Twenty-five years ago, some ambitious folks set out to identify every species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover Life in America (DLIA) is marking its 25th anniversary with year-long special programs. Find them here.
To date, Discover Life has assisted in adding 10,763 new species to the park’s records and 1,063 new to science.
Also in 2023, volunteers will conduct four Bioblitz events. During a bioblitz, volunteers help document as many kinds of animals, plants and other organisms as we can find in a certain place using the iNaturalist App. These are free events and fun for the whole family!
- TVA Bioblitz at Lady Bluff Trail in Linden TN, May 19, 6-10 p.m. and May 20, 8 a.m. to noon
- TVA Bioblitz at Loyston Point-Norris Dam in Andersonville TN, June 23, 6- 10 p.m. and June 24, 8 a.m. to noon
- GSMNP Bioblitz at Deep Creek Pavilion, July 14, 6-10 p.m. and July 15, 8 a.m. to noon
- GSMNP Bioblitz at Cosby Pavilion, Sept 29, 6-10 p.m. and September 30, 8 a.m. to noon
Now let’s look at some outdoors events a bit closer to home:
Saturday, January 21
Saturday Spruce Up: 9-12 p.m., Northwest Middle School. Free. Info: Keep Knoxville Beautiful at 865-521-6957. We will be planting 36 trees, including maple, oak and elm trees, along the greenway and playground. All supplies provided. Register online.
Winter Progression Series #1: 9:30-12 p.m., Sharp’s Ridge Veteran Memorial Park. Free. Info: AMBC Joy Ride. Join us for our Winter Progression Sessions with the AMBC Joy Ride Ladies. Register online.
New Moon Hike: 6 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $10. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join Ranger Stephanie for a guided night hike to learn about what wildlife are using the park during winter and are active at night. Register online.
Sunday, January 22
Aspire Park Group Ride: 1 p.m., Advance Auto Parts in Clinton. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Group ride on the 4th Sunday of each month with several ride leaders/sweeps to accommodate different ride groups. This is a no-drop ride. Check Facebook for weather updates.
Disc Golf Putting League: 6 p.m. Bearden Beer Market. Info: Bearden Beer Market at 865-851-8922. Join us inside our heated tent. All levels welcome. Details online.
Monday, January 23
Knoxville Marathon Races Training: 6:30 p.m., Fleet Feet Knoxville. Free. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. The training program is designed to help you achieve your long-distance running goals. 10-week training program starts the week of Jan 23th. You should be able to run/walk 2-3 miles comfortably. Details online.
AMBC Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m. Southside Garage. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. We’ll discuss trail conditions, trail building progress, fundraising, local races and events, partner efforts in outdoor recreation and so much more. Everyone welcome! Details online.
Thursday, January 26
Intermediate Group Road Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Route and pace determined by the leader and group. Route length is 30-35 miles at a 15-17 MPH average pace with regrouping along the route. Call store to register.
North Knox Beer Runners: 6 p.m., Central Flats and Taps. Free. Info: North Knox Beer Runners. Fun and easy run through North Knox and Happy Holler. Don’t forget lights and reflective gear.
Friday, January 27
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Refresher – Jan 27-29: 9 a.m., GSM Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Provides a comprehensive review of wilderness medical information and skills while satisfying the requirements to renew certification in Emergency Medical Responder on the National Registry. Register online.
Moon Viewing: 7 p.m., Panther Creek State Park. Cost $6.50. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. We will be viewing with up to 180x power through a 10-inch dobsonian telescope. Bring a camping chair to sit in while you wait. If you choose to bring your own light, bring one with a red light. Register online.
Saturday, January 28
Strawberry Plains Half Marathon & 10K: 8 a.m., Rush Strong School. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Scenic rolling course meanders through the Holston River Valley with views of Clinch and House Mountain. Course open to traffic. Register online.
Knoxville Ice Bowl Disc Golf: 8 a.m., Victor Ashe Park. Info: Knoxville Disc Golf Association. PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament, C-tier. Details and registration online.
Winter Progression Series #2: 9:30-12 p.m., Sharp’s Ridge Veteran Memorial Park. Free. Info: AMBC Joy Ride. Join us for our Winter Progression Sessions with the AMBC Joy Ride Ladies. Register online.
Family Owl Prowl: 5:30 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost $15. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Meet Ijams’ resident owl ambassadors before heading out on the trails in search of these beautiful birds. We’ll go out in search of barred, screech and great horned owls, all while practicing their calls. Register online.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com Add your event to our calendar: Submit an Event at https://outdoorknoxville.com/events-calendar/submit-an-event/
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.