Interpretive Programs for August 2012

Date: July 30, 2012
Contact: Howard Duncan, 423-569-9778

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will offer a series of day and evening programs throughout the summer. Park rangers will present a variety of program topics in both Tennessee and Kentucky. Programs will be held at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Tennessee and at the Blue Heron Campground in Kentucky. All programs are scheduled on Eastern Time.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

10:30 a.m. - Marvelous Mammals of Big South Fork - You might wonder if bears, skunks, and bobcats have anything in common. Join Park Ranger Jessica Brown on the back porch of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center when she takes a look at selected wild native mammals that occur in the park or lived here in historic time.

7:30 p.m. - Appalachian Instruments - Learn about Appalachian instruments, their origins, and the music they make with Ranger Lounicia Hughett and guests. Visitors will be treated to a performance of some old-time songs and some that are not so old. This program will take place at the Bandy Creek Campground campfire circle.

7:00 p.m. - Night Sounds - Discover who or what is making the night sounds around the Big South Fork and in your very own backyard. If time permits, be prepared to take a short hike. It is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes, take appropriate precautions against insects and bring a flashlight. Meet Ranger Sherry Fritschi at the Blue Heron campfire circle for this exciting activity.

Sunday, August 5
10:30 a.m. - Tracking through the Wild! - Join Park Ranger Dustin Beaty at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center to learn more about the various animal tracks you may encounter while hiking the trails of Big South Fork. This will be a fun junior ranger activity that the kids will enjoy.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

10:30 a.m. - Snake Tales - Snakes are one of the most misunderstood animals of our area. Interesting myths and legends are told about snakes. Join Park Ranger Sue Duncan and her special guests to learn interesting facts about snakes in Big South Fork. Meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

7:30 p.m. - "But the Bear Came Back" and Other Great Stories - Storytelling provides an entertaining way to follow the history of the people of the Big South Fork area from past to present. We will start with the early Americans who came here to hunt and end with you, the visitor. Join Ranger Brenda Deaver at the Bandy Creek Campground campfire circle. In case of rain, this program will be held at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

7:30 p.m. - Civil War Sing Along - During the American Civil War, music played a prominent role on both sides of the conflict: Union and Confederate. Join in with Ranger Sherry Fritschi at the Blue Heron campfire circle when she plays and sings some of her particular favorite tunes from this tragic period of American history.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

10:30 a.m. - Hippity Hop - Is it a frog or a toad? - Visit with Ranger Jessica Brown to learn the differences that are found in these amazing amphibians. Meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center back porch.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

10:30 a.m. - Picnic in the Park - Join Ranger Brenda Deaver and the "Wide-Mouth Frog" as they discover what wild animals in the park eat. You can even sing along on the chorus of an original ballad titled "But the Bear Came Back". Meet on the back porch of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

9:30 p.m. - Astronomy (Exploring Night Skies) - The Milky Way rising over your campsite, the shimmering moon guiding your way, and the fading light that draws one's thoughts inward. These are all aspects of natural darkness that inspire park visitors and complete a national park experience. Paul Lewis, University of Tennessee Director of Outreach and Astronomy, along with regional volunteer astronomers will be providing park visitors the opportunity to gaze upon planets, stars, galaxies, and other amazing deep sky objects through telescopes. This program will be held in the Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking area. In case of inclement weather, a slide program will be presented in the Interpretation and Education Building next door to the Visitor Center.

7:30 p.m. - Working by the Light of the Moon - Interested in learning more about the secret, illegal world of moonshine and its ties to Appalachian culture? Ranger Debby Zimmerman will be presenting an interpretive program on this fascinating topic at the Blue Heron campfire circle.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19

10:30 a.m. - Exploring the Angel Falls Rapids Trail - Interested in experiencing the natural resources of the Big South Fork? Ranger Dustin Beaty will lead a hike along this beautiful tree-covered trail. This program begins in the gazebo at the Leatherwood Ford area.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25

10:30 a.m. - It Can Strike Twice - Lightning is spectacular to watch, but it is also nature's most deadly phenomena. Learn how lightning works and what you can do to stay safe during a storm. Meet Ranger Jessica Brown on the back porch of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

7:30 p.m. - Mini Beasts - What kinds of eyes are watching you from the forest? Who is lurking about your feet on the ground? Who is watching who? See if you can find them. Join Ranger Bill Herman at the Bandy Creek campfire circle to learn more about them.

7:30 p.m. - Civil War Sing Along - During the American Civil War, music played a prominent role on both sides of the conflict: Union and Confederate. Join in with Ranger Sherry Fritschi at the Blue Heron campfire circle when she plays and sings some of her particular favorite tunes from this tragic period of American history.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26

10:30 a.m. - Termite Architects - Take a quest for minute mud tunnels and the fascinating termites that construct them with Ranger Bill Herman. This junior-ranger activity begins on the back porch at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

For more information about these activities, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone] or the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at [phone].