1. Wildflower and old growth forest walk
Date: Sunday, April 13
Location: Meet at West Guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95)
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: Larry Pounds (botanist)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
See a variety of native spring wildflowers and a stand of old-growth trees that have thrived for over 240 years. This off-trail hike covers moderately rough terrain (about 1.5 miles), so participants should have good balance and stamina. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and water. Some areas may be shallow and wet, so boots are recommended. No pets, please.
2. Bird nature walk – Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, April 26
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Sarah Darling, Kelly Roy, and Neil Giffen (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
This walk will follow dirt and gravel roads for 1–2 miles. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray, a bird field guide, binoculars, and water. Expect to see birds of prey and sparrows in the expansive native grass fields, migrating warblers in the early successional and mature forested areas and wading birds along the Clinch River. No pets, please.
3. Frog calls and bat identification – Jones Island Road
Date: Friday, May 9
Location: Meet at Melton Hill Dam Tailwater boat ramp (Hwy 95)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Leaders: Nikki Jones and Sarah Darling (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Visit beaver-impounded ponds to learn how ORNL personnel monitor frog populations and identify various species by their calls, including pickerel frogs, spring peepers, and southern chorus frogs. Watch bats foraging overhead and use special equipment to identify them by their calls. This walk will follow level dirt and gravel roads for less than a mile. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is recommended, as the walk will continue after sunset. No pets, please.
This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "Oak Ridge Reservation nature walks announced" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news
