The Nickajack Naturalist

TWRA Continues Seeking Input on Cummings Cove

  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is continuing to solicit public input on the management of Aetna Mountain's Cummings Cove Wildlife Management Area.  Read more.

Click here  to see an earlier post about the Aetna Mountain four-wheeler conflict.

Exploring the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway's Newest Segment

  The latest addition to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway opened in October 2011.  This four mile segment is part of what, when completed, will be a 14 mile greenway trail following South Chickamauga Creek from East Ridge's Camp Jordan to the Tennessee Riverwalk near Amnicola Highway.  Two sections, totaling about five miles, remain to be built.  One of the main attractions of this new route, known as the Sterchi Farm section, is some impressive elevated boardwalks, traversing lowland areas and hugging steep hillsides along the creek.  There are three access points, at North Hawthorne Street, the Sterchi Farm Park on Harrison Pike (probably the best place to park), and Faith Road.

  The following are some photos I took on a recent hike from the Sterchi Farm Park to the Faith Road trailhead.

The old barn and silo at the Sterchi Farm Park.  It looks like the barn may be being prepared for demolition.

The canoe launch site at Sterchi Farm.

Heading south from Sterchi Farm.

The trail crosses the creek next to Bonny Oaks Drive.

One of the boardwalk sections.

More boardwalk, high above the creek bank.

Passing under a railroad bridge.

The Faith Road trailhead.

  Click here to see Outdoor Chattanooga's page about the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, which includes a Google map of the greenway, directions, and an eight minute video tour of the Sterchi Farm segment. 

Bob Butters 

  

Cumberland Plateau Forests Threatened by Invasive Insect

  One of the treasures of the Cumberland region is the eastern hemlock tree, typically found in the upper reaches of coves and mountain ravines.  These trees are now potentially threatened by the spread of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.  The staff of several agencies and organizations are working on plans to try to save some of the trees.  Read more.

Tourism and Economic Development Promoted for Grundy County

  The Southeast Tennessee Tourism Association and the Appalachian Regional Commission are partnering to identify assets that Grundy County has, such as its abundant outdoor recreation potential, which can be used to improve the local economy by promoting tourism and jobs.  Local and state leaders, and community members, met last week to discuss the idea.  Read more.  

The Swallows Return to the Tennessee Riverwalk

  It seems San Juan, California, with its "Swallows of Capistrano", isn't the only place which looks forward to the annual return of swallows.  Chattanooga's Tennessee Riverwalk has its own annual event of returning swallows.  Read more.

 

 

Meet Birds of Prey with SOAR

  An organization based near Trenton, Georgia helps educate the public about birds of prey.  Read more. 

  Click here to learn about SOAR's fundraising event on March 17 at the Lookout Mtn. Flight Park.