Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, April 1, 2015
  • Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Overcoming Obstacles in Recreational Pursuits Apr. 2 
Outdoor enthusiasts Sharon Stolberg and Carly Pearson will share their experiences of participating in outdoor recreation with physical disabilities at this free presentation: "Overcoming Obstacles in Recreational Pursuits," happening on Thurs., Apr.
2, 6:30 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Sharon and Carly will offer their insights and expertise on motivation, finding equipment and resources. The City of Chattanooga's 
Therapeutic Recreation division will be on hand with information about programs and adaptive equipment. Any interested members of the public are welcome.
Look for the star * to see more new events this week.
More Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Little Cedar Mtn. Hike Apr. 4 
One of our most popular activities! TheNickajack Naturalist will join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided hike on the Little Cedar Mtn. trails on Sat., Apr. 4, beginning at9:30 a.m. Naturalist Bob Butters will share his unique perspective on this little known gem of a trail system along Nickajack Lake, which should be exploding in dogwood and redbud blooms on Apr. 4. Preregistration is required for the 4-mile, moderately hilly hike. To register or learn more, email Bob or call (423) 991-1548
Rapid Learning Kayak Skills Practices Apr. 7 & 14 
The Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayaking Program will host our last two indoor kayak skills practices on Tues., Apr. 7 & 14, with two sessions at 7 and 8 p.m., at the Southern Adventist University's Hulsey Wellness Center. Come learn basic kayak skills to prepare you for the summer paddling season. All equipment and instruction included. Rapid Learning members and first time visitors can enjoy the program for free. $2 per person pool admission applies. 
Rapid Learning moves outdoors to Chester Frost County Park on Wed., May 6!

*Ease Into Yoga: Bring the Joy Back to Paddling Begins Apr. 9
Jayne Cagle of OneJoyfulYoga will begin another four-week Ease Into Yoga series on Thurs., Apr. 9, 5:30 p.m., with Bring the Joy Back to Paddling. Using Purna yoga techniques, Jayne will focus stretching, strengthening and relaxation practice on the shoulders, arms and upper back. Cost is $45 for the entire series with preregistration. Classes happen on Thursdays, Apr. 9, 16, 23 and 30. To register or learn more, email Jayne, or call or text (423) 344-6501.
*Kayak to the TN River Gorge Trust Bird Observatory Apr. 11
Outdoor Chattanooga and the TN River Gorge Trust will co-host a very special all day kayak and bird ecology trip to TRGT's new bird observatory on Sat., Apr. 11from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll launch in the early morning, then paddle to the observatory to learn about TRGT's long term bird monitoring and banding project. Take a snack break, then join the TRGT staff in cataloging migratory birds. After a lunch break, we'll get back in the kayaks and paddle to Raccoon Mtn., where we'll take out and shuttle back to the launch site. Cost is $50 and includes all equipment and guides. $15 of each ticket goes to the bird monitoring project. Reservations are required. Space is limited. To reserve or learn more, call TRGT at (423) 266-0314.  
News
*UTC vs. the University of the South as Best Outdoor School
What a conundrum. Two of our best regional colleges are in the final four of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine's Top Adventure Collegepoll for 2015. Be sure and cast your vote!

*Tennessee Bike Summit Apr. 23-24
Ciclovia pioneer Gil Penalosa, founder of 8-80 Cities, will be the keynote speaker at the TN Bike Summit, happening on Thurs. and Fri., Apr. 23 and 24 in Knoxville. The two day summit brings bicycling advocates together to learn and improve infrastructure, advocacy environment and culture for people on bicycles statewide.Registration is open. Other guest speakers are Martha Roskowski from People for Bikes and Toks Omishakin, Chief of Environment and Planning for TDOT.

Featured Community Event
Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap Apr. 18
The annual Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap will happen on Sat., April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gear Closet, 535 Cherokee Blvd. There are still plenty of 10'x10' exhibit spaces open, both for community outdoor groups and gear swappers. To register for a booth space, cost $20, email the Gear Closet or call Tanner at (615) 587-1239. All proceeds will benefit the Gear Closet's clean water programs.
  
More Community Events
Standup Paddleboarding 101 Apr. 2
L2 Outside will host a free introductory class, Paddleboarding 101, on Thurs., Apr. 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the store, located at the corner of Aquarium Way and Market St. in downtown Chattanooga. Learn about the types of boards available, need to have gear, hydration and other fitness tips. 
*Reflection Riding Spring Native Plant Sale Apr. 10 & 11
Stock up on native plants at the annual Reflection Riding Spring Native Plant Sale, happening Fri. and Sat., Apr. 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd. in Chattanooga. The event includes workshops and guided wildflower hikes. To learn more, call (423) 821-1160.
Volunteer Opportunties
Volunteer for the Scenic Streets Bike Safety Rodeo Apr. 19
Parents, big brothers and sisters and kid loving volunteers are needed to help Outdoor Chattanooga with the Scenic Streets Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo onSun., Apr. 19, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with bicycle and helmet fits, pumping tires and adjusting bicycles, and helping kids go through fun safety drills. To volunteer, email Terri Chapin or call (423) 643-6888.

V.W. USA Cycling Pro Road and Time Trial Nat. Championships Volunteer Registration
Registration is now open for volunteers to help with the Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships, happening Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25 at Enterprise South and downtown Chattanooga. Volunteers work as course marshals, hosts, help set up and break down the course, and get a front row seat for the most exciting competitive event in Chattanooga.
 
More Upcoming Events for 2015
April
18       Chickamauga Chase
May
9         Earthfest
17       Ironman 70.3
24       Chattanooga Chase
June
6        National Trails Day
          Free Fishing Day in GA
20       Market St. Mile
August
15       Chattanooga Mud Run
September
October
10       Swim the Suck
          Chattanooga Head Race
23-24  Ragnar Relay
24       Chattajack 31
November


 

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