News Release

National Park Service Partnering with Roane State-Wartburg on Free Summer Short Course

NPS Arrowhead

NPS

News Release Date: July 13, 2021

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

Obed Wild & Scenic River is partnering with Roane State Community College in Wartburg, Tennessee to offer four free short summer evening courses on Night Sky, Cell Phone Photography, Rock Climbing, and Paddling.

Night Sky Viewing
July 14, 9:00 PM*
Will take place outside, if the weather is appropriate, with an evening of stargazing and night sky discussions including light pollution and the effect it is having on ecosystems around the world.

Cell Phone Photography
July 19, 7:00 PM*
Will discuss ways to use that camera in your pocket to connect to nature through photography and creative expression. This program will consider techniques that may increases participants’ appreciation for their local environment and public lands. The class will encourage participants to use photography as a tool for environmental learning and as an outlet for creative expression.

Introduction to Rock Climbing
August 5, 7:00 PM*
Geared towards beginners, this program will provide an overview of rock climbing in our area and will introduce would-be climbers to the equipment and techniques needed to rock climb safely. Participants will learn basic knots and tie-ins used by rock climbers and will also learn about potential hazards and how to mitigate them. This program will serve as the perfect, more technical complement to the Obed Climb with a Ranger program.

Introduction to Paddling
August 12, 7:00 PM*
Intended for would-be paddlers with limited experience, this program will introduce participants to the wealth of paddling opportunities in the area and will teach them how to identify optimal flow levels. Included in the presentation will be basic paddling techniques along with potential safety hazards and things that can be done to address them. Participants will also have the chance to go hands-on with the variety of equipment needed to paddle whitewater safety.

*All programs are on Eastern Time.

All classes are free, open to all, no pre-registration required, and held at the Roane State Morgan County Campus located at 150 Longview Drive, Wartburg, Tennessee. For more information, call Obed Wild and Scenic River at [phone].