Enjoy our Good Nature throughout March

Fall Creek Falls (plateau) hosts 15km Run & Weekend Excursion on March 2
This is a 15km run traversing one of the most beautiful areas in the eastern United States. A special package rate has been set for those staying for the Awards Banquet Saturday night. The price includes one night lodging in Fall Creek Inn, the banquet meal, and breakfast on Sunday morning. Contact Fall Creek Falls Inn for reservations at 1-800-250-8610. Entry forms are available at TN Running Tour.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Hike into Hidden Lake on March 3
Hike a 2 mile moderate loop trail through a wooded area along bluffs and lakes featuring points of interest from the quarry and resort eras. Meet at 10 a.m. CT. Max 15 people. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Mississippian Culture in Mound Bottom on March 3
Join us 1 p.m. CT for a ranger led hike to view the Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex known as Mound Bottom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reservations are required. Max 15 people. Canceled if rain. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Rugby SNA hosts Restoring Native Landscapes on the Plateau on March 9
Enjoy a presentation at 3 p.m. ET in the lovely Johnson Theatre at Historic Rugby to learn about opportunities for recreation and native plant community restoration on the Plateau. Pine plantations formerly owned by Bowater, but now in state ownership, will be the subject of the talk. Learn more about how much of this property the state owns, where it is, what condition it’s in and what the current options are for the managing state agencies. This talk will last about one hour. After the talk, participants are invited to hike with Lisa to the Massengale Homeplace which has exactly the type of landscape that is featured in the presentation…a living artifact of days gone by. The hike is easy to moderate, about 1.5 miles round trip and should take around one to two hours. It will be an early evening hike, so we may get to see some vultures coming in to settle on their roosts for the night! Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov.For more information, including descriptions, directios, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For nearby camping and accommodations, please go to www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/.

Rock Island (plateau) hosts Guided Wildflower Hikes on March 9 & 10
Celebrate spring and its entire splendor by getting outside and enjoying a guided hike led by a park interpretive ranger & special guest naturalists! Hikes will focus on the various species of flowers blooming along the trail. Additional dates March 16 & 17, and 23 & 24. For more information please contact the park office at 931-686-2471.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Mississippian Culture in Mound Bottom on March 10
Join us 1 p.m. CT for a ranger led hike to view the Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex known as Mound Bottom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reservations are required. Max 15 people. Canceled if rain. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Narrows of the Harpeth Hike on March 10
Enjoy a moderate 1 mile hike through the Narrows of the Harpeth. Includes a brief history of Montgomery Bell’s tunnel and iron forge. Meet at 10 a.m. CT. Max 15 people. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Sycamore Shoals (east) hosts Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show on March 16
Don’t miss this great opportunity to visit with some of the best fiber artists of our region! If you love fibers, this is the place for you! Demonstrations include weaving, spinning, knitting, natural dyeing, and more. A variety of handmade items will be offered for sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET. For more information call 423-543-5808.

Fall Creek Falls (plateau) hosts Waterfalls Weekend on March 16 & 17
We will offer both easy jaunts and strenuous hikes to look at some of the area’s beautiful waterfalls. Please call the Nature Center at 423-881-5708 for more details.

Rock Island (plateau) hosts Guided Wildflower Hikes on March 16 & 17
Celebrate spring and its entire splendor by getting outside and enjoying a guided hike led by a park interpretive ranger & special guest naturalists! Hikes will focus on the various species of flowers blooming along the trail. Additional dates March 23 & 24. For more information please contact the park office at 931-686-2471.

Rock Island (plateau) hosts Waterfall Week on March 16 & 17
Visit one of our many waterfalls on your own or take a guided hike with the park naturalist. Views of waterfalls can be easily seen from the Mill parking lot and Twin Falls parking lot. Visitors are welcome to hike along trails into the Gorge with caution and should check the Great Falls water release schedule before hiking below the Dam and Powerhouse. A few smaller falls you can hike to: Baby Falls along the Eagle Trail, Little
Falls off the Downstream Trail and Waterfall seeps along the Blue Hole Trail. Registration for these hikes is not required. Trail maps and more information may be accessed at the park's visitor center, website and facebook page. For more information please contact the park office at 931-686-2471.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall (middle) hosts Kites and Kids on March 23
Come down to the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to fly a kite and learn about how to have a healthy, active lifestyle. For more information, contact 741-5280, or email cara.alexander@tn.gov.

Nathan Bedford Forrest (west) hosts Easter Egg Hunt on March 23
A prize egg is awarded in each age group. Age divisions are: 0-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-12 years. Be sure to bring your cameras for a picture with the Easter Bunny. The fun begins at 1 p.m. CT. For more information call 731-584-6356.

Walls of Jericho SNA (plateau) hosts Early Spring Hike on March 23
Journey through the springtime beauty at the Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County. This strenuous 8-mile hike descends 600 feet into the "Walls" and continues along the creek to an amazing canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves, and waterfalls. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. This hike is strenuous and participants should be in good physical condition. The trip will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Meet at 7:30 a.m. CT at the Nashville Target store parking lot off of Bell Road near Hickory Hollow 5330 Cane Ridge Rd Antioch, TN 37013. We will carpool and caravan from here. Reservations required: RSVP by March 22 to Forrest Evans, 615-532-0431, or Forrest.Evans@tn.gov. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, go to www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho. For nearby lodging and camping, visit www.tn.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/.

Taylor Hollow SNA (middle) hosts Early Spring Hike on March 23
As the first property acquired by the Tennessee Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Taylor Hollow State Natural Area is renowned for its floral display and a number of state-listed plant species. The Division of Natural Areas normally leads hikes at Taylor Hollow during the peak wildflower season in mid to late April, but visitors often miss seeing some of the earliest flowering plants such as harbinger of spring, yellow fumewort, Dutchman’s breeches, and squirrel corn. Along with the earliest spring wildflowers and their ecology, we’ll discuss bark and bud characteristics of trees at the beginning of the growing season. We’ll also see the diminutive, yet showy, state-endangered least trillium (Trillium pusillum). The hike is moderate, but those accustomed to hiking should have no problems. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and snacks. We will meet at 10 a.m. CT in front of 671 Phillips Hollow Road, Westmoreland, in northeast Sumner County. Leader: Roger McCoy, roger.mccoy@tn.gov. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/. For nearby camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/BledsoeCreek/.

Roan Mountain (east) hosts Easter Egg Hunt on March 23
Bring the kids out and let them enjoy Easter by hunting eggs in the park. 12-2 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater. For more information call 423-772-0190.

Roan Mountain (east) hosts Garlic Mustard Pull on March 23 (tentative)
Calling all volunteers! Now is the time for all lovers of “The Roan” to pitch in to help battle the terrible invaders on her doorstep. We’re going to concentrate on pulling garlic mustard along the Highway 143 roadside and inside the state park. This event will follow on the heels of our very successful (!) 2012 garlic mustard pull to keep the pressure on and try to rid the mountain of this terrible plant. Pulling garlic mustard is very easy. Volunteers will only need to bring their personal gear (good footwear, layered clothes, water, lunch, hat, gloves, etc.). Bags for disposing of the garlic mustard will be provided. If we pull the mustard for about 5 years, we should be able to get rid of it and then just monitor and pull the few stragglers that will pop up after that. It’s amazing how much you can get done in just a short while with just a few dedicated pullers! Meet at 9 a.m. ET. Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov
Information on nearby lodging at Roan Mountain State Park can be found here http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn/.

Rock Island (plateau) hosts Guided Wildflower Hikes on March 23 & 24
Celebrate spring and its entire splendor by getting outside and enjoying a guided hike led by a park interpretive ranger & special guest naturalists! Hikes will focus on the various species of flowers blooming along the trail. For more information please contact the park office at 931-686-2471.

Fort Loudoun (east) hosts Garrison Weekend on March 23 & 24
Garrison Weekend is a time when the daily lives of the men, women and children of Fort Loudoun are recreated for the public. On these days, park visitors will find living history re-enactors in costume at Fort Loudoun. Visitors can view an 18th century infirmary, the soldier’s barracks, the commander’s quarters, blacksmith shop and a Cherokee encampment. For more information call 423-884-6217.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Mississippian Culture in Mound Bottom on March 24
Join us 1 p.m. CT for a ranger led hike to view the Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex known as Mound Bottom. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reservations are required. Max 15 people. Canceled if rain. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Harpeth River (middle) hosts Narrows of the Harpeth Hike on March 24
Enjoy a moderate 1 mile hike through the Narrows of the Harpeth. Includes a brief history of Montgomery Bell’s tunnel and iron forge. Meet at 10 a.m. CT. Max 15 people. For more information and to RSVP call 615-952-2099.

Dunbar Cave (middle) hosts Wildflower Hike on March 26
Flowers are beginning to bloom! Join us from 9 - 11:30 a.m. CT to learn the names, stories and uses of our wildflowers. This hike is geared to younger wildflower enthusiasts, ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for every three children). The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. CT on March 24. We will meet at the visitor’s center. For more information and to RSVP call 931-648-5526.

Dunbar Cave (middle) hosts Woods Walk on March 28
Join the park ranger for an all-ages hike to see and learn about the trees, flowers, birds, turtles and other animals that live in the woods. Reservations are required by4:30 p.m. CT on March 26. We will meet at the visitor's center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to RSVP call 931-648-5526.

Standing Stone (plateau) hosts Easter Egg Hunt on March 30
Children, ages 12 and under, are invited to hunt for over 20,000 thousand candy filled Easter eggs and $300 in prizes. Bring your baskets and be ready for a great day of hunting. Hunt starts at 1 p.m. CT below park dam. For more information call Stevie Plumlee at 931-823-6347.

Ghost River SNA (west) hosts Plant Walk on March 30
This early spring trip will visit a rather large population of Southern Twayblade (Listera australis), known from only two counties in Tennessee. This small orchid is the earliest blooming native orchid in Tennessee. We will also visit the sandhill community where sand post oak (Quercus margaretta) occurs and look for other early spring plants. This trip will also be part of the Tennessee Native Plant Society schedule of outings. The walk is considered easy to moderate. Boots are recommended due to possible muddy locations. Please bring lunch. There is no set time to how long the event will last. Participants are free to leave anytime during the day. Leaders: Allan J. Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist and Bart Jones, Tennessee Native Plant Society. Reservations required: RSVP before 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 28th to Mr. Trently at 731-512-1369 or at allan.trently@tn.govMeet at the intersection of Hwy 57 and Yager Rd. at caution light in LaGrange at 10 a.m. CT. Directions: From Memphis, follow Poplar Ave. (Hwy 57) through Collierville, Rossville, and Moscow to LaGrange. From Jackson, TN and points east take Hwy 18 south through Bolivar and Hickory Valley, turn right onto Hwy 57 and go west two miles to LaGrange. For more information on Ghost River State Natural Area, including descriptions, directions, and maps, visit www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/ghostriver

Roan Mountain (east) hosts Easter Egg Hunt on March 30
Bring the kids out and let them enjoy Easter by hunting eggs in the park. 12-2 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater. For more information call 423-772-0190.

Fort Pillow (west) hosts annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 30
All kids age 10 and under are invited to hunt Easter Eggs at the annual Egg Hunt. There will be prizes awarded in different age groups. Meet at the Picnic Pavilion at 2 p.m. CT to register. For more information call 731-738-5581.

T.O. Fuller (west) hosts Easter Egg Hunt on March 30
Join us at 2 p.m. CT for our 8th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Chucalissa Indian Village & Museum at T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis. Open for ages 3-15. Parents must be present, but are not allowed to touch any eggs. Eggs are plastic filled with candy inside. Bigger prizes are given away for special finds. This event is always held the Saturday before Easter. For more information please call 901-543-7581.

Big Ridge (east) hosts 15th annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 30
12,000 eggs, each with a prize or candy, will be divided up between four separate age groups! Some eggs will have extra prizes, with a grand prize in each group. Different groups run at different times, so be sure to call ahead for your age groups. Bring the whole family and spend the day at the park! Contact the park office at 865-992-5523.

Norris Dam (east) hosts annual Spring Wildflower Hikes on March 30
Join State Park and TVA staff for guided hikes along the cool Clinch River, one of the most diverse pathways of wildflower concentrations in the region. Hikes will begin both days at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the River Bluff trailhead and 2 p.m. ET at the Lower Clear Creek trailhead, located at the Rice’s Gristmill. Free to all. Registration not required. For more information contact Ranger Mike Scott at the Norris Dam State Park office at 865-426-7461.

Old Stone Fort (middle) hosts Nature Day on March 30 
Kick off spring at Old Stone Fort’s Nature Day! Guided bird and wildflower hikes will be led by park staff, State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath and Tennessee State Parks’ Regional Interpreters. Additional programming includes Birds of Prey and Snakes! Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. CT. Guests may also enjoy a visit to the museum, (open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT) to learn why the Old Stone Fort mound site is believed to have served as a central ceremonial gathering place for Native Americans for some 500 years and has been identified as the largest and most complex hilltop enclosure in the south. For more information call 931-723-5073.

Fall Creek Falls (plateau) hosts Easter Weekend on March 30 & 31
Join us in the Village Area for an Easter egg hunt on Saturday. A morning sunrise service will be offered at Millikan’s Overlook on Sunday morning.

David Crockett (middle) hosts Easter Hike on March 31
Join ranger Rachel at 2 p.m. CT to enjoy Easter Sunday with a short hike after lunch. We will meet at the park restaurant and hike approximately 1-mile, while enjoying nature and learning some unique park history. For those interested in dining at the park, the restaurant will be serving an Easter Feast from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT. For more information call the restaurant at 931-762-9541. For more information about the hike email Rachel.Bridges@tn.gov or call 931-762-9408.