Editorial

Starting this month, Outdoor Chattanooga is offering a series of free winter workshops . Every Thursday evening from Jan. 14 through March 3, Outdoor Chattanooga will present a new opportunity for people of all ages to learn a new skill, including everything from freshwater snorkeling to planning a hiking day trip.

Jan. 14

Winter bicycle maintenance

Outdoor Chattanooga staff bicycle guru James Eubank will lead you through different aspects of bicycle maintenance, including quick ways to clean and lube your bicycle with minimal equipment. Tools will be provided, but it is recommended to bring your own. Hands and clothing might get dirty or greasy. Bring your bike for demonstration or use one of Outdoor Chattanooga’s bikes. No previous bike knowledge nor registration is required.

Jan. 21

Planning a day hiking trip

Proper planning and preparation is necessary any time you venture into the great outdoors. Outdoor Chattanooga staff member Zach Bopp will teach you how to prepare for your winter hike, which will help make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Bopp will also offer area trail suggestions for beginning and seasoned hikers, maps, and planning resources. A local podiatrist will discuss options for hikers who may have concerns over their feet.

Jan. 28

Freshwater snorkeling in the Cherokee National Forest

Table your snorkeling equipment and relax in your chair for this educational adventure, which will offer a view of the aquatic world just beneath the water’s surface. Jim Herrig, aquatic biologist with the Cherokee National Forest, will present info and visual inspiration about a guided educational summer program called Fish Watch. It teaches people about freshwater mussels, snails, aquatic insects, crayfish, and salamanders, as well as the numerous varieties of freshwater fish in our local streams.

Feb. 4

How to poop in the woods

From day hikers to professional outdoor athletes, people who enjoy the woods might also ponder how to leave no trace. At this workshop led by Terri Chapin, who is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and the recreation programs coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga, you will learn proper disposal techniques for personal waste, pet waste, and food scraps while in the front or backcountry. Chapin has led hundreds of trips into front and backcountry.

Feb. 11

Documentary:

“An American Ascent”

On this evening, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Outdoor Chattanooga will co-host a free screening of “An American Ascent.” The feature documentary is about the first African American expedition to tackle North America’s highest peak, Denali. In June 2013, nine African Americans set out to build a legacy, to become role models for inner-city kids and people of color all over America, and to encourage them to go outside. They did so by taking on the grueling, 20,320-foot peak of North America’s biggest mountain.

Feb. 18

Map and compass

Learn the basics of navigating with a map and compass. Alan Archer, a former U.S. Marine and orienteering expert, will teach this free workshop, which is suitable for all ages. No reservations are required, and maps and compasses will be provided.

Feb. 25

Moving wet lands

Learn about mitigation projects, including the importance of restoration, and how it relates to the health of wetlands and streams. Guest speaker Bill Phillips will present the Green Corridor approach to wetland and stream restoration. Learn how these techniques are implemented at several of Chattanooga’s largest developments, including Volkswagen, the Bass Pro project, and the Standifer Gap wetlands.

March 3

Preparing for inclement weather

Join NewsChannel 9 Meteorologist Brian Smith for his explosive presentation about severe weather, myths, and truths as well as his experience as a storm and hurricane chaser.