The Chattanooga Audubon Society was founded by Robert Sparks Walker in 1944 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2019. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Mr. Walker gained international fame for his work, yet his largest impact remains in his native Tennessee. He helped to found the Chattanooga Audubon Society, including preserving his childhood home through Audubon Acres.
A celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road. Admission is free.
There will be brief presentations from the mayor of Chattanooga and East Ridge, county commissioners and state senators. Activities will include a cake cutting and tours of the historic cabin and CE Blevins Avian Jewels Collection. Entertainment will be provided by Crazy Flue and there will be presentations Andra Walker-Moskowitz, RS Walker's granddaughter and author and Dr. Lawrence Alexander, an archaeologist.
There will also be guided nature and tree walks, children's activities and food vendor.
Mr. Walker is remembered throughout the state for his nationally syndicated nature column, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship is given in his name. His life was one of adventure, reflection and a deep devotion to the understanding and preservation of nature.
The Chattanooga Audubon Society is one of the oldest nature sanctuaries in Hamilton county. Its 130-acre sanctuary property in East Brainerd, Audubon Acres, houses a small museum in its Visitor’s Center, is home to a historic cabin built in the late 1700’s, is the site of an UT archaeological dig, and houses the CE Blevins Avian Jewels (replica bird egg) Collection. With over 5 miles of walking trails, and access to South Chickamauga Creek for canoe, kayak, and tubing activities, it is truly a sanctuary in a very busy area of Chattanooga.