Nature

The Hike-A-Delic Experience

All Ages See nature in a completely different light and learn why. Prepare to expand your mind in the hidden world of fluorescence in fungi, plants, and critters on this short hike. Blacklight flashlights for sharing are provided. (Bring a flashlight or headlamp as we navigate to and from the exploration areas). Led by Dr. D Moore, Dr. TJ Jones, ETSU Biology Dept., and Connie Deegan, program coordinator/nature. Registration suggested but not required. Consider parking in upper loop and taking trail down to start point. Buffalo Mountain Park Noggin Trailhead Fri Sept. 2 7:45pm-9pm Free Jacob’s Nature Park: Habitat & Garden Tour

All Ages Enjoy a slow paced tour of this wonderful nature park with distinct habitats. Expect to see migrating monarchs, dragonflies, migrating birds and many native plantings. Tour starts at outdoor classroom, 1919 Ocala St., Additional parking: 1220 King Springs Road, and walk to start point. Led by Connie Deegan, program coordinator/nature. Registration suggested but not required. Jacob’s Nature Park Sat Sept. 3 10:30am-11:45am Free Tip Top Hike

Ages 10+ Enjoy stunning Buffalo Mountain Park on this 3-mile moderate loop hike. Appreciate how Buffalo’s hardwood forest settles down for the upcoming winter. At the coveted Tip Top overlook, wave at the Pinnacle Fire Tower 6 miles away. Turn around and see Johnson City far below. Return on the Fork Knob Trail. Bring pack, water, snacks, and poles if desired. Led by Connie Deegan, program coordinator/nature. Registration suggested but not required. Buffalo Mountain Park Sat Dec. 10 9:30am-11:30am Free Eight-Legged Encounters: Inside the World of a Spider!

All Ages Spiders are way too cool for school! With the help of occasional audience members, you will learn many of the adaptations that make spiders so very successful in a variety of habitats. Also spend time with ETSU SpiderLab students with additional displays/information. Spiders: for those who love them and those who wish they did. Led by Dr. TJ Jones and Connie Deegan, program coordinator/nature, members of the ETSU SpiderLab. Call the Johnson City Public Library at 423-434-4458 to reserve your seat. Johnson City Public Library Sat Oct.15 10:30am-11:30am Free Native Mammals: The Good Stuff

All Ages From bears and coyotes to skunks, mink and cottontails, our local national forests are home to many amazing mammals. Explore the diversity within our southern Appalachian Mountains with the help of pelts, photos and track cards. Unusual facts presented by Connie Deegan, program coordinator/nature.

Jacob’s Nature Park Outdoor Classroom Sat Nov.12 10:30am-11:45am Free Memorial Park Community Center Tue Nov.15 10:30am-11:45am Free