The Nickajack Naturalist

Local Projects Get Support From Wild Trails

  Wild Trails, a nonprofit organization which promotes trails in the greater Chattanooga area, has awarded grants of $2,000 each to five trail projects.  They include: the Cumberland Trail Conference's 2012 Break-Away project, Southern Adventist University's Biology Trail, the Trust for Public Land's Stringer's Ridge project, the Tennessee River Gorge Trust's work to upgrade trails on Williams Island, and storm damage repair on Lula Lake Land Trust trails.  Read more.

  To learn more about Wild Trails and to see maps and satellite views of trails in the region, visit http://wildtrails.org.  

Deer Gun Season Underway in the Cumberlands

 Gun season for deer hunting is now underway, and continues through January 1, 2012 in Tennessee, (with a Jan. 7-8 young sportsman hunt), through January 1, 2012 in north Georgia, and through January 31, 2012 in Alabama.  If you're planning to hike, mountain bike, or engage in other forms of outdoor recreation during this period in national or state forests, or wildlife management areas, you should wear bright colored clothing.  Note: white can be mistaken for a deer's tail.  Also, please be respectful of hunters.    

Progress on Moccasin Bend Gateway Plan

  The Moccasin Bend Gateway Plan, which includes plans for extending the Riverwalk to connect Renaissance Park with Moccasin Bend, will be presented next to the Planning Commission and the Chattanooga City Council for approval.  Read more.   

Help Kids Discover the Outdoors

  Russell Cave National Monument and Desoto State Park in Alabama are seeking volunteers to assist in a "Camping 101" project that will introduce kids to the outdoors.  Help is needed with taking kids on hikes, overnight camping trips, night sky programs, and other outdoor activities.  To learn more or sign up, contact Park Ranger Keena Graham at keena_graham@nps.gov or (256) 495-2672.

From Outdoor Chattanooga News and Events newsletter.

 

All About Snapping Turtles

                                                                                   Photo by Kim Butters

  The alligator snapping turtle is very rare in the Tennessee River system, while the common snapping turtle is, as the name implies, more common.  Here's an excellent Outdoor Alabama article which tells you everything you need to know about both varieties, including how to tell the difference between the two.  Read article.

North Shore Parks Gateway Plan -- Nov. 14

  The community is invited to attend an open house and final presentation on the Gateway Plan for the North Shore Parks.  Final concept plans for the Moccasin Bend Gateway and Stringer's Ridge will be on display for public viewing on Mon., Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UTC University Center's Tennessee Room.  A formal presentation will be held at 5:30 p.m. and a Q & A at 6:30 p.m.  The public should RSVP for the public presentation to the Chattanooga - Hamilton Co. Regional Planning Agency by email at northshoreparksgateway@chattanooga.gov or by phone at (423) 643-5901.  No reservation is necessary for the public open house.

From Outdoor Chattanooga News and Events.

 

Riverwalk and Potential New Wildlife Refuge Featured in America's Great Outdoors Initiative

  A Chattanooga Riverwalk extension and a potential new wildlife refuge in the South Cumberland's Paint Rock River watershed are two projects being highlighted in the soon to be released America's Great Outdoors Initiative report.  Read more.

Access Pass in 2012 for Pigeon Mountain and Zahnd Tract

  Beginning January 1, 2012, hikers, mtn. bikers, birders, cavers, climbers, and other non-traditional users of wildlife management areas in Georgia will need a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP).  Locally, this includes Pigeon Mountain and the Zahnd Tract on Lookout Mountain.  Read more.

Pigeon Mountain and McLemore Cove viewed from the Zahnd Tract. 

 

Earth Care Fall Retreat -- Nov. 5

  Earth Care, a Chattanooga based Christian organization which promotes creation stewardship in the Christian comminity, will hold their fall retreat Sat., Nov. 5th at the Tennessee River Gorge Pot Point Field Station.  The public is invited.  To learn more about Earth Care and the event, visit http://earthcareonline.org.