class based on his recent research about Sandhill Cranes. Topics to be covered include Sandhill Crane biology and their economic impact on the Hiawassee region.
Photography 101
Date: January 27
Time: 2:00-5:00
Ages: 16+
Cost: $25 Members; $30 Non members
Join professional photographer, Bob Hulse to learn the basics of outdoor photography. Winter is a wonderful time for contrast and open views. More details will be posted on the website.
February
Fortunate Wilderness
Date: February 2
Time: 1:00-3:00
Ages: 12 +
Cost: Members $8; non-members $10
Isle Royal is the setting of the world’s longest study of predator-prey relationships. Since 1958 researchers have been studying the relationship between wolves and moose on this island in Lake Superior. The class led by CA&NC Naturalist, Jeremy Hooper will consist of a 60 minute documentary on the Isle Royal study followed by a discussion about the importance of conserving our major predators in North America, including the endangered red wolf.
Book Chat-The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell
Dates: Thursdays-February 7, February 21, and March 7, 2013
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Cost: $15 for all three sessions
Our Adult Education Program will host our first Book Chat featuring the book, The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell, a professor of Biology at the University of the South. This book follows the author’s close observations of a small circle of old growth forest for one year in southeast Tennessee. Dr. Haskell won the 2012 Natural History Literature Award given by the Natural Outdoor Book Awards. Participants will discuss this book during three evening sessions. Our Book Chat facilitator is Pat Fountain, retired educator and person of many talents! A limited number of books will be available for purchase in the CA&NC gift shop.
Winter Tree Identification
Introductory lecture: Friday, February 8th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Field Class: Saturday, February 9th, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: $55 for members; $65 for non-members.
(Limited to 20 participants. Cost includes text book and snacks. Lunch not provided. Fee must be paid in advance to reserve your spot.)
The US southeastern forest is a diverse community of over 200 woody plant species. Through this class you will begin developing the skills required to identify our woody plants in the winter months. Join CA&NC Arboretum Curator, Dennis Bishop as he presents an introductory Friday lecture and field study Saturday on our 317 acres of woodland, meadow and wetland habitats. This class is designed for nature enthusiasts, outdoor educators, teachers, home school parents, naturalists, informal educators, and all lifelong learners who want to know the basics of tree identification.
Civil War Hike
Date: February 9
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Ages: 15+
Cost: Members $20; Non members $25 (limited to 20 participants)
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center is located near the site of the Battle of Lookout Mountain. In November 1863, Federal troops attacked the Confederates, who at the time controlled the Tennessee River and the City of Chattanooga from their position atop Lookout Mountain. This hike will take an in-depth look at the landscape and history of the western Battle for Chattanooga. Lawrence Alexander of Alexander Archaeological Consultants, Inc., will lead the hike across the Confederate positions. The program will be outdoors with a 1.5 hour, moderate hike.
The Nature of a Life Journaling Retreats
The rhythms of nature are hardwired in our brains. Seasonal changes affect us physically, of course, but emotionally and spiritually as well. By taking a new, closer look at the plants, animals and landscapes around us, we can make many connections with our own lives. Come gather with fellow learners for seasons of renewal using simple nature journaling techniques. Retreat facilitator and CA&NC Executive Director Dr. Jean Lomino, has taught nature journaling and outdoor education to hundreds of people for over 14 years.
You may register now for all four retreats, or, if you prefer, one at a time. Each session is limited to 20 participants.
The Nature of a Life—Winter
Date: Saturday, Feb. 16
Time: 9:30-4:30
Ages: 16+
Cost: $60 Members; Non-Members $65
In winter the landscape opens up and we can see things more clearly. Just as plants and animals slow down to conserve vital resources, we too can pause to reflect on the past and to plan for the future. We will study ecological edges and interrelationships in nature. We will use what we observe in nature to develop personal frameworks for living simply and joyfully in the year ahead.
Geology of Lookout Mountain
Date: February 21
Times: 1:00-5:00
Cost: $20 Members: Non-Members $25
Hike with Bob Hulse to learn more about the fascinating geology of Lookout Mountain. Please watch the website for more details about this class.
Book Chat-The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell
Dates: Thursdays-February 7, February 21, and March 7, 2013
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Cost: $15 for all three sessions
Our Adult Education Program will host our first Book Chat featuring the book, The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell, a professor of Biology at the University of the South. This book follows the author’s close observations of a small circle of old growth forest for one year in southeast Tennessee. Dr. Haskell won the 2012 Natural History Literature Award given by the Natural Outdoor Book Awards. Participants will discuss this book during three evening sessions. Our Book Chat facilitator is Pat Fountain, retired educator and person of many talents! A limited number of books will be available for purchase in the CA&NC gift shop.
Seasonal Herbs for Year-Round Health
Each class can be attended separately or together as a package.
10am-3pm; Bring your lunch.
$60 per class ($50 per class if registering for all 4 classes as a package)
Reconnect with the seasons through the wisdom of plant medicine. Learn how to heal common health complaints with gentle herbs. Join herbalist and therapist Holli Richey for a series of classes in herbal medicine focusing on how to support our physical, mental and emotional health naturally through the seasons. Holli Richey is a Registered Herbalist (AHG), MS, LMS and a holistic psychotherapist and herbalist practicing at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Chattanooga.
Feb 23
Winter Herbs
Staying well during our long winter’s nap: Immune supporting herbs.
March
Red Wolves: Their Biology and their Future
Date: March 2
Time: 2:00-4:00
Cost: $10 members; $15 nonmembers
With video, powerpoint, and red wolf artifacts, learn about this highly endangered canid, how they are managed, breeding information and recovery information. The class will be presented by Tish Gailmard, CA&NC Wildlife Curator and member of the national board for the Red Wolf Recovery Program. After the class, participants will visit CA&NC’s captive Red Wolves in the Wildlife Wanderland and discover each of their stories and the personal experiences of their keepers.
Book Chat-The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell
Dates: Thursdays-February 7, February 21, and March 7, 2013
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Cost: $15 for all three sessions
Our Adult Education Program will host our first Book Chat featuring the book, The Forest Unseen by Dr. David George Haskell, a professor of Biology at the University of the South. This book follows the author’s close observations of a small circle of old growth forest for one year in southeast Tennessee. Dr. Haskell won the 2012 Natural History Literature Award given by the Natural Outdoor Book Awards. Participants will discuss this book during three evening sessions. Our Book Chat facilitator is Pat Fountain, retired educator and person of many talents! A limited number of books will be available for purchase in the CA&NC gift shop. Please register now to reserve your spot by calling 821-1160 ext. 0.
A Walk Through Time in Lookout Valley
Date: March 16
Time: 12:00-2:00
Cost: $15 members; $20 nonmembers
It is difficult to walk anywhere in this beautiful valley without stepping into footprints from earlier times, be they barefoot, moccasin, military boot or farmer's field shoes. Join the class, taught by longtime CA&NC Volunteer and experienced Naturalist, Michael Green, to take a leisurely stroll along the creek beginning at the Paddler's Perch and ending at Millison Field (and the proximate location of Light's Mill.) Along the way hear the stories of the people and the fields, trees, plants, animals and water that nurtured them. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles one way. Car pooling may be arranged for folks who cannot walk the entire way and back.
Wildlife Photography
Date: March 23
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: $50 per participant
(Participants should be age 16 +)
Join Tom and Pat Corey, nationally acclaimed wildlife photographers, for a unique learning experience in a unique setting. Learn professional techniques for photographing wild animals while practicing your skills with CA&NC’s resident raptors and other wildlife ambassadors. This class is open to photographers of all levels, and no special equipment is needed. Class fee includes snacks, water, and admission to the property for the day. After class spend the rest of the day photographing flora and fauna to be seen on the property.
This class will be limited in size to enhance the learning experience for the participants, so call and reserve your place soon.
Open Air Yoga
Date: March 30
Hours: 10am – 12pm
Cost: $30 members; $35 non-members
Stretch, breathe, and reconnect with nature through these timeless exercises suitable for all levels. Anita Gaddy has been teaching yoga for over a decade and weaves her love of outdoors into a playful, moving meditation. Wear comfortable clothing, bring an old mat if you have one (we'll have extras). Refreshments provided.
April
Reflection Riding Spring Plant Sale and Open House
Date: April 5-7
Check the website for hours and a full description of guided walks and workshops.
The Canoe from Ancient times to Present
Date: April 13
Time: TBA
Cost: $20 members; $25 nonmembers
Mike Hills is an avid paddler, canoe collector, wood canvas canoe restorer and ACA instructor. He will share his knowledge of the historical canoe and how he has developed a relationship of deep respect and reverence for this crucial means of transportation from ancient times to present. This class is for experienced and beginner paddlers, as well as history buffs. You will see firsthand the wood canvas canoe which he personally constructed and participate in other hands-on experiences. You may never look at a canoe or paddle the same again!
Spring Babies
Date: April 20
Time: 2:00-3:00
Cost: $10 members; $12 nonmembers
I found a wild animal baby —what should I do now? Learn how to deal with this situation, who to contact and whether the animal even needs help. Tish Gailmard, Wildlife Curator and licensed wildlife rehabilitator will answer all your questions about this perennial dilemma.
The Nature of a Life Journaling Retreats
The rhythms of nature are hardwired in our brains. Seasonal changes affect us physically, of course, but emotionally and spiritually as well. By taking a new, closer look at the plants, animals and landscapes around us, we can make many connections with our own lives. Come gather with fellow learners for seasons of renewal using simple nature journaling techniques. Retreat facilitator and CA&NC Executive Director Dr. Jean Lomino, has taught nature journaling and outdoor education to hundreds of people for 14 years.
You may register now for all four retreats, or, if you prefer, one at a time. Each session is limited to 20 participants.
The Nature of a Life—Spring
Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 9:30-4:30
Ages: 16+
Cost: $60 Members; Non-members $65
Spring is a time of renewal. It is planting and birthing time in the natural world. We will spend time listening to the earth, awakening all of our senses, and then recording what we discover in our journals. We will study patterns in nature and the food web. We will focus on breathing, eating simply and taking care of our physical selves.
Seasonal Herbs for Year-Round Health
Each class can be attended separately or together as a package.
10am-3pm; Bring your lunch.
$60 per class ($50 per class if registering for all 4 classes as a package)
Reconnect with the seasons through the wisdom of plant medicine. Learn how to heal common health complaints with gentle herbs. Join herbalist and therapist Holli Richey for a series of classes in herbal medicine focusing on how to support our physical, mental and emotional health naturally through the seasons. Holli Richey is a Registered Herbalist (AHG), MS, LMS and a holistic psychotherapist and herbalist practicing at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Chattanooga.
Spring Herbs
Date: April 27
Awakening the stuck energy of winter: Spring cleanse and tonics
Bird Banding
Date: April 27
Time: TBA
Cost: $10 members; $15 nonmembers
Join Dr. David Aborn as he collects data on migrant songbirds captured in mist nets. See these wild birds up close as each one is weighed, examined and fitted with an identification tag. This activity is part of a UTC research project.
All classes are designed for adults 18+ and will begin at the CA&NC Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.