Help build the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park through a gift that honors all veterans, or a gift that individually honors a friend or family member who served our country. Overlooking the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery and the beautiful French Broad River, the park will be a place for community events, family gatherings, special celebrations and private reflection to honor East Tennessee veterans. Gifts of all levels are appreciated and will be used to fund the overall construction of the park. Or choose from several naming rights opportunities. For more info or to make a donation through Legacy Parks Foundation go here.
In the meantime, seats are selling fast for Legacy Parks annual Legacy Luncheon. Don’t miss a chance to hear the firsthand stories of guest speakers Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray and their incredible journey on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago trail in Spain. The luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p,m. at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. For more info or to reserve a table go here.
Friday, July 23
Hike Lake View to Highpoint: 11:30 a.m. at Norris Dam State Park. Event is free. Join Ranger Jacob on a 6-mile strenuous hike. First stretch along the Lake View trail then taking the Highpoint trail back. For more info or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Sunset Canoe Float: 8 p.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Cost is $10. On this relaxing evening canoe float, cover the basics of canoeing. Life jackets provided. Cost is $10. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
Moth Night: 9 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center. Cost is $8. Learn how to identify common moths, how to attract them, their evolutionary history and ecology. Bring a smartphone or camera and flashlight. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Lantern Tour: 9 p.m. at Fort Loudoun State Historic Park. Cost is $10. After a day of military drill, trading with the Cherokee, and fort repairs, what did the soldiers do? Join Ranger Baghetti for a glimpse of night life at the fort. Lanterns provided. For more info or to register go here or call 423-420-2331.
Saturday, July 24
Birding By Ear: 8 a.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost is $5. Enjoy a 2.5-mile hike through various habitats to listen and discuss the best tools and tricks for learning to identify birds by ear. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Motus Panther Creek Trail Run: 8 a.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Join a 13.1-mile run (half marathon) or 4.2-mile run. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
Hike on Cumberland Trail in New River Valley: 8 a.m., meet to carpool from Gold Gym/Books a Million in Oak Ridge. Hike along the New River then tributary Lick Creek; climb to the top of the ridge and hike out to the Lick Creek overlook for views of the New River valley and surrounding mountains on this 8-miles round trip rated moderate. Details and registration here. or call 865-583-3967.
Learn to Fish: 9-12 p.m. at Obed Wild & Scenic River. Event is free for ages 12-and-under. Learn the fundamentals of fishing, help identify some of our native fish and why a wild and scenic river is so important. Receive a fishing pole, tackle, and Junior Ranger Angler Badge. Call 423-346-6294 register.
Morning Canoe Float: 9:30 a.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Cost is $10. Join Ranger Cade on a relaxing canoe float on Cherokee Lake. Lifejackets provided. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
River Clean Up Paddle: 10 a.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park at the boat launch. Event is free. Join Park staff for a 2-mile paddle along the French Broad River to remove litter in the river and along the shorelines. Must provide own boats and PFDs. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Summer Wildflower Hike: 10 a.m. at Cove Lake State Park. Cost is $3. Join Ranger Rooker on a 2-mile hike to identify wildflowers growing around Goose Island. This is a basic introductory to flower identification. For more info or to register go here or call 423-566-9701.
Kid’s Birding Club: Drawing Birds in Nature Journals: 1 p.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost is $5. Activities to inspire nature journaling and learn some techniques for drawing birds. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Creatures of the Night: Moths: 8:30 p.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost is $5. Search for and identify these nocturnal pollinators. Special lights and bait on nearby trees will attract moths. Ranger Clare will share interesting facts and fun stories about moths and other nocturnal creatures. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Constellations of the Night Skies: 9:30 p.m. at Norris Dam State Park. Event is free. Join Ranger Mike for a view of the night sky constellations. For more info or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Sunday, July 25
Compass Course: 2 p.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Event is free. Go over compass basics, all skill levels welcome. Compasses provided. Great for children ages 8 to 14. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
Wednesday, July 28
Cycling Cades Cove Loop: Sunrise to Sunset. Cades Cove. Info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-7318. Enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays. Details and map online.