On the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation, located in East Tennessee, more than 1,100 plant species, 72 fish species, 34 mammal species and more than 200 bird species have been observed. This year the public is invited to six nature walks designed not only to highlight the rich flora and fauna diversity of the reservation, but also to demonstrate the work being done to sustainably manage and conserve this valuable resource. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory-organized walks will take place at locations across the reservation from spring through late summer.
Reservations for the following events must be made by noon the preceding Thursday by contacting Nick Oldham at oldhamnv@ornl.gov or Trent Jett at either jettrt@ornl.gov or 865-574-9188. Contact Jett for more information about any of the walks.
1. Wildflower and old growth forest walk
Date: Sunday, April 16
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)
Walkers will see many native spring wildflowers as well as a stand of old growth trees that has thrived for more than 240 years. Walking will be off trail in moderately rough terrain (distance about 1.5 miles). Since this is an off-trail hike in rocky country, participants need to have good balance and stamina. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and water. Be aware that there may be some shallow wet areas on the trail — boots are recommended. No pets, please.
2. Bird nature walk — Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, April 29
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
Leader: Sarah Darling, Kelly Roy, and Neil Giffen (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Walking will be over dirt/gravel roads (distance 1-2 miles). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray, a field guide to birds, binoculars, and water. Participants should see birds of prey and many sparrows in the extensive native grass fields, migrating warblers in the early successional and mature forested areas, and wading birds in the waters along the Clinch River. No pets, please.
3. Frog calls — Heritage Center Greenway Powerhouse Trail
Date: Friday, May 5
Location: Meet at ETTP visitors overlook, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 58)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Leader: Nikki Jones and Sarah Darling (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Walkers will visit beaver-impounded ponds to learn how ORNL personnel monitor frog populations. Hear a variety of frogs, including pickerel frogs, spring peepers and southern chorus frogs. Participants will learn to identify frogs based on calls. Walking will be on level dirt/gravel roads (distance less than 1 mile). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and water. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is recommended, since the walk will continue after sunset. No pets, please.
4. New — Greenways of the Oak Ridge Reservation and conservation management practices
Date: Saturday, May 13
Location: Meet at North Boundary Greenway trailhead west, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95) Near Hwy 58 and 95 junction
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Leader: Kitty McCracken and Sarah Darling (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Walking will be mostly along gravel/dirt roads. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. Discussions will include conservation efforts on the Oak Ridge Reservation, management of our greenways and potential citizen science opportunities. No pets, please.
5. Reptiles and amphibians inventory — Solway Bend
Date: Saturday, June 3
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leader: Lindsey Hayter and Kathy Strunk (Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Participants will collect several turtle species, talk about local snake identification, and discuss management of local herpetological populations. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to get involved and learn about the animals. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt/gravel roads (very limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. No pets, please.
6. History talk at Historic Freels Cabin — Freels Bend
Date: Sunday, August 27
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Leader: Mick Wiest (host)
Limit: 30 (children are allowed)
A discussion of the history of the Oak Ridge Reservation and the families who lived in the area. The walk will be held at the historic Freels Cabin, which will be open for touring. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt/gravel roads (very limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. No pets, please.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
