Oh yeah, warm weather is coming and we’re bringing our spring and summer kayaking and bicycling programs online. Look for the lightning bolt ~to see new outdoor events and activities.

Outdoor Chattanooga News
~S. Chickamauga Creek Greenway Groundbreaking Mar. 22
Join Mayor Ron Littlefield, Congressman Zach Wamp, the Trust for Public Land and special guests to break ground on phase two of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway this Mon., Mar. 22, 10 a.m. at the Sterchi Farm on Old Harrison Pike. For more information on the ceremony, email or call Rhonda Seeber at (423) 643-6079 (423) 643-6079 .

~ Listen to Bicycle Traffic Reports on WPLZ-FM 95.3
Outdoor Chattanooga and News Talk, WPLZ-FM 95.3, have partnered to offer bicycle traffic reports, every Mon. – Fri. at 8:13 a.m. Chattanooga bicycle commuters report on real time road or weather conditions that might be hazardous to cyclists, but also on the advantages of traveling to work by bike. “I know that some people just need a little egging-on to get motivated and ride their bikes to work,” says WPLZ News Director Louis Lee. “And it’s a great way for us to remind drivers that there ARE bicyclists on the roads, and to be aware of them.” As far as we know, WPLZ is the first radio station in the southeast U.S. to do these reports. Ride on! Bicycle commuters are encouraged to send in reports any time via email to Louis or call WPLZ at (423) 702-9111 (423) 702-9111 . Listen in to some reports that have already been aired.

~Bicycle Coordinator Goes to Nat. Bike Summit
Chattanooga Bicycle Coordinator Philip Pugliese spent last week tromping the halls of Capitol Hill with 725 of the country’s leading bicycle advocates at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. Attendees participated in more than 450 meetings with members of Congress. Highlights included: a rousing tabletop speech from Secretary LaHood, an exciting unveiling from Google Maps, and Representative Petri’s pedicab ride – but it didn’t stop there. Check out the Top 10 Reasons the Summit Rocked! and Streetfilms’ take on the event.

Rock/Creek Gear Swap Joins Outdoor Expo Apr. 10
Rock/Creek will join Outdoor Chattanooga for our 4th annual Outdoor Expo on Sat., April 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Coolidge Park. The Rock/Creek Gear Swap will make this event the best opportunity for the public to get super deals on new and used outdoor gear, and learn about Chattanooga’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Booth spaces are still available for $25. Interested outdoor clubs, retailers, conservation organizations and gear swappers should all come. All proceeds will go toward Outdoor Chattanooga programs. Questions? Email or call Ruth Thompson at (423) 643-6889 (423) 643-6889 .

Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Bicycle Ride for Older Adults Mar. 17
Rediscover the joy of riding a bicycle at this free workshop for older adults on Wed., Mar. 17, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, beginning at the Fry Center in the Tennessee Riverpark. Outdoor Chattanooga will lead this leisurely, instructional ride, which is aimed specifically at adult beginners. Loaner bicycles and helmets will be available for those who do not have their own. Reservations are required. Email or call Kassi Webster at (423) 643-7880 (423) 643-7880 to make a reservation or learn more.

Winter Workshop: Knots You Need to Know Mar. 18
Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes will teach this free Winter Workshop on Thurs., Mar. 18, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Grymes will focus on some basic knots that come in handy for climbing, tent-pitching, dog-tying, sailing and paddling. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888 (423) 643-6888 .

Touring Kayak Clinic Mar. 20
Outdoor Chattanooga and the TN Aquarium will host a touring kayak clinic for beginners on Sat., Mar. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenway Farm, in Hixson, TN. Clinic participants will learn proper paddling techniques, how to adjust, enter and exit a boat, safety guidelines and what to do if the kayak turns over. Cost is $25 ($20 for Aquarium members) and pre-registration is required. The clinic is appropriate for adults and kids ages 14 and older when accompanied by an adult. Class size is limited to 12. For more information, call (423) 265-0695 (423) 265-0695 .

Family Canoe Trip Mar. 21
Bring the whole family to the quiet waters of N. Chickamauga Creek on this TN Aquarium canoe trip on Sun., Mar. 21, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Greenway Farm, in Hixson, TN. Participants will get up close and personal with creek critters and beautiful setting of the creek. The trip is appropriate for adults and kids ages 5 and older when accompanied by an adult. Cost is $16 for kids ages 5-12, $20 for adults, and all equipment is included. For more information, call (423) 265-0695 (423) 265-0695 .

~Winter Workshop: Planning Overnight Adventures Mar. 25
Our last Winter Workshop for 2010 will feature a hands-on expert advice about how to pack for backcountry adventures on Thurs., Mar. 25, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., in Coolidge Park. Outdoor Chattanooga staffers Minya James and Tiffany Herron will demonstrate some packing techniques for backpacking, bike packing, and kayak packing. For more information, email or call Minya James at (423) 643-6888 (423) 643-6888 .

~TN River Gorge Overnight Kayak Trip Mar. 27/28
Outdoor Chattanooga will host an overnight kayak camping trip through the scenic Tennessee River Gorge on Sat. and Sun., Mar. 27 and 28. Participants will kayak from the entrance of the gorge at Suck Creek to Pot Point on the first day, then get a little more paddling in on Sun. before shuttling back to Greenway Farm. Cost is $150 and includes all kayaking/camping gear, guides, meals, snacks, beverages, and transportation. You provide a sleeping bag and personal items. The trip is appropriate for adults and kids ages 14 and older when accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required and space is limited to 12. Register Online or contact Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 842-6629 (423) 842-6629 to reserve your spot.

More Events
Bicycle Industry & Cycling Advocacy Party Tonight Mar. 16
The Trek Store Chattanooga, 313 Manufacturers Rd., will host a day of special activities, followed by an evening fundraiser on Tues., Mar. 16. The day will feature factory demo's and shop rides throughout the afternoon, then at 7 p.m., a party will raise money for the trail building efforts of SORBA-Chattanooga. Food, beer, giveaways, raffles, and a special guest will all be included. For more information, email or call (423) 648-1200 (423) 648-1200 .

Willie Weir Time Change Tour through Georgia Mar. 20-28
Bike!Walk! Northwest Georgia will host a week of group rides and special events surrounding bicycle advocate and writer Willie Weir. Weir, an award-winning travel writer, columnist for “Adventure Cyclist” magazine and frequent contributor to public radio station KUOW in Seattle, has traveled the globe by bicycle. His week in Georgia will be filled with long and short rides, including an 18-mile ride in and around Chickamauga Battlefield on Mar. 23. For more information, email or call Bill Moll at 706-859-7726 706-859-7726 .

~Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race Mar. 27
Narrow trails, rocky footing, and mud appeal to you? Then enter the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race on Sat., Mar. 27. The event features a 10.2 or 6.5-mile singletrack course on the trails of Prentice Cooper State Forest. The race is designed to be fun for experienced runners and those who want to try trail running. Online Registration is still open.

~65 Roses 5K and Great Strides Walk Mar. 27
Lee University and the Chattanooga Track Club will present the 65 Roses 5K and Great Strides Walk to benefit people with cystic fibrosis on Sat. Mar. 27, beginning at 7 a.m. at Lee University, 1100 N. Ocoee St. Cleveland, TN. Race and walking courses will begin and end on campus and meander through downtown Cleveland’s Main Street and historic districts. For more information, email or call Bill Estes at (423) 614-8479 (423) 614-8479 .

~Hidden Hills Spring Hunter Pace Mar. 28
Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club in Ooltewah invites horseback riders of all disciplines to participate in a Spring Hunter Pace on Sun., Mar. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. A Hunter Pace is an opportunity for teams of riders to follow a marked cross country course designed to imitate the conditions found on a fox hunt: creeks, fields, woods, optional jumps, and more. Cost of pre-entry by Fri., Mar. 23, is $15/rider. For more information, email or call (423) 488-3993 (423) 488-3993 .

~Sierra Club Meeting Mar. 29
The Cherokee Group (Chattanooga) of the Sierra Club will meet on Mon. Mar. 29, 7 p.m. at Greenspaces Chattanooga, 63 Main St. The guest speaker will be Jeffrey Hunter, a naturalist, avid fisherman and backpacker who will speak on Tennessee Wild's effort to protect more than 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness. All interested members of the public are welcome. To learn more, email Elizabeth James-Tallman.

~Active Living Workshop at UTC Mar. 29
Local active living professionals, facilitators, teachers, and directors should attend an Active Living Workshop on Mon. Mar. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. The free workshop will focus on helping professionals to work with information and policy, as well as developing emerging active living leaders. Pre-registration is required. To request a registration form or learn more, email Leroy Fanning at Leroy-Fanning@utc.edu.

More Adventures
~TN Wild Overnight Backpack in Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Mar. 27/28
Tennessee Wild will continue their 2010 series of free hikes in the Cherokee National Forest on Sat. and Sun., Mar. 27 and 28 with a 15-mile overnight introduction to backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. Interested participants should be physically prepared to hike 7+ miles per day carrying 30-40 lbs. and equipped to camp in a backcountry environment. To learn more, email or call Jeff Hunter at (423) 322-7866 (423) 322-7866 .

~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle Mar. 27
The Tennessee Valley Canoe Club will host a BYO-Boat paddle on Sat., Mar. 27, 10 a.m. on Battle Creek near S. Pittsburg, TN and the Alabama Border. Battle Creek is great little creek that many paddlers in the area have not explored. Expect a 3-hour paddle and no shuttle. For details and directions, email trip leader Eric Fleming by Fri., Mar. 26 at 4 p.m.

~Signal Point Day Hike w/ Sierra Club Mar. 27
The Cherokee Group (Chattanooga) of the Sierra Club will host a day hike on the Signal Point section of the Cumberland Trail on Sat., Mar. 27, at 11 a.m., at Point Park on Signal Mtn. Hikers will be treated to spectacular views of the TN River Gorge. Bring water and lunch, and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. For more information, call or email Cherokee Group Outings Chair Jeremy Tallman-Gazaway at (423) 619-6548 (423) 619-6548 .

Hike with the TN Trails Association, Soddy-Daisy Chapter
The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Association regularly hosts hikes along the Cumberland Trail and other areas around northern Hamilton County. Contact hike leaders for times and directions.
Sat., Mar. 20
Pot Point Nature Trail - This 3.3 mile trail near Pot Point Cabin and Prentice Cooper State Forest is a great place to get started hiking. Email or call hike leader Caroline Woerner at (423) 364-1131for details.

South Cumberland State Park Activities
The rangers at the South Cumberland State Park host activities every weekend at park facilities near Monteagle, TN. Visit the Friends of SCSRA for a detailed calendar. All times are CDT.
Sat., Mar. 20
10:00 a.m. - Spring Hike
Celebrate the first day of spring with a 5-mile hike moderate hike to the TVA Small Wilds area north of Foster Falls. Meet at the falls parking lot with water and snacks.
2:00 p.m. - Stone Door Hike
Join Ranger Jamie at Stone Door Ranger Station for this 2-mile round trip hike to the Great Stone Door and enjoy the first day of spring at Savage Gulf State Natural Area.
~Sat., Mar. 27
10:00 a.m. - Easter Egg Hunt
The Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area will host their 28th annual Easter egg hunt at the park visitor center complex. The event is for children walking age and up. In case of rain, the hunt will be rescheduled to Sun., Mar. 28, at 1 p.m.
~Sun., Mar. 28
3:00 p.m. - Slideshow
Meet Ranger George for an informative slideshow on the Savage Gulf/Stone Door area. Meet at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station

More News
~Section of N. Chick Greenway Opens
Cliff Hightower of the Chattanooga Times Free-Press reported today that a half-mile paved section of the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway has opened in Hixson. The short section of a proposed 15-mile corridor, which will extend from Greenway Farm to the Cumberland Trail in northern Hamilton Co., provides greenway access to students at Hixson Middle School and an the Morning Pointe assisted living facility.

Volunteer Opportunities
Enterprise South Nature Park Trail Work Day Mar. 20
SORBA-Chattanooga will host a work day at the Enterprise South Nature Park on Sat., Mar. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the entrance to the park on S. Hickory Valley Rd., .75 miles off of Bonny Oaks Dr. Bring work gloves, water, and your mountain bike. Volunteers will be the only people allowed to ride the trails until the park officially opens. SORBA-Chattanooga is also giving away Trail Care Crew jerseys for people who participate in at least three work days in 2010. To learn more call Alan Johns at (423) 304-4886 (423) 304-4886 or Barry Smith at (423) 400-4109 (423) 400-4109 .

Pot Point Cabin Work Day Mar. 27
The TN River Gorge Trust will host two work days at Pot Point Cabin, in preparation for warm weather. On Sat., Mar. 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, TRGT volunteers will clean out rooms, rearrange the garage and do a general spring cleaning. On Sat., Mar. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers and staff will paint various spaces inside the cabin. Interested volunteers should bring a bag lunch and hiking boots, in case they want to hike after the work is done. TRGT will provide snacks and drinks. Call or email Sarah Quattrochi at (423) 266-0314 (423) 266-0314 to volunteer.

Website of the Week
Find out what the Nickajack Recreational Corridor Coalition is doing on the Nickajack Naturalist blog.
Last Week’s Website
Will Tennessee be the next state to pass container deposit legislation (or Bottle Bill)? We’re getting closer to cleaner trails, roadsides, and streams.

Upcoming . . .
April
3 Around the World in 90 Minutes
9-11 Reflection Riding Spring Native Plant Sale
10 Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap
Bike to Build
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Sale Creek
10/11 Wildflower Pilgrimage at Fall Creek Falls
Dusk ‘til Dawn Adventure Race
15 TN Aquarium Downtown Sunset Paddle
16/17 Star Party at Fall Creek Falls
17 Chickamauga Chase Road Race
”Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” High Heel March
TN Aquarium Touring Kayak Clinic
~Crabtree Farms Spring Plant Sale
22 TN Aquarium Women on the Water
24 Scenic City Youth Duathlon
BSA Centennial Scout Show
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Maclellan Island
25 Cohutta 100 Mountain Bike Race
Scenic City Triathlon
30 BioBlitz at CNC
Relay for Life

May
1 3State/3Mountain Challenge
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
1,2 Tri for the Kids Triathlons
2 Jane’s Roll
3 SERC Mountain Bike Race
8 Greenway Challenge Adventure Race
15 TN Aquarium Family Canoe Trip
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Chickamauga Dam
20-23 Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition Conference
22 Scenic City Trail Marathon and ½ Marathon
TN Aquarium Nickajack Lock Paddle
31 BlueCross Chattanooga Chase 8K & 1-Mile Walk

June
4-6 TN Valley Canoe Club Paddle School
Rock Climbing Workshop at Fall Creek Falls
11/12 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
12 TSRA Canoe and Kayak School
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Harrison Bay
11-19 Bike to Riverbend
19 ~Paddle Georgia
18-20 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
19 Blue Cross Riverbend Walk/Run
26 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Williams Island

July
9/10 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
10 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – TN River
11 Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
23-25 U.S. Nat. Dragon Boat Championships /Chattanooga Dragon Boat Fest.
31 TN Valley Canoe Club’s Rescue Rodeo

August
1 Smoky Bear Birthday Party at Ocoee Whitewater Center
6/7 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
7 Greenway 5-Mile Trail Race
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – TN River
14 Missionary Ridge Road Race
16 Fall Creek Falls Triathlon
21 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Nickajack Cave
28 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Sequatchie River

September
13 Black Bear Rampage
13-16 Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike
19 Mtn. Top Marathon, ½ Marathon & 5K
25/26 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Town Creek, AL

October
2 TN River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race
Rock/Creek Stump Jump
Sequatchie Valley Century
Tennessee River Rescue
~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – TN River
9 Chattanooga Head Race
16 Signal Mtn. Road Race/Pie Run
16/17 Festival of Jack ‘o Lanterns
23 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Raccoon Mtn.
23/24 Fall Colors Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
30 Wild Foods Day at Fall Creek Falls

November
6 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Wolftever Creek
6/7 Head of the Hooch
Rock Climbing Workshop at Fall Creek Falls
13 Upchuck 50K
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
14-17 20th American Trails National Symposium
20 ~TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Chester Frost Park

December
4 Triple Crown Bouldering Comp. – Stone Fort
18 Lookout Mountain 100K/10K