TVA and Discover Life in America are conducting a biological inventory of TVA’s Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area near Chattanooga, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CDT, and the public is invited to attend and help record data.
Directions: Take exit 158 on I-24 (turning left if westbound, right if eastbound). Immediately, you’ll see a sign on the right with an arrow pointing across the road to the Little Cedar Mountain Trail (a 4-mile loop). Take the gravel drive down to a parking area, which is adjacent to the interstate right-of-way fence.
More Little Cedar Details:
The Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area, just West of Chattanooga, is a gem in the TVA System of Public lands and lies along the shore of Nickajack Lake. In addition to the diversity of plant life, the mountain supports an abundance of wildlife. Deer and turkey are commonly spotted, and though the secretive animal is typically hard to catch sight of, coyote signs are also common. From one of the overlooks, it’s not unusual to catch sight of an osprey or even an occasional bald eagle.
Event Details: No experience is necessary. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species.
For the event, participants should:
- Bring food and water for the day (we will be in a place where there are no stores or restaurants).
- Dress for being outside and for whatever weather might arise.
- Download the iNaturalist application on your phone or smart device. This app will be used to document species, information and locations.
- Wear and bring sunscreen.
Join a BioBlitz, help inventory TVA public lands.
TVA and Discover Life in America are partnering to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands with a bioblitz format.
These ‘BioBlitzes’ will be open to the public and will highlight field collection, specimen identification and education sessions on birds, butterflies and plants.
“These biological inventory events offer an opportunity to learn more about the biodiversity that surrounds us in our backyards and on public lands,” said Todd Witcher, executive director of Discover Life in America. “By collecting species occurrence data, these BioBlitzes will help TVA better manage natural areas while raising awareness of the wonderful biodiversity that exists all around.”
BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.