 |
|
SAVE THE DATE - MAY 2nd #Give2Hoots
|
|
CONSERVATION SPOTLIGHT
Invasive Species 101
|
What is an Invasive Species? A
non-native species (including seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagules) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. The term "invasive" is used for the most aggressive species. These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are present. (Definition Source: www.invasive.org)
|
|
|
Removing bush honeysuckle |
At Owl's Hill, we battle to fight back the invading non-native species and restore balance to the native Tennessee ecosystem. The current list of invasive exotic species include:Bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese privet, Japanese stiltgrass, Tree of Heaven, Chinese lespedeza, Emerald ash borer and mistletoe.
It's healthy and green and change is natural. So why do they matter? If you put a dollar figure on it, the United States suffers up to $120 billion dollars a year in economic losses. (Source: Ecological Economics 52. pp 273-288). From the biodiversity aspect, approximately 42% of species listed as "threatened or endangered" are there because of an exotic invasive species.
What can I do?
1. Remove invasive species from your own property.
2. Go native! Plant native species. Tennessee has a diverse and beautiful botanical variety.
3. Get a group together and help remove invasive species at Owl's Hill.
|
|
We are gearing up for the spring season at Owl's Hill because it's about to get busy! And of course we couldn't do what we do without your help. No experience necessary, just bring your work gloves, boots and all weather outdoor gear.
Haircut Hill Trail Project
|
|
|
March Trail Work Day Volunteers |
Friday, April 6; 8am - 3pm
Tuesday, April 10; 8 - 11am
Friday, April 20; 8 - 11am
Getting up this popular destination hill at Owl's Hill has always been a challenging walk for volunteers and visitors as well as being a design challenge for creating trails to the top, so we've flagged a route that will ease the grade to climb and soften the descent's impact on the knees. Thanks to the March volunteer trail crews we've completed 120 feet...so only 630 more to go!
We're looking for some volunteers for satisfying, productive trail building who want to spend some "step-back- and-admire- your-work" time on the slopes of Haircut Hill creating this trail, while learning trail building skills and techniques from some experienced trail builders who have done this many times before.
The finished product will be a trail of gentle grade leading up from Haircut Hill's south slope and around its east slope before attaining the top from the north.
We need a minimum of 4-5 volunteers (large groups welcome) for each of the work days coming up in April. Pick one or all, any help is appreciated. Please email our Conservation Coordinator,
Kristin Hopkins,
if you are able to join us.
Garden Work Days
Saturday, April 7; 7:30- 9:30am
Thursday, April 12; 8
- 10am
The
gardening
season is upon us! We are in need of volunteers to help transfer some plants from one place to another and begin the clean up process for the new season.
|
|
|
|
Summer Camp 2018
Summer camp provides rewarding opportunities f
or campers to learn about Tennessee wildlife and the environment in a natural setting through games, hikes, exploration, crafts and live animal programs.
Camp is limited in size so each child receives individual attention. Registration includes a camp shirt, water bottle and daily snack. Campers bring a lunch Monday-Thursday. All camps include Friday kosher hotdog lunch, ice cream desert and water games.
Nature Ranger Camp - Ages 5 - 11
Session I: June 4 - 8
Session II: June 18 - 22
Session III: July 16 - 20
Outdoor Explorer Camp - Ages 5 - 11
Session I: June 11 - 15
Session II: July 9 - 13
Session III:
FULL
Screech Owl Camp (1/2 Day) - Ages 5 - 7
June 25 - 29 9:00am - 1:00pm
Animal Caretakers (1/2 Day)-
Ages 12 - 16
June 25 - 29 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Junior Naturalists - Ages 12 - 16
July 2 & 3
|
|
Saturday, April 7, 2018
10:00am - 1:00pm
Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary's, Julie Eperjesi and local falconers, Jim Primus, Jean Simpson and Allen Johnson will collaborate to present the Sky Hunters program. Learn the characteristics of the night time sky hunters - the owls. Discover the unique adaptations that hawks utilize to become masters of the sky then watch as the hawks take to the sky for a flight demonstration! Learn what makes Birds of Prey unique in the avian world and the roles they play in our environment. It promises to be a day you will never forget.
|
|
Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21
9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $12 / hiker
The wildflowers are blooming: Spring is here! Come enjoy all the colors this season offers as we hike the trails of Owl's Hill. Watch the browns of winter give way to the spectrum of spring while we look for Blue-eyed Mary, Dutchman's Britches, and Spring Beauty. This is an adult only hike.
|
|
Saturday, April 28
10:00am - 1:00pm
Come out to Owl's Hill for a free hike! Join one of our staff members or volunteers on a guided hike through Owl's Hill. This is a great opportunity for families, individuals, and small groups to come enjoy the trails of Owl's Hill and get some exercise. Three types of hikes are available depending on your preference. Last hike leaves at 11:00am
|
|
|
|
Eastern red bat / Lasiurus borealis |
Batty for Bats!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost:$36/registration
Includes:
-up to 4 people per registration
-one(1) bat box kit
-limit 25 registrations
We're partnering with our friends at The Nature Conservancy for an exciting day celebrating our favorite nocturnal flying mammal, bats. Cave Program Director, Cory Holliday will be onsite for a special presentation on bats, then each registration group will build a bat box to take home. Let's get batty!
|
|
Beer Quest II -
Adults Only (Over 21)
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Quest 1: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Quest 2: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Quest 3: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: $40 / Quester
Join Jackalope Brewing Company and Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary for the Beer Quest II, a two-hour hike around Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary's hiking trails.
Hikers can use a map OR use GPS to help navigate the 3-mile trail, where you'll collect tokens along your quest. Tokens are to be redeemed at the end of the quest for beer samples under Owl's Hill Pavilion.
Food will be provided by Fly Boys Nashville, a unique WWII-themed Nashville food truck serving up a bit of the past with South Pacific flair AND new this year, The Love Bus Food Truck serving up nothing but the best BBQ Fusion in Nashville and the surrounding area! Food combination is included in the ticket price.
Must be 21 or older.
Special Thanks to Pilgrim Sponsor:
|
OPENING NIGHT:
Anthony Adams & the Nite Owls - All Ages
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Gates Open - 5:30pm
Concert - 7pm
ADVANCE PURCHASE:
$20 / person
$75 / carload (up to 6 /vehicle)
$25 / reserved picnic table
AT THE DOOR:
$25 / person
Distinctly Americana and unmistakably genuine, Anthony Adams & The Nite Owls' signature sound is at once familiar and fresh, combining conscious lyrics with memorable melodies that don't let go. Join us in the Meadow for the opening concert of this summer's Music in the Meadow.
Gates open at 5:30 pm for picnics, hikes and visiting the owls; Music starts at 7:00 pm
No pets. We are a carry-in, carry out facility.
Special Thanks to Concert Artist Sponsor:
|
We continue to experience successes in 2018 and it's all thanks to all of our wonderful supporters. Join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to all those who gave gifts in March enabling Owl's Hill to grow and thrive.
|
Beth Boord and Henry Ambrose
Melissa Butler
Dr. Sharron Francis
Kelly Gilfillan
Zoe Hopeman
Patricia Porada
Faye and Thaddeus Porada
Seth and Victoria Robertson
Charles and Barbara Smith
Dr. Margaret Smith
Mrs. Bet Wise
Foundation Support
AWC Family Foundation
HCA Foundation
Other Organizations
Seed and Weed Garden Club
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
