The program offers the general public chances to study and enjoy the sites and sounds of nature on the reservation. The program is co-sponsored by DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE).
The events are free, but some of the walks have a limited number of participants. Advance registration is required by calling 576-3218 at least 48 hours before the scheduled walk.
The series continues with more walks in May.
The April schedule: .
Saturday, April 8: "Adventure Ramble At Freels Bend," 3:30 p.m. This two-hour walk in the area of Freels Bend cabin will focus on wildflowers and interesting wildlife that may appear. Participants will meet at 3:30 p.m. in the southside parking lot of the Scarboro Operations Facility at the intersection of Bethel Valley and Scarboro roads. Participants should bring water and sunscreen, insect and tick protection. The hike will cover one to two miles. Participants are advised to wear long pants.
Thursday, April 13: "Night Sounds and Stars," 7:15 p.m. This is a three-hour moon-and star-lit walk in the relative quiet and of Freels Bend (weather permitting). Participants, limited to 45, may listen to sounds of wildlife, chorus frogs and insects, followed by an hour of stargazing with and without telescopes. The session is led by Paul Lewis of the University of Tennessee's Department of Physics and Astronomy and ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division. Flashlights are recommended. Participants should meet at 7:15 p.m. at the Scarboro Operations Site. Also offered April 27.
Saturday, April 15: "Creekside Ramble." 3 p.m. This 90-minute walk focuses on fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and other creek and creekside inhabitants in Lower Bear Creek and Upper White Oak Creek. It will be conducted by John Smith of ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division. Participants will meet at 3 p.m. in the AMSE lobby and caravan to the site. Participants should bring water, sunscreen, insect and tick protection and wear long pants. Limited to 20 participants.
Sunday April 16, "Wildflower Ramble On Walker Branch," 3 p.m. Limited to 20 participants. Meet at 3 p.m. in the AMSE lobby.
Saturday, April 22: "Early Bird Walks At Freels Bend," 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Conducted by Jim Evans of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Kelly Roy of ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division, the walk s are limited to 25 participants, who will meet at 7 a.m. at the Scarboro Operations Site. The first walk is three hours while the second walk is 2 1/hours. Participants meeting at the Scarboro site.
Thursday, April 27: "Nightsounds and Stars," 7:15 p.m. Participants, limited to 45, meet at the Scarboro Operations Site.
April 29: "Bird Walk At Freels Bend." Meet at 7 a.m. at the Scarboro Operations Site. Limited to 25 participants. Conducted by Roger Kroodsma. Lasts three hours.
April 30: "Wildflower Ramble On Walker Branch." Meet at 2 p.m. at AMSE. Limited to 25 participants. Conducted by Jerry Klein of ORNL's Life Sciences Division.