Seven Islands State Birding Park is the only park in Tennessee that primarily focuses on managing habitat for birds. In addition to creating a premier birding destination, the park provides educational programming and participates in several bird monitoring and research projects.
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, August 23, at 7 p.m. EDT to learn more about the park, some of the behind-the-scenes projects and how you can get involved. This program is presented by the UT Arboretum Society and the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning.
Clare Dattilo is the seasonal interpreter at Seven Islands State Birding Park, where she leads educational programs, participates in bird research and organizes community science volunteers. She has over 20 years of experience in natural history interpretation and environmental education and is passionate about sharing her love of the natural world with visitors at the park.
The program is free, but registration is required to receive your link. Register here. This program will be recorded, and closed captioning is available. Please note this program is scheduled on Eastern time. Contact UT Arboretum education coordinator, Michelle Campanis, at mcampani@utk.edu with any questions or registration issues.
Due to continued concerns regarding Covid -19, the UT Arboretum Society’s educational programs are currently not on-site activities. The UT Arboretum Society is pleased to bring the public some great online options.
Learn more about the Arboretum Society here.
Butterfly Festival is Sept. 17
The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present its seventh annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium and surrounding grounds, 901 S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.
The entrance fee is $5 in cash (to facilitate entry) per carload. All other expenses can be made with cash or credit card. The gate will be open at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place rain or shine. Children’s craft activities will be available at a cost of a $1 ticket per activity or $5 for six tickets. Activities include temporary tattoos, butterfly masks, Magic Color Scratch butterfly ornaments, decorating cookies, caterpillar bracelets and more.
One of the day’s highlights will be the release of 500 painted lady butterflies promptly at noon. Please plan enough time for arrival and parking before the release. It is suggested that butterflies be purchased early in the day due to limited supply, on a first come first served basis.
Children are invited to help release the butterflies, which will be offered for $5 per butterfly to cover costs. Cash or credit cards will be accepted. For the safety of all, the use of butterfly nets at this event is strictly prohibited.
Speakers: Two speakers will give presentations in the air-conditioned UT Arboretum Auditorium. From 10-10:45, Stephen Lyn Bales will present “Our Beloved Butterflies and Their Hosts.” At 11 a.m., Georgann Eubanks will present “Habitat Heroes: Saving the Wild South for Us All.” Both speakers will have materials for sale, as will local artisans Kathy Fahey, Brad Greenwood, Kris Light and Teresa Myrick, all offering butterfly-themed merchandise.
Melanie Staten is a public relations consultant with her husband, Vince.