Outdoors


Grants Available to Plant Trees

Friday, September 03, 2010

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups, etc., with riparian tree planting projects.

All seedlings must be bought through the Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Tree planting season in Tennessee is October through March.

Five grants, at $500 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection projects (a total of $2,500 per region). The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. The projects are to be completed, the money spent, and a report submitted by June 30, 2011. In order to meet this deadline, TWRA will accept proposals through Dec. 15, 2010.

Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, county or counties involved, and the project area and description.
Contact Della Sawyers at (615) 781-6577 or by e-mail at Della.Sawyers@tn.gov with any questions.


25th Annual Marie Humphreys Spring Wildflower Festival & Native Plant Sale Is March 30-April 1

The dates for the 25 th  annual Marie Humphreys Spring Wildflower Festival and Native Plant Sale will be March 30 & 31, and April 1. Admission is free and the hours of the sale will be Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.   Organizers said, "This year we will, again, have guided walks identifying the native flora with regard to its historical ... (click for more)

Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Here are upcoming outdoor news and events: Winter Workshop: Introduction to Building Wooden Boats Feb. 9 Wooden boat hobbyist Nelson Bennett will offer tips on getting started with building your own wooden boat at this week’s Winter Workshop on Thurs., Feb. 9, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Learn where to find plans, space, tools and other ... (click for more)

Dr. King, Dr. Metcalfe Switch Roles At Medical Examiner's Office; King Takes Pay Cut

Longtime Hamilton County Medical Examiner Frank King is switching roles with his assistant, Dr. James K. Metcalfe, county officials said. Dr. Metcalfe becomes medical examiner and Dr. King forensic examiner. County Mayor Jim Coppinger said the switch is "cost neutral" to the county. He said Dr. King would be taking a sizable pay cut. Prior to the move, Dr. King was making ... (click for more)

County Schools Ask That PILOT Funds Be Released By County

Hamilton County School officials are asking the County Commission to stop holding payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) funds, but let the money flow straight to the schools as it did until about a year ago. Commissioner Chester Bankston is sponsoring a resolution to that effect that will be voted on next Wednesday. The funds come from businesses like Volkswagen that have gotten ... (click for more)

In Defense Of Discretionary Spending

Dear Roy,   I am flattered that you and I think a lot alike and that we both use the same 'Rule Book.'  I also agree with you that it is healthy to offer differing opinions.  However, I disagree with you on the issue of discretionary spending.   I did not see you at the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club meeting on Monday.  Sorry that I did not see you ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: Tennessee’s ‘Saint’ Turns 50

Back when I was in my late 20s, still really dumb but all eager to make a difference in the world, I got tangled up in a life-changing caper late one night. A close friend called and frantically asked if I knew anybody who had a private plane. She said a real sick child needed to get to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis  – it was desperate -- and the life-or-death ... (click for more)