These are a sampling of items on our Outdoor Knoxville calendar.
Saturday, May 13
Global Big Day Spring Birding Walk: 8 a.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $6. Hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, birders all over the world will be submitting observations to help scientists get a better understanding of global bird populations. Bring binoculars. Register online.
Sunday, May 14
Seven Islands Birding State Park Float: 12:30 p.m., Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. Info: Knoxville Adventure Collective at 865-228-8424. Put in at Seven Islands and take out at Cruze Landing. It is the perfect stretch for beginner kayakers. It’s 5 miles with a combination of flatwater and easy shoals. Sunday and Thursday. Register online.
Monday, May 15
LBE Monday Shop Ride: 6 p.m., LB Endurance Lab. Info: LB Endurance Lab at 865-935-4161. Weekly South Knoxville group ride. A & B Groups, 20-40 miles. ‘A’ group will be “spirited” and ‘B’ group will attempt to regroup. Weather permitting. Details online.
Tuesday, May 16
Sheriff Joe Guy Presentation: 5:30 p.m., Little River Trading Company. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co at 865-681-4141. Author, Historian and Sheriff of McMinn County, Joe Guy, will share his vast background and research of the history of Southeast TN. Details online.
Thursday, May 18
Seven Islands Birding State Park Float: Details above under Sunday
Friday, May 19
Flower and Plant Hike: 10 a.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $6. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join Ranger Stephanie for a guided 2.5-mile hike to learn about the flowers and plants in bloom. Register online.
Life Jacket Relay: 2 p.m., Big Ridge State Park. Free. Info: Big Ridge State Park at 865-992-5523. Join Ranger Josh at the Swim Beach for friendly competition. Register online.
Endangered Species Day CFI Pint Night: 5-9 p.m., Merchants of Beer. Free. Info: Conservation Fisheries. Details online.
Saturday, May 20
Tour de Blount: 7:30 a.m., Maryville College. Info: Foothills Striders. Maryville start provides 3 routes, 25-, 50- and 75-miles. A post-ride meal is provided. Register online.
Mountain Laurel Festival 5K Ridge Run: 8 a.m., Wartburg Visitor Center. Info: Knoxville Track Club. 5K race begins and ends at the Visitor’s Center, and traverses mostly on the Cumberland Trail. Register online.
Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., UT Arboretum Auditorium. Free. Info: UT Arboretum at 865-483-3571. 2-mile hike in Oak Ridge. All levels welcomed. No pets please. Details online.
Beaver Creek Flotilla: 9-2 p.m., Powell High School. Info: Beaver Creek Kayak Club. Flotilla event proceeds are dedicated to the continued improvements on Beaver Creek including debris clearing, creek bed cleanup and installation of public access docks. Register online.
Kayaking 101 with ACA: 10 a.m., Big Ridge State Park. Cost $15. Info: Big Ridge State Park at 865-992-5523. Register online. Or Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Register online. Or Cove Lake State Park at 423-566-9701. Register online.
Knox Bike Ride: 11 a.m., Printshop Beer. Free. Info: Printshop Beer at 865-474-9591. Details online.
Sunset Paddle: 7 p.m., Knoxville Adventure Collective at 865-228-8424. Night paddle on the Tennessee River as the sun sets behind the downtown Knoxville skyline. The night lights from the city create unique paddling experience. Book online.
Sunday, May 21
Sunday Morning Runners: 8 a.m., Third Creek Greenway – Forest Park Blvd. Info: Sunday Morning Runners. Sunday morning run on the Third Creek Greenway. Your distance, your pace. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com Submit an event here.