There’s a bunch of activities going on this weekend at Norris Dam State Park, from a clean-up to guided hikes to a fly-tying class and the chance to sign up for a genealogy workshop.
Saturday, July 23
Volunteer Clean-Up: 1 p.m. Help preserve history with Ranger Lily by cleaning up graffiti off the park’s Threshing Barn. Event is free. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Afternoon Hike: 6 p.m., Norris Dam State Park. Free. Info: Norris Dam State Park at 865-426-7461. Join Ranger Rachel for a 1.5-mile evening hike on Hootin Hollow Trail. Bring a flashlight. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Deadline to register for the Family Stories: Genealogy Workshop on July 30 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Lenoir Museum. Upon sign-up, e-mail Ranger Gamble with the name of an ancestor you would like researched and park staff will do preliminary research before the program date, and you will receive a packet of the information found. During the program on July 30, Ranger Gamble and Museum Curator Mlekodaj will cover methods of genealogical research and how to continue to pursue a family’s story and preserve it for future generations. The cost is $20. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Sunday, July 24
Fly Tying Workshop: 2 p.m. at the Appalachian Craft Room. Cost is $10. Info: Norris Dam State Park at 865-426-7461. Learn how to make your own flies, how ecological science plays a role in this classic art, and a bit of early park history. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Creek Crawl: 2 p.m. Cool off some of that summer heat with Ranger Trent and learn about East Tennessee’s water creatures. Meet at the Grist Mill and be prepared to get wet. Please wear sturdy shoes that can be worn in the water. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Find even more events at Norris Dam State Park here.
Go to OutdoorKnoxville.com to find other outdoor activities in the area. Submit your event to the calendar here.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.