UPCOMING EVENTS Plan ahead with fun happenings across Carter County
Friday, May 1 Morning Bird Walk 8 a.m. - ? - Meet Larry McDaniel of the Friends of Roan Mountain at Picnic Shelter 1 at 8:00 a.m. for an easy walk looking for migrating and resident birds in the park. This is a great time of year to find warblers, tanagers, thrushes and many other species. We will walk around the area and optionally drive to another location in the park if time permits. Bring binoculars if you have them or I can lend some for those who don’t. Wear sturdy enough shoes for easy off pavement walking. This is a free program with no registration required. Meet at: Picnic Shelter #1 Saturday, May 9 Bird Walk 8:00 a.m. - ? - Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. Meet at: Visitor Center Parking Area Saturday, June 6 Outdoor Photography Workshop Adventure 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Join David Duplessis of Tennessee Photographs and a Park Ranger for an amazing ALLDAY photography workshop through Roan Mountain State Park! The photographic opportunities are almost endless from the gorgeous arboreal forests, trails and rivers, to the mountain views and idyllic valleys there’s beautiful scenery every where you look. After the workshop is over (around 1 p.m.), an optional caravan trip is available up to the top of Roan Mountain to enjoy the Cloudland Trail & Rhododendron Garden. Plan to meet at the Gristmill Visitors Center at 7:45 a.m. the workshop will
start promptly at 8 a.m. We will caravan & hike around the park to different points of interest through out the day, like: - Peg Leg Mine & Trail - Cloudland Trail - The Doe River - Miller Homestead (where we’ll picnic) - Chestnut Ridge Overlook - Riverside Trail - And more! Please bring your DSLR & lenses*. There will be hiking involved (some short but strenuous bursts in places) so please bear that in mind and wear appropriate clothing & shoes**. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water/fluids as well as your own snacks & lunch. *All you really need to bring with you is your favorite camera and a sense of adventure. But...you are also encouraged to bring a tripod/monopod, shutter release, your collection of lenses, filters, etc., Basically, bring what YOU want to use and are comfortable with! **The top of Roan Mountain can be significantly cooler and wetter then the valley below, it’s fun and unpredictable that way. So there is a possibility you and your gear might get wet. So please be aware of that, and pack accordingly. Meet at: Visitor Center Porch Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21 Rhododendron Festival 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Since 1947, the community of Roan Mountain has celebrated each June to herald in the blooming of the famous Catawba Rhododendron along the highlands of the Roan. Join us at Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a true mountain celebration. Aside from the natural beauty of the blooming Rhododendron, people from all over the world come to enjoy the flavors of local cuisine, browse local crafts and arts, and take in the music of the region. The Festival will be held around the Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater and pool. Parking is by donation to local civic groups in the park fields along-side Hwy 143. For more information about
this event, visit the Roan Mountain Citizen’s Club website at http://www. roanmountain.com/rhododendronfestival/.Meet at: Park Amphitheater
for an easy walk looking for butterflies and other insects. We should see swallowtails, whites, sulphurs, hair streaks, blues, fritillaries, ladies and more. We will walk around the grounds of the farmstead enjoying vast views of the 6.8 acre certified Monarch Waystation. Binoculars are helpful and wear sturdy enough shoes for easy off pavement walking. Meet at: Miller Farmstead Parking Lot
Saturday, June 27 Independence Day Celebration Join Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday, June 27th for a 4th of July Weekend celebration! The park will be hosting a line-up of fun activities for kids and adults alike. Times to be determined The actual Saturday of the 4th of July will offer various firework shows and events in the surrounding communities. Our Field Game line-up and times will be announced closer to the event date, but expect the following: 4th July Bicycle Parade and Contest, Tug-O’-War, Corn Hole Tournament, Various Relay Races Meet at: Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground
Independence on the Frontier: Militia Muster 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Experience the 4th of July, 18th century-style! What did colonists think about a new nation? Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence arrives to the colonial frontier. Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future. Meet at: Fort Watauga
TN Promise Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Attention TN Promise Students! Roan Mountain State Park will be hosting a volunteer workday on Saturday, June 27th alongside various other parks and agencies across the state. TN Promise students will meet at the Park Headquarters starting at 8 a.m. and assist the park with trail work and conservation projects ending at 4 p.m. Students will be able to earn their 8 hours for TN Promise requirements or work a portion of the day. Work details will be announced closer to the workday so check back often. Workers are encouraged to wear proper outdoor work gear (close-toed shoes, work clothes, etc.) and bring plenty of water. Meet at: Park Headquarters. Miller Farmstead Butterfly Walk 1 p.m. - ? - Meet Larry McDaniel with the Friends of Roan Mountain at the Miller Farmstead at 1:00 p.m.
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TN Promise Volunteer Day 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - It is that time of year again! Come join in the glorious cause of liberty by helping us protect and preserve our beautiful park grounds. Sycamore Shoals State Park has teamed up with NeTREP (Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership) along with the Tennessee Master Gardeners to make this year’s annual Tennessee Promise Saturday a unique experience. Volunteers will be able to help prevent the spread of invasive species as well as gain a better understanding of how to properly plan, implement, and maintain a butterfly garden. Tennessee Promise Hours will be awarded to volunteers upon completion of their service. Most time will be spent working in and around the garden, so we ask participants to wear closed toe shoes and dress properly for outdoor work. If possible, please come prepared with gloves, water, and snacks. This is the season we start seeing the emergence once again of poison ivy so being prepared is vital. Proper methods of identification will be given. Tools and proper work equipment will be provided. This event beings at 10 a.m. and ends at noon. Time and weather permit-
