Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Thursday, March 10, 2016
  • Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Outdoor Chattanooga's Final Winter Workshop March 17

Map & Compass Navigation is back by popular demand on Thurs., March 17 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. It will be held at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park, is open to the public and appropriate for all ages. Learn the basics of smart technology navigating using a map and compass. The free workshop will be taught by Alan Archer, former U.S. Marine and orienteering expert.

No reservations required, maps and compasses are provided.

Outdoor Chattanooga's Final Indoor Rapid Learning Class April 5

Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Program final indoor session will be April 5 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Hulsey Wellness Center at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. The first session is always free, but there is a $2 fee for participants to enter the Wellness Center, so be sure to bring cash to get in. Boats can be dropped off behind the building, but everyone must enter through the main entrance. For more info email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888. On May 4, Rapid Learning will move outdoors to Chester Frost Park and will occur every Wednesday through Sept.

All About Surfski Paddlesports with Pro Sean Rice April 12

Interested in Surfski as your next paddle sport? Then come to Outdoor Chattanooga on Tues., April 12 from 6 - 7 p.m. and learn from two-time World Surfski Champion, Sean Rice as he presents on the various aspects of the sport, how to get started, and the lifestyle of a pro racer. There will also be Surfski's on hand to view. The presentation is free and open to all ages. 

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events 

Community Events

National Parks Adventure at IMAX through February-April 2016
MacGillivray Freeman's National Parks Adventure 3D takes you on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation's awe-inspiring and untamed wilderness. This new film, now showing at Chattanooga's IMAX Theater, takes you on a virtual tour of America's protected treasures includes iconic locations within Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, the Everglades, Arches and more. Celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the national parks with world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb and explore their way across America's majestic parks in an action-packed expedition that will inspire the adventurer in us all. For showtimes click here.

Wildlife Photography Workshop March 12
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center will host a wildlife photography workshop on Sat., March 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In partnership with the Photographic Society of Chattanooga, this workshop will combine hands-on photography with lectures and digital shows about the art and technique of wildlife photography. Birds that reside at the center will be positioned in natural settings. 
Workshop fee: $55 for non-members. Discounted fee of $49 to Photographic Society of Chattanooga members and Reflection Riding members. A portion of the proceeds from this workshop go to the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. Fee includes all instruction and instructional materials, snacks, admissions and much more. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 participants. To register: Contact Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center at 423-821-1160 ext. 102.

Two Chances to Help Plant Trees March 12 & 13
1.  The postponed tree planting at Woodland Wetland Park is now scheduled for 
Sat., March 12, 9 a.m. at 6735 Standifer Gap Road. Email Bill Phillips to RSVP.
2.  South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Tree Planting on Sun., March 13  2 - 5 p.m.

Come help the Trust for Public Land plant 150 native trees on the new segment of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. The planting day will start at River Point Park at Lost Mound Drive, then the planting crew will divide into teams to replant 3 sections of the greenway. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring water bottle, boots, gloves. The Trust for Public Land will provide boxed meals post-planting around 5 p.m. Please RSVP here.

Free Event: The History of the Tennessee River March 18
It is said that we are all downstream of someone. It is important to know who and what is upstream and downstream so we can work together for the health of our streams. Randy Hedgepath, State Naturalist for Tennessee State Parks will present a photographic and narrative program on the watershed of Tennessee River on Fri., March 18 at 7 p.m. at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Science. Travel with the water of the Clinch, Sequatchie, and Hiwassee and all the other branches of the Tennessee River in this entertaining program. The Event is free but donations are welcome!

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center Goes Dog Friendly March 19
Beginning Sat., March 19 with a free event called Tails on the Trails, you'll be able to hike the 3-mile driving loop and 12 miles of walking trails on Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center's 317 acres with your four-legged companion (on a leash, of course). Waste stations are being installed at the visitors center and along the driving loop and the hiking trails. Dogs will still not be allowed inside the visitors center, on the boardwalk or in the wildlife exhibit area. Tails on the Trails is sponsored by Nooga Paws, a natural pet market located in Chattanooga's 2 North Shore shopping center. There will be prizes available for first-arriving members and their paid guests. There will be pet adoption booths set up by the Humane Educational Society and McKamey Animal Center. A dog show, walks and other dog-friendly activities will take place during the Tails on the Trails event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., March 19. To learn more, click here.

Community News

Tennessee State Parks Spring Hikes March 19
Need more incentive to get outdoors this spring? Tennessee State Parks are encouraging everyone to get out and explore a park by offering guided hikes with trained staff on the first day of Spring, March 19. With 56 different state parks to chose from, there's bound to be a park near you! You can see a full list of scheduled hikes at the Tennessee State Parks website. Be sure to take your camera because the park service is encouraging amateur photographers to photograph their favorite spots and post them on social media with the hashtag #springhikeTN. 

A Virtual Opportunity to Save the Parks

The National Park Foundation and American Express launched Save the Parks, a new mobile game where you can virtually volunteer and exprience how volunteers help conserve and preserve America's National Parks. Save the Park seeks to inspire and encourage a new generation of park lovers to take an active role in helping preserve these important natural and historic resources for future generations. Each time Save the Parks is downloaded, the American Express Foundation will donate $1 to the National Park Foundation, up to $50,000. Do you think you have what it takes to Save the Parks? If so, download, play and share the game with your park loving friends!

2016 Upcoming Events
March
12       Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers' Convention
          Wildlife Photography Workshop
          Harrison Bay Star Gazing Party
          Foto At The Falls
14       Learn to Ride a Bicycle
17       Winter Workshop-Navigate with Map & Compass
19       Ocoee River Opening Day
          Raccoon Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay
          Savage Gulf Marathon
          Tails on the Trails
21       Street Cycling 101
26       Open Day Lula Lake Land Trust
          Birds of Prey Presentation

April
2         Pow Wow & Native American Heritage Festival
          Mountain Goat Trail Run & Walk
          Interscholastic Archery League: Meet 2
6        Spring Fling at Flying Squirrel
8-9     Sculpture Fields Grand Opening
9        Turtlehead Duathlon
9-10    Garden Expo
11       Learn to Ride a Bicycle
12       All About Surf Ski with Pro Sean Rice
15       Intro to Mountain Biking: Core Skills Builder
15-16   Reflection Riding Annual Native Plant Sale
15-17   Trails & Trilliums
16       Intro to Mountain Biking: Singletrack Trail Class
          Chickamauga Chase
          Cumberland Trail Spring Festival
          Night Run 5K Chattanooga
18       Street Cycling 101
19       Intro to Mountain Biking: Core Skills Builder
23       Clean & Green Chattanooga
          Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap
          Night Shift 3/6 Hours of TNT
24       Black Forest Classic: TYMBR Series
28       Corporate Challenge 5K
29-30   Blue Ridge Trout Festival
30       Latin Festival
          Interscholastic Archery League: Meet 3

May
7        3 State 3 Mountain Challenge
14       Little Owl Festival
15       Night Run Chattanooga 5K
21       Paddling By Moonlight
22       Ironman 70.3
24       Chattanooga Chase

June
11      Centennial Program
         Free Fishing Day

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