The annual Spring Wildflower Hikes at Sequatchie Valley Institute will be held March 25 and April 8.
Flowers will include ragwort, buckeye, bloodroot, trout lily, trilliums, redbuds, and dogwoods in the coves and hollows of the beautiful Sequatchie Valley. The hikes will be led by naturalists, ethnobotanists, and foresters familiar with the ecology of the bioregion.
The hikes will begin at 1 CT (2 ET). Please arrive at the parking area no later than 12:30 for a shuttle or hike to the SVI center, one mile from the parking area. A moderate hike will meander for two hours below the bluffs to discover the awakening native flora. A more rugged hike will continue on Hick’s Creek and up the canyon, exploring the hidden treasures of Appalachia.
Guests are welcome at 11 CT for a tour of the permaculture landscape, hand-crafted solar homes, and Pipsissewa Arboretum Trail. Liquidambar Art Gallery at SVI, with pottery, paintings, sculptures, and glass by local artists, will be open. Bring lunch or snacks to eat at the beautiful picnic areas in the woods before the hike. Herb tea and coffee will be provided.
Participants should wear long pants, hat, sturdy shoes, rainwear, water, snacks, camera, id books, and journals. Plan to take lots of pictures. Kids of all ages are welcome, but no pets as it is a wildlife refuge. After the hike, enjoy a glass of wine and cheese at the Gallery.
The Sequatchie Valley Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization promoting education and research in sustainable green living, ecology, and art. Donations of $8-$20 for the hike help cover the cost of this and future educational events.
SVI is located 45 minutes from Chattanooga between Dunlap and Whitwell, at 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell.
To register or for more information, call 949-5922/4598 or email education@svionline.org; https://SVIonline.org; https://liquidambarsvi.wordpress.com;
www.facebook.com/Sequatchie Valley