Schedule:

7:30 - 11:00 am: Bird Hike / Nature Walk

Led by birding experts, this hike is good for all experience levels. Please come prepared to spend the morning in the field. This includes binoculars, bug spray and staying hydrated, extra water is always good to have.

Participants will meet at the WT Delta heritage Center and caravan to select spots on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and other Haywood County locations.

This is usually a 4 hour adventure. Because you will be caravanning, for those who do not wish to stay out that long, you are welcome to leave at any point.

8:00 - 10:00 am: Photography  Nature Walk

This is a photography opportunity to learn tips and tricks for photographing wildlife, especially birds.  Bring your camera and binoculars.

This class will concentrate on the Oneal Lake area of the Hatchie NWR. Participants will caravan from the the WT Delta Heritage Center.

8:30 - 11:00 am: Bird Hike / Nature Walk

Led by birding experts, this hike is good for all experience levels, especially those just starting or concerned with staying in the field for long periods. This walk will last approximately 2.5 hours.

Participants will meet at the WT Delta heritage Center and caravan to select spots on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.  Because you will be caravanning, for those who do not wish to stay out that long, you are welcome to leave at any point.

Please come prepared. This includes binoculars, bug spray and staying hydrated, extra water is always good to have.

12:00 pm: Birds of Prey

Live bird demonstrations that utilizes injured birds of prey including the Bald Eagle.

Presented by David Haggard,
Ranger Naturalist, Tennessee State Parks

1:00 - 3:00 pm: Lunch on your Own

Food Truck onsite or drive into Brownsville’s downtown for Earth Day Fest.

Enjoy lunch and shopping  in historic downtown Brownsville.  

3:00 pm: Birds & Plants

Artist Talk with Jennalyn Speer
Explore the exhibition “Birds and Plants” with the artist. Speer will take you through the mixed-media collage series telling the stories of various bird and plant species from around the globe. Birds and plants share complex ecological relationships that are impacted by human interactions. Through the collage process of layering, cutting, and rearranging maps, field guides, dictionary pages, and sewing pattern papers, the artworks acknowledge loss, belonging, and the complexities of environmental interconnections.

Jennalyn Speer has degrees in Fine Art (MFA, BA) and Elementary Education (BS) as well as a graduate Museum Studies certificate. She is a professional artist living in Memphis, Tennessee. Her art is focused on bird conservation and aims to promote human understanding of our biological, cultural, emotional, and spiritual embeddedness within the natural world.

3:30 pm: Butterfly/ Wildflower Hike

Led by Allan Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist
State Natural Areas Program

Learn more about area butterflies and wildflowers during this afternoon hike around Oneal Lake on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Expert guide and state Ecologist, Allan Trently, will help you identify butterflies and wildflowers and recognize the habitats that are best for them.

6:30 pm: Nocturnal Walk: Sunset at Oneal Lake

Meet at Oneal Lake to watch the sunset and night critters come out. Experience the lake after dark with self-guided tours around the lake. Be on the lookout for bats and otters among others. Be sure and bring mosquito repellent and a flashlight.  

This is always a favorite event for attendees and perfect for all age groups. If you don’t wish to walk the 2 miles around the lake, you are welcome to drive - just be aware of those walking and use extreme caution.