2026 Oak Ridge Reservation nature walks announced

On the Oak Ridge Reservation, more than 1100 vascular plants, 72 fish, 34 mammals and over 230 bird species have been observed. This year the public is invited to multiple nature walks designed to highlight not only the rich flora and fauna diversity of the Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park (NERP) but also to demonstrate the work being done to sustainably manage and conserve this resource. Walks will take place on several locations across the Oak Ridge Reservation beginning in late winter and continuing through late summer.

Reservations for the following events must be made in advance by noon the Thursday prior to each walk by contacting Nick Oldham at 865-341-3670 ([email protected]).

More information about these walks is available by contacting Trent Jett at 865-574-9188 ([email protected]).

Upcoming nature walks include:

American woodcock and Falconry Walk

• Date: Saturday, March 7
• Location: Meet at the parking lot behind / south of the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse roads in Oak Ridge.
• Time: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Leader: Vincent Pontello (TWRA), Trent Jett (ORNL)
• Limit: 30 (children are allowed)
• Description: The American woodcock has an elaborate flight display that can only be viewed in the twilight hours as the sun rises and sets. Join us as we catch a glimpse of these amazing birds on the Oak Ridge Reservation. In addition, we will have a chance to learn about Falconry and birds of prey. Local falconers will be on hand to teach us about hawks and falcons and demonstrate their remarkable hunting skills. Walking will be on gravel roads and through fields, not in overly steep terrain (distance < .5 mile). Participants need to have sturdy shoes and should dress in layers. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is suggested as some of the walk will be at dusk or after sunset. Recommended items include water, binoculars, field guide to birds, bug spray if needed. No pets please.

Wildflower and Old Growth Forest Walk

• Date: Sunday, April 12
• Location: Meet at West Guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike, Hwy 95
• Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Leader: Larry Pounds (botanist), John Shelton-Sarabia (ORNL)
• Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
• Description: We will see many native spring wildflowers as well as a stand of old growth trees which has been thriving for >240 years. Walking will be off trail, in moderately rough terrain (distance about 1.5 miles). Since this is an off-trail hike in rocky country, participants need to have good balance and stamina. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Be aware that there may be some shallow wet areas we will be walking through, boots are recommended. No pets please.

Bird Nature Walk - Freels Bend

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Location: Meet at the parking lot behind / south of the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads
• Time: 8 a.m. to noon
• Leader: Sarah Darling, Trent Jett, and Neil Giffen (ORNL)
• Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
• Description: Walking will be over dirt/gravel roads (distance 1-2 miles). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray, field guide to birds, binoculars, and water. We should see birds of prey and many sparrows in the extensive native grass fields, migrating warblers in the early successional and mature forested areas, and wading birds in the waters along the Clinch River. No pets please.

Frog Calls and Bat Identification - Jones Island Road

• Date: Friday, May 15
• Location: Meet at Melton Hill Dam Tailwater boat ramp, Hwy 95
• Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Leader: Nikki Jones and Sarah Darling (ORNL)
• Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
• Recommendations: We will visit beaver-impounded ponds to learn how ORNL personnel monitor frog populations. We hope to hear a variety of frogs including pickerel frogs, spring peepers, and southern chorus frogs. Participants will learn to identify frogs based on calls. We also will see bats foraging overhead and will utilize equipment for participants to identify bat species by their calls. Walking will be on level dirt/gravel roads (distance <1 mile). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is recommended since the walk will continue after sunset. No pets please.

Aquatic and Terrestrial Insects and Other Creepy Crawlies

• Date: Saturday, May 30
• Location: North Boundary Greenway Trail, Hwy 95
• Time: 9 a.m. to noon
• Leader: Nikki Jones and Nick Oldham (ORNL)
• Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
• Recommendations: We will visit areas of the Oak Ridge Reservation where we will learn about local insects in a variety of habitats including streams and right-of-ways. Techniques for collection of insects will be demonstrated, and participants will have an opportunity to try it out themselves. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. Be mindful of stinging and biting insects. Wear older shoes or rubber boots if you would like to get in the creek and help. No pets please.

Reptiles and Amphibians Inventory - Solway Bend

• Date: Saturday, June 13
• Location: Meet at the parking lot behind / south of the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
• Time: 9 a.m. to noon
• Leader: Lindsey Hayter (CRESO)
• Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
• Description: We will collect several turtle species, talk about local snake identification and discuss management of local herpetological populations. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to get involved and learn about the animals. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt/gravel roads (very limited distances). Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. No pets please.

UT-Battelle manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the Department of Energy's Office of Science. The single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.