The New Year Brings New Opportunities for Outdoor Adventures 
Outdoor Chattanooga News & Events Jan. 4, 2017
Outdoor Chattanooga's newsletter highlights the awesome outdoor activities happening in and around Chattanooga that will connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to come out and play with us!
STAY CONNECTED:
New to the Newsletter

Try This Local Outdoor Adventure
Each month, Outdoor Chattanooga will recommend an outdoor adventure unique to the Chattanooga area.  This month, January 2017, is the peak of the annual Sandhill Crane Migration when thousands of these beautiful birds converge on the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in Birchwood, Tennessee, just an hour from Chattanooga. If you've never witnessed these elegant creatures in person, you should make an effort to this year. There are a variety of ways and locations to get out and view these interesting birds. Here's what you need to know to try this month's outdoor adventure.

What are Sandhill Cranes?
Sandhill cranes are considered one of North America's tallest birds standing 3-4 feet tall with a wingspan of 6-7 feet. They have long necks, long legs, red heads and bright white cheeks. These cranes have an interesting appearance and a loud trumpet like call, which can carry more than a mile. Sandhill cranes mate for life and the mated pairs stand close together and synchronize to engage in "unison calling". They can live 20 years or more, but have one of the lowest reproductive rates of all North American birds. Only one nest in three produces a chick that survives to migrate in the fall. During the 1800's overhunting and habitat loss nearly wiped out the sandhill crane population in the east. In the early 1990's, the population began recovering and stopping at the Hiwassee Refuge as they traveled to and from the Canadian tundra to their traditional wintering grounds in Georgia and Florida because it provides the perfect combination of wet grasslands, marshes, and grain fields for the cranes to feed and roost. They can be seen in the Southeast from late fall to early spring. Their population is now thriving with an estimated 15,000-20,000 birds. 

Where to see them:
The  Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is 6,000-acres located on Chickamauga Lake at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers, near the site of the historic Blythe Ferry, and includes the 400-acre Hiwassee Island. It's home to the largest winter flock of sandhill cranes in the southeast United States outside of Florida due to the refuge providing the perfect combination of wet grasslands, marshes, and grain fields for the cranes to feed and roost. The refuge is an official stop on the Tennessee Wildlife Viewing Trail. The refuge lands are closed to visitors between November 15 through the end of February, but a wildlife observation platform remains open year-round for visitors and is a great place to view the sandhill cranes, as well as other bird life. 


When to see them:
Peak numbers of cranes occur in January and  Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will host the 27th annual Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival January 14-15 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at the Birchwood Community Center in Birchwood, TN. There will be craft and food vendors, music, kids activities, live demonstrations and free bus shuttles from the Birchwood Community Center to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and Cherokee Removal Memorial. There is no public parking at the refuge. Both the memorial and refuge provide great views of Hiwassee Island and the many birds that flock there each winter.  For those who are new to sandhill cranes and birding, guides from the Tennessee Ornithological Society and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be on hand with scopes at the refuge to help visitors get an up-close look at the cranes and answer questions. Crane viewing is best in the morning, as the birds tend to fly in the afternoon.  For more information about the festival, click here. 

How to see them:
The wildlife observation platform at the Hiwassee Refuge is free and open year round for anyone interested in observing these interesting birds. It's also possible to paddleboard, canoe, or kayak out to the Refuge from the Blythe Ferry boat ramp to get an up close and personal view of the migrating birds and the natural beauty of the area. (*Note: please don't do it during the festival and check local hunting schedules before you make your way onto the water.) 
The Tennessee Aquarium offers two-hour Sandhill Crane viewing cruises on the River Gorge Explorer during the peak of their migration. Guests can view the cranes from the climate controlled cabin or the topside observation deck while learning about the the island's naturalistic and historical heritage. These special eco-cruises to the wildlife refuge depart from Sale Creek Marina at  3900 Lee Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 . Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online. All ages welcome. Cost: $35 / Aquarium Members; $45 / Non-Members. 

Cruise Schedule: 

Have you experienced this local adventure? Got suggestions for next month's local outdoor adventure? We'd love to hear about it! Share your stories and pictures with us at info@outdoorchattanooga.com 
Outdoor Chattanooga Events

Rapid Learning Kayak Skills Program January 10
Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Kayak Skills Program will continue through the winter months at Hulsey Wellness Center at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. The next session is Tues., Jan. 10 from 7-9 p.m. There is a $2 pool use fee for participants, so be sure to bring cash to get in. Use our equipment or bring your own. Boats can be dropped off behind the building, but everyone must enter through the main entrance. For more information, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
 

Outdoor Chattanooga's 2017 Winter Workshop Series
Classroom Based Outdoor Education
Free ~ All Ages Welcome
Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 PM
Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park
200 River Street,  Chattanooga, TN 37405
Call 423.643.6888 or  email Outdoor Chattanooga for more information.

Do you know the ropes for river rescue and recovery? This workshop is open to all skill levels and is most appropriate for paddlers interested in learning basic knots, types of ropes, types of anchors and mechanical advantage systems used for river rescue situations. All attendees will get to throw a rope and learn how to re-coil quickly and efficiently for that potentially life-saving second throw!  No reservation required. Cost: Free.  Instructors: Mike Shillinger is an ACA Level 4 Swift Water Rescue Instructor and has been involved with the TVCC Safety Program since 2008 and Rachel Roman is working to complete her Swift Water Rescue Certification and also a member of the TVCC (Tennessee Valley Canoe Club).

Proper planning and preparation is necessary anytime you venture into the great outdoors, especially if you are the one organizing the trip into nature. Learn the elements of preparing for and leading a day hike, thus helping to make your trip safer and more enjoyable for all involved. From an essential gear packing list to information about area trails along with trail maps and suggestions for beginner and seasoned hikers, you'll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to lead a group day hike. No reservation required. Cost: Free. Instructor: Zach Bopp, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Chattanooga.

In honor of Groundhog Day, Outdoor Chattanooga and Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center offer an outdoor ethics workshop related to critters on the trail. Get close to several rescued forest animals to gain a greater understanding of these creatures and learn more on how to prevent problematic and dangerous encounters while visiting the forest to hike or camp. Being good stewards starts with understanding these essential prevention techniques to properly critter proof your campsite including how to hang a bear bag. The workshop is suitable for all ages. No reservations required. Cost: Free.  Instructors: Terri Chapin is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and Program Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga, and Corey Hagen is Director of Education/Director of Wildlife Management at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

We've become pretty dependent on smartphones for way finding, but what happens if the signal fails or the battery quits while you're out on the trail? Learn the basics of navigating using the "old school" map and compass. Maps and compasses are available for class. Apply your new skills on March 4 with a guided practice course, or visit Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center to participate in their orienteering course. Cost: Free. Instructor: Al an Archer, former U.S. Marine and orienteering expert, along with Zach Bopp, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Chattanooga.

Outdoor Chattanooga's bicycle guru, James Eubank, will lead participants through three different aspects of bicycle maintenance; fixing a flat tire, how to prevent future flats, quick ways to clean and lube your bicycle with minimal equipment, and how to tune your rear derailleur with ease. Participants can choose one or all three skills to learn. No previous bike knowledge is required, tools will be provided and questions will be encouraged. Hands and clothing might get dirty/greasy. Bring your bike for demonstration or use one of ours. No registration is required. Cost: Free. Instructor: James  Eubank is a Certified League Cycling Instructor for League of American Bicyclists and Recreation Specialist for Outdoor Chattanooga.  

At one point or another, knowing how to poop in the woods will come in handy. All too often "Charmin" blooms are viewed along the trail indicating that people do not know how to go properly in the outdoors. This class explains the Leave No Trace researched principles as best practices for waste disposal. All ages are welcome to come learn one of the most fundamental parts of being a good backcountry traveler; how to answer nature's call -while in nature. No reservation required. Cost: Free. Instructor: Terri Chapin is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and Program Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga.

Community Events

Managing Invasive Species January 9
Tennessee Valley Wild Ones will host a free public meeting on Managing Invasive Species on Monday, January 9 at 6:00 pm  at green|spaces Pioneering invasion biologist Daniel Simberloff will discuss current issues related to regional invasive species. Invasion biology studies the patterns displayed by species introduced outside their geographic ranges, the impacts such species have on the communities they invade, and the means by which such invasions can be managed. Dr. Simberloff will highlight notable local invaders and the ecological impacts they pose, cover current efforts to stem their spread, and describe ways for the public to join this fight.

Lookout Wild Film Festival January 19-22
The Lookout Wild Film Festival  (LWFF) returns to Chattanooga January 19-22. Come out and enjoy a full weekend of the best outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world and right in our own backyard. The fifth annual LWFF will feature films on sentimental hikers, vanishing species, snow artistry, river surfing, trekking through deserts, geriatric big-river paddling, mountain biking in snow and much, much more! 
Buy a ticket for a specific block of films or go all in with the weekend pass and enjoy the show! Come see why some people call LWFF the best weekend of the year in Chattanooga! 
Schedule of events:
-Thursday, January 19   7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Chattanooga Library 4th Floor
-Friday, January 20  7:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Memorial Auditorium Community Theate r
Reception to follow
-Saturday, January 21
Memorial Auditorium Community Theater
Yoga and Time Lapse films at 1:00 p.m.
Matinee Films 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Primetime films 7:00 - 10:30 p.m.
-Sunday. January 22
Memorial Auditorium Community Theater
Yoga and Time Lapse films at 1:00 p.m.
Matinee Films 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 

Upcoming Events...Click Titles For More Info

January  
7           Snake Creek Gap Time Trials
             Lula Lake Open Gate Day
9           Learn to Ride a Bike Class
            SORBA Enterprise Night Ride

February
4         Lula Lake Open Gate Day
          Save Water, Drink Wine
20       Bike Commuting 101

March 
4        Map & Compass Navigation Field Class
          Lula Lake Open Gate Day
4-5      Chattanooga Marathon
20       Bike Commuting 101

April
21-23   Horton 100

September 

Find more community events here. 
Outdoor Chattanooga | 200 River St. | Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 643-6888  |
info@outdoorchattanooga.com
STAY CONNECTED: