Chattanooga Zoo has announced that their entirely new Cape of Africa section will be open to the public Aug. 31.
The $3.9 million development, located at the front of the Zoo, will include warthogs, servals, Cape porcupines, an enlarged giraffe yard, waterfalls, a group entrance and other new features.
“In 2013, we created a master plan to further establish the Zoo as a leading attraction in Chattanooga,” says Darde Long, president and CEO of Chattanooga Zoo. “Over the last decade, we’ve made tremendous strides in our animal collection, conservation efforts, educational programs and more. Now, we are elated to share our single-biggest expansion in Zoo history with visitors and locals alike.”
Construction started on The Cape of Africa in September 2023. The project incorporates authentic African imagery, colors, textures, sounds and iconography that pair with the new African species to create an immersive experience.
On Aug. 31, from 7:30-9 a.m., the Zoo is hosting a special breakfast in the Cape of Africa for Zoo members only. Members will enjoy the first look at the completed expansion and will see the warthogs, servals and Cape porcupines on exhibit for the first time.
Additionally, they will enjoy animal meet and greets, a light breakfast from BeCaffeinated, themed giveaways and a drumming and dance workshop for children presented by Ogya World Music Band and FAFAA African Drumming and Dance Company.
Members may RSVP for this limited-capacity event.
tnAchieves recruiting volunteer mentors
Scholastic mentoring group tnAchieves is kicking off its annual mentor recruitment effort by highlighting past successes and future optimism for this critical volunteer role. The group needs 5,000 volunteer mentors by Nov. 15 to meet student demand.
tnAchieves mentors work with students who asked for the opportunity to connect with a volunteer mentor. Each volunteer mentor serves a smaller group of 2-3 high school seniors who are engaged and invested in the local support that a mentor provides.
“2024 was a year of strong connections and meaningful outcomes for tnAchieves mentors,” says tnAchieves senior director of mentors Tyler Ford. “Students choosing to work with a mentor benefited greatly from the local nudges and encouragement that a mentor provides, completing key TN Promise requirements at a rate 20 percentage points higher than their peers.”
While the TN Promise scholarship ensures that every Tennessee high school senior has the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition and mandatory fee-free, tnAchieves provides all students with critical nonfinancial support as they transition from high school to college.
tnAchieves mentors help students navigate the college-going process, provide important deadline reminders and most importantly encourage students to make the leap to college as many students are the first in their families to attend college.
In 2025, mentors commit just one hour per month at the high school of their choosing. tnAchieves provides a brief orientation, handbook and weekly guidance to all volunteers. tnAchieves mentorship does not require extensive college-going experience. Anyone willing to invest in their community and support students can serve as an effective support for students.
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HCS, nonprofits team on outdoor equity gap
Despite the abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities available across Southeast Tennessee, local children spend more time indoors than ever before.
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and Outdoor Chattanooga has announced the Outdoor Leadership Club’s new year-round programming designed to introduce Southeast Tennessee’s youth and families, especially from historically marginalized communities, to nature to experience the physical and mental health benefits of being outside.
For many participants, the trips to Harrison Bay, Booker T. Washington, Red Clay, and Cumberland Trail state parks were their first ever visit to a state park. The intention is that it’s the first of many.
The new collaboration is an extension of the Conservancy’s Kids in Parks program, which supports Title 1 schools with funding to bring elementary and middle school groups to state parks so students can learn and get comfortable in nature through hands-on activities.
The program was made possible by a generous grant from The Lyndhurst Foundation and in collaboration with The H20 Life, Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga, Hamilton County Schools and Tennessee State Parks. The program has funding to run for at least two years in the Chattanooga area.
“Outdoor activities are typically a very accessible means of finding health and happiness, yet some barriers still exist, particularly in low-income communities,” says Alex Wyss, executive director of Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. “This program aims to bridge that gap and provide a welcoming environment for everyone in the community.”
Participation in the program is currently limited to a select number of schools and students. Looking forward, the Conservancy aims to expand ongoing programming throughout the state, filling a critical need for year-round activities that support the mental and physical health of historically marginalized youth and families.
Library kicks off branch celebration month
Chattanooga Public Library kicked off its Branch Celebration Month Monday at Northgate Branch. The monthlong celebration will highlight staff and special features about each branch location, feature parties at each location and give library visitors their first chance to interact with the library’s new selfie booths.
In addition to its Main/Downtown location, the library has four branch locations throughout the Chattanooga area: the Northgate Branch in Hixson and North Chattanooga, the Eastgate Branch in the Eastgate/Midtown area, the Avondale Branch in the Avondale Community Center and the South Chatt Branch located near the St. Elmo and Alton Park neighborhoods.
Each branch has unique features and services designed for the neighborhoods around them.
“I’m really excited for this month because our branches are so critically important,” says Library executive director Will O’Hearn. “The staff at our branches do a phenomenal job serving their communities and deserve to be celebrated.”
Video tours and staff interviews will be featured on the library’s social media channels all month, showcasing each branch’s special personality. During each branch’s week, the library’s new selfie booth will be available for visitors to take and share photos. Then, on the designated day listed below, the Library’s Executive Director will stop by for a fun party featuring treats and prizes.
Upcoming branch parties include Friday, Aug. 16 at Eastgate at 11 a.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 21 at South Chatt at 11 a.m.; and Thursday, Aug. 29 at Avondale at 5 p.m.
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Siskin Hospital celebrates Healing Garden opening
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Grady’s Garden, the new therapeutic healing gardens at its downtown Chattanooga facility.
The first of its kind in the region and the largest of five planned gardens, the Healing Gardens at Siskin Hospital are specifically designed for physical rehabilitation while being immersed in nature. A variety of textured surfaces, stairs of varying heights and inclines and raised planters with wheelchair compatibility are just a few of the features that clinicians will utilize during outdoor therapy sessions.
The Healing Gardens supports physical rehabilitation and the mental well-being of patients, their loved ones and Siskin Hospital associates. Research has shown a clear link between nature and healing, including increased positive patient outcomes.