Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Outdoor Chattanooga, a division of the City of Chattanooga, is offering a series of free, indoor winter workshops to equip citizens with new skills and encourage people to go outside when warm, sunny days return. Every Thursday evening from Jan. 19 through March 4, Outdoor Chattanooga will present a different opportunity to learn a new skill, including knots and rescue systems for paddlers, planning and leading a successful hike, navigating with map and compass, and bike maintenance. All classes are free and open to the public. The indoor winter workshops will be held every Thursday at Outdoor Chattanooga (200 River St.) in Coolidge Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Beginning Feb. 1, Outdoor Chattanooga will also be offering free indoor archery classes at its facility in Coolidge Park. The sessions, which are from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday through March 8, are a free, hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals, the class is taught using National Archery in Schools (NASP) equipment and procedures. The archery classes are open to age 6 and up. No reservation nor prior experience is required, and all equipment is provided.

INDOOR WINTER WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE

Jan. 19, 2017
Knots & Rescue Systems for Paddlers
Do you know the ropes for river rescue and recovery? This classroom based workshop is open to all skill levels and is most appropriate for paddlers interested in learning basic knots, types of rope, types of anchors, and mechanical advantage systems used for river rescue situations. All attendees will get to throw a rope and learn how to re-coil quickly and efficiently for that potentially life-saving second throw! No reservation required.
Instructors: Mike Shillinger, who is an ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and has been involved with the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club (TVCC) Safety Program since 2008, and Rachel Roman, who is working to complete her Swift Water Rescue Certification and is also a member of the TVCC.

Jan. 26, 2017
How to Plan and Lead a Day Hike

Proper planning and preparation is necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors, especially if you are the one organizing the trip. Learn the elements of preparing and leading a day hike to make your trip safer and more enjoyable for all involved. From an essential gear packing list to info about area trails and maps to suggestions for beginner and seasoned hikers, you'll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to lead a group day hike. No reservation required.

Instructor:  Zach Bopp, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Chattanooga

Feb. 2, 2017 - Groundhog Day!
Critter Encounters: Backyard to Backwoods
In honor of Groundhog Day, Outdoor Chattanooga and Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center are offering an outdoor ethics workshop related to critters on the trail. Get close to several rescued forest animals to gain a greater understanding of these creatures, learn how to prevent problematic and dangerous encounters, essential prevention techniques to properly critter proof your campsite - including how to hang a bear bag. No reservations required.
Instructors: Terri Chapin, Leave No Trace Master Educator and Program Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga, and Corey Hagen, Director of Education & Wildlife Management at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Feb. 9, 2017
Navigate with Map and Compass

We've become pretty dependent on smartphones for finding our way, but what happens if the signal fails or the battery quits while you're out on the trail? Learn the basics of smart technology navigating using a map and compass. Maps and compasses will be provided for the class. Apply your new skills later on March 4 during a guided practice course, or visit Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center to participate in their orienteering course. See the Outdoor Chattanooga online calendar for additional details.

Instructors: Alan Archer, former U.S. Marine and orienteering expert, and Zach Bopp, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Chattanooga

Feb. 16
Bike Maintenance 101

Outdoor Chattanooga staff bicycle guru, James Eubank, will lead participants through three different aspects of bicycle maintenance: fixing a flat tire and ways to prevent future flats, quick ways to clean and lube your bicycle with minimal equipment, and tuning your rear derailleur with ease. Participants can choose one or all three skills to learn. Tools will be provided, and questions will be encouraged. Hands and clothing might get dirty or greasy. Bring your bike for demonstration or use one of Outdoor Chattanooga’s bikes. No previous bike knowledge nor registration is required.
Instructor: James Eubank, Recreation Specialist for Outdoor Chattanooga and League Cycling Instructor for League of American Bicyclists

Feb. 23
How to Poop in the Woods
From day hikers to professional outdoor athletes, people who enjoy the woods may also ponder how to leave no trace. At this workshop, you will learn Leave No Trace proper disposal techniques for personal waste, pet waste and food scraps while in the front or back country. Leave No Trace teaches researched principles on best practices for waste disposal. No reservation required.
Instructor: Terri Chapin is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and Program Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga

March 4

Map & Compass Navigation Field Class

Put it into practice. Alan Archer, former U.S. Marine and orienteering expert will lead participants on an outdoor expedition to use the skills taught during the Feb. 9, 2017, Map & Compass Class, but attendance at the first class is not required to participate in this session. You'll be put to the test in this outdoor field exercise to prove you can use a map and compass to navigate your way. Reservations are required. Transportation from Outdoor Chattanooga is available.

For more information visit outdoorchattanooga.com.
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