Here are upcoming March events with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Natural Areas. Celebrate the beginning of spring by enjoying guided hikes, a plant walk or by showing your volunteer spirit. Learn more about upcoming Natural Areas events in your area by visiting www.tn.gov/environment/na/events/.
State Natural Area events for March include:
Walls of Jericho Early Spring Hike - Saturday, March 23
Walls of Jericho State Natural Area will host an Early Spring Hike March 23 at 7:30 a.m. Stewardship Ecologist Forrest Evans will lead hikers on a journey through the springtime beauty at this Franklin County natural area. The strenuous eight-mile hike descends 600 feet into the “walls” and continues along the creek to an amazing canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves and waterfalls. Participants should be in good physical condition, bring lunch and plenty of water, and dress appropriately for the weather -- wearing sturdy boots. Hikers should meet at the Nashville Target store parking lot off of Bell Road near Hickory Hollow (5330 Cane Ridge Road) in Antioch at 7:30 a.m. to carpool to the site. Reservations are required by contacting Forrest Evans at 615-532-0431 or forrest.evans@tn.gov by March 22. The trip will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, including descriptions, directions and maps visit www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho. For nearby lodging and camping, visit www.tnstateparks.com/TimsFord.
Roan Mountain State Park Garlic Mustard Pull - Saturday, March 23
The State Natural Areas Program will host a Garlic Mustard Pull at Roan Mountain State Park on March 23 at 9 a.m., led by East Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist Lisa Huff. Volunteers are needed to pitch in and pull garlic mustard along the Highway 143 roadside and inside the park. Volunteers should wear layered clothing and sturdy footwear and bring water, lunch, a hat and gloves. Bags for disposal of the garlic mustard will be provided. Reservations are required by contacting Lisa Huff at lisa.huff@tn.gov by March 21. For more information, including details about nearby lodging, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/RoanMtn.
Ghost River Plant Walk - Saturday, March 30
Ghost River State Natural Area will host a Plant Walk March 30 at 10 a.m. West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist Allan J. Trently and Bart Jones with the Tennessee Native Plant Society will lead the early spring walk to view a large population of southern twayblade, a small orchid that is the earliest blooming native orchid in Tennessee. Participants will also visit the Sandhill community where sand post oak occurs and to look for other early spring plants. The walk is considered easy to moderate and boots are recommended due to possible muddy locations. Participants should bring lunch and water. There is no set time for how long the event will last and participants are free to leave at any time during the day. Participants will meet at the intersection of Highway 57 and Yager Road, at the caution light in LaGrange. Reservations are required by contacting Allan J. Trently at 731-512-1369 or allan.trently@tn.gov by March 28 at 4 p.m. For more information on Ghost River State Natural Area, including descriptions, directions and maps, visit www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/ghostriver/. For information on nearby lodging, visit www.tn.stateparks.com/Chickasaw or www.tnstateparks.com/BigHillPond.