Big South Fork NRRA Announces August Interpretive Programs

Oneida, TN (2011-08-01) The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a series of day and evening programs on Saturdays in August. Park rangers and volunteers will present a wide variety of program topics in both Tennessee and Kentucky. The Tennessee programs will be held at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center and Bandy Creek Campground. In Kentucky, programs will be at the Blue Heron Mining Community and Blue Heron Campground. All programs are scheduled on Eastern Time.

August 6, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Seasons of Big South Fork - Bandy Creek Visitor Center We’re glad you’ve decided to visit Big South Fork this summer! Have you ever been in this park during the fall, winter, and spring? Park Ranger Tracy Spain will share pictures and stories from all four seasons and explain why each one is unique and beautiful.

7:00 p.m. - Once Upon a Tree - Bandy Creek Campfire Circle: Many different animals can live within one small area. Join Ranger Jessica Moore and Amber Hamblin from the Student Conservation Association as they reveal some interesting facts about who or what lives in a tree.

7:30 p.m. - We Just Wanted to Be Left Alone—Civil War Stories of Big South Fork Area - Blue Heron Campground Come meet Lizzy, a fictitious lady who lived in Big South Fork country during the Civil War. She has “stories that will make your skin crawl because they are the truth as best I know”. This program commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War which begins in 2011. Come hear about events that actually took place on the land that became Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

August 13, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Hydration 101 - Bandy Creek Visitor Center back porch Have you ever been curious why we are constantly told to carry water on a hike or ever wondered how much to carry? Join Ranger Dustin Beaty to learn the basics of hydration.

8:30 p.m. - Bandy Creek Night Hike - Bandy Creek Visitor Center Join Ranger Bill Herman as he leads a hike exploring nature under the darkness of night. Participants can learn more about physical and behavioral adaptations that many animals use for surviving in their low-light habitats. We will meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center and then head out along the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop Trail. Wear closed toe shoes, bug spray, and bring a flashlight or headlamp (for safety).

7:30 p.m. - The Beloved General of Big South Fork, Ambrose Burnside - Blue Heron Campground Join Park Ranger Lynn Thornton to find out why General Burnside was known not just for his distinct facial hair, but also for helping to liberate the Big South Fork country during the Civil War.

August 20, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Are You a Pathfinder? - Bandy Creek Visitor Center Using a map and a tree guide, you can find your way around Bandy Creek Campground to discover more about this park’s wondrous biodiversity of trees. Join Ranger Bill Herman at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

9:30 p.m. – Astronomy - Bandy Creek Visitor Center Join Paul Lewis from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee and the astronomy volunteers. Telescopes will be set up in the parking lot just across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center for night sky observation.

7:30 p.m. - One Fox -Two Fox/Red Fox - Gray Fox Foxes are elusive creatures - Blue Heron Campground: The Big South Fork has two species of foxes. Join Ranger Debby Zimmerman as she discusses the differences and similarities of these clever animals.

August 27, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Wet & Wild - Leatherwood Ford Join Ranger Brenda Deaver to discover what creek critters tell us about the quality of water in our streams and rivers. We will take a close look at some of the benthic macro invertebrates found in the Big South Fork River. Meet at the Leatherwood Ford gazebo. You will be in the river so wear shoes and clothing suitable for wading.

8:30 p.m. - Owl Prowl - Bandy Creek Amphitheater across from the Visitor Center Join Ranger Debby Zimmerman as she talks about the four species of owls found in the Big South Fork. After the program, there will be a hike along the Duncan Hollow Road to try and call up a Barred Owl. Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a flashlight. Insect repellent is recommended. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

7:30 p.m. - Little Black Bear - Blue Heron Campground What does a black bear cub need to know in order to survive? Join Park Ranger Shauna Milillo as she tells you about the lessons a bear cub learns from its mother.

Daily Bleacher Features short talks will be presented about various cultural, historical and natural resources topics at the Blue Heron Mining Community according to the following schedule: Wednesday-Friday at 12:30 p.m.; Saturday at 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

For more information about these programs or in case of inclement weather, please call either the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 or the Stearns Visitor Center at (606) 376-5073.