MISSION
TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning) is dedicated to achieving and perpetuating protection of natural lands and waters by means of public ownership,
legislation, or cooperation of the private sector. While our first focus is on the Cumberland and Appalachian regions of East Tennessee, our efforts may extend to the rest of the state and the nation. TCWP's strength lies in researching information pertinent to an issue, informing and educating our membership and the public, interacting with groups having similar objectives, and working through the legislative, administrative, and judicial branches of government on the federal, state, and local levels.
TCWP STEWARDSHIP AREAS
ACTION ALERT
NATURE WALKS
Oak Ridge Reservation
SPRING 2012
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On the Oak Ridge Reservation, over 1100 vascular plants, 72 fish, 34 mammals and over 200 bird species have been observed. This spring there are 6 nature walks designed to highlight not only the rich flora and fauna diversity of the reservation, but also to demonstrate the work being done to sustainably manage and conserve this resource.
Reservations for the following events must be made in advance by noon the Thursday prior to each walk by contacting Tracy Clem, 865-574-5151 (bodinetm@ornl.gov). If inclement weather forces postponement of an event, it will be announced on ORNL's Information Line at 865-574-9836 (i.e. 574-XTEN) at least two hours before the scheduled walk.
More information about these walks is available by contacting Trent Jett at 865-574-9188 (jettrt@ornl.gov).
American woodcock and winter Astronomy “night walk” – Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, February 25 (Sunday, February 26 if inclement weather)
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south) the ORISE building at corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads.
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Leader: Jim Evans (TWRA), David Fields (ORION)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Recommendations: Walking will be off trail, but not in overly steep terrain (distance < 1 mile). Since this is an off trail hike, participants need to have sturdy shoes and should dress in layers. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is suggested as most of the walk will be after sunset. Night vision is very sensitive to white light, so you may consider a red filter or red LED light. Recommended items include water, binoculars, field guide to birds, field guide to stars, bug spray if needed. We should see American woodcock flight displays, winter constellations, and Jupiter.
No pets please.
Wildflower walk – Rainy Knob on Freels Bend
Date: Sunday, April 15
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south) the ORISE building at corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads.
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Leader: Larry Pounds (individual)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Recommendations: Walking will be off trail, but not in overly steep terrain (distance about 3 miles). Since this is an off trail hike, participants need to have good balance and stamina. This is rocky country. We will see rocky sinkholes and a cave entrance. We will also see the unusual green violet and other native spring flowers.
Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water.
No pets please.
Bird Walk – Poplar Creek/ETTP Beaver Pond and Vicinity
Date: Saturday, April 28
Location: Meet at ETTP visitors overlook, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 58)
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Leader: Jim Evans (TWRA)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Recommendations: Walking will be over level dirt/paved roads (distance 1-2 miles). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray, field guide to birds, binoculars, and water. We should see osprey, red-headed woodpecker, and many migrating warblers.
No pets please.
Fish and Aquatic insects – Bear Creek
Date: Saturday, May 12
Location: Meet at west guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 58)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Leader: Mike Ryon and Trent Jett (ORNL)
Limit: 15 (children are allowed)
Recommendations: We will visit lower Bear Creek where we will learn about the local fish and aquatic insect populations that are native to the Oak Ridge Reservation. Techniques for collection of aquatic organisms will be demonstrated and participants will have an opportunity to help. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Wear older shoes or rubber boots if you would like to get in the creek and help!
No pets please.
Reptiles and amphibians inventory – Solway Bend
Date: Sunday, June 3
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south of) the ORISE building at corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: John Byrd (CRESO)
Limit: 15 (children are allowed)
Recommendations: Walking will be through fields and over level dirt/gravel roads (limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. We will collect several turtle species, talk about local snake identification and discuss management of local herps populations.
No pets please.
Invasive plants – various sites on Oak Ridge Reservation
Date: Saturday, July 14
Location: Meet at west guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 58)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Leader: Mike Ryon (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children under the age of 10 not allowed)
Recommendations: This walk will be mostly carpooling to different sites on the reservation to discuss the variety of invasive plants and impacts to local flora and fauna. Walking will be limited at each site. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water.
No pets please.
Join the Conservation Caravan for Conservation Day on the Hill
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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One-day Nashville Jaunt
State Legislative Committee Meetings
Visits with Elected Officials
Carpool now organizing
Stops along I-40
From Knoxville to Cookeville
Sandra@sandrakgoss.com or 865.583-3967
For more information, call TCWP Executive Director Sandra at 865-583-3987, or send email to sandra@sandrakgoss.com.
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