June 2011 Interpretive Programs

Date: June 7, 2011
Contact: Howard Duncan, 423-569-9778

Saturday, June 11

10:30 a.m. – Nature Hike – Take a leisurely stroll along the Big South Fork river from Leatherwood Ford about one mile south on the O and W Trail. Park Ranger Bill Herman will be talking about various nature-related topics. Meet at the gazebo at Leatherwood Ford off of Highway 297. Wear sturdy walking shoes and use an insect repellant before venturing out on this walk.

2:00 p.m. – My Home in a Box - Bandy Creek Visitor Center- What kind of animal carries their home around with them? This wild animal might even be living in your own backyard. Park Ranger Jessica Moore will tell you more about the eastern box turtle.

7:00 p.m. – Free Fishing Day – Take advantage of the free fishing day by joining Park Ranger Dustin Beaty at Leatherwood Ford for some fishing fun in the Big South Fork River. For safety, bring a life jacket with you if you have one. Cane poles will be provided. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing when participating in this activity.

7:30 p.m. – Owl Prowl – Blue Heron Campground Meet Park Ranger Sherry Fritschi at the       campfire circle to hear facts and folklore about owls. Be prepared to take a short walk. Learn how to call in barred owls. Bring a flashlight. Wear sturdy walking shoes and use an insect repellant before venturing out on this walk.

Sunday, June 12

10:30 a.m. – Hike to Oscar Blevins – Join Ranger Dustin Beaty for a hike along the Oscar Blevins Trail. Meet at the Bandy Creek Trailhead picnic shelter near area F. Wear sturdy walking shoes and use an insect repellant before venturing out on this walk.

Saturday, June 18

10:30 a.m. – Tracking Through the Wild! – Bandy Creek Visitor Center – Join Park Ranger Dustin Beaty at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center as he talks about the various different tracks you may encounter while hiking the trails of Big South Fork. There will be a fun Junior Ranger activity for children to enjoy.

2:00 p.m. – Trailside Botany – Bandy Creek Campground Kiosk – Park Ranger Bill Herman will be taking an easy walk through the campground to look at and discuss common trees, shrubs and other plants found within the park. Meet at the campground kiosk. Wear sturdy walking shoes and use an insect repellant before venturing out on this walk.

7:30 p.m. - Snake Tales – Bandy Creek Visitor Center – Learn about myths, legends and facts that surround this reptile. Join Park Ranger Sue Duncan and her friends Slither and Cleopatra as they help you understand snakes and their place in the environment.

7:30 p.m. – Scrip - Blue Heron Campground - Did the coal miner really “owe his soul to the company store”? Come find out at the evening program with Park Ranger Lynn Thornton. Original pieces of scrip will be on display including Stearn Coal Company pieces.

Saturday, June 25

10:30 p.m. – Nature Hike – Angel Falls – Meet Park Ranger Jessica Moore at Leatherwood Ford gazebo. You will be taking a hike along the Big South Fork River to the Angel Falls Rapid. This is a two-mile one way (four mile round trip) hike. Bring a sack lunch and water. Wear comfortable walking shoes and use an insect repellant before venturing out on this walk.

2:00 p.m. – Junior Ranger Activity - Join Park Ranger Dustin Beaty for a special Junior Ranger activity.

7:00 p.m. - Saving Our Hemlocks - Our graceful, majestic and long-lived Eastern Hemlocks are being attacked by an Asian invader, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Infected trees will die within a few years without intervention. Imagine our forest streams without the cooler temperatures afforded by their dense canopy and our cultural landscapes without their beauty. What will mammals and birds do without their essential winter habitat? Unlike the American chestnut, which was replaced by other nut-bearing trees, there is no other tree that will fill the niche of the Eastern Hemlock. Join Ranger Brenda Deaver to learn more about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Big South Fork’s botanist, Marie Kerr, will be present for a question and answer session and to demonstrate chemical methods of treatment. 
Meet at the building across the brick walkway from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. We will walk to a nearby site for the demonstration.

7:30 p.m. – Black Bear – Blue Heron Campground - Black bear are interesting creatures. They can also be a management nightmare if they learn bad bear habits. Park Ranger Debby Zimmerman will be describing black bear, how to prevent them from becoming a nuisance in the park and how to keep yourself safe in bear inhabited areas.