Hours: Free tours begin at 1 p.m. CDT on Saturday and on July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. This weekend, SVI will host a Birth Circle and Women’s Herbal Workshop. The “birth circle” Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. CDT is a free, open discussion forum to “celebrate birth and mothering on the summer solstice.” On Saturday, The Childbearing Year Women’s Workshop will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Distance/fuel costs: SVI is about 50 minutes west of Chattanooga, just north of the Marion/Sequatchie county line on Cartwright Loop, off of state Highway 28. Call (423) 949-5922 for exact directions to the event you want to attend. The drive is about 90 miles, round trip.

Estimated fuel cost: $18

What’s worthwhile: A tour is a great place to start, but SVI offers educational and outreach programs throughout spring, summer and fall each year. Programs include “Food For Life,” “Preserving Your Extra Growth,” a “Root Cellar Workshop” and “Natural Building Workshop.”

Admission: Saturday’s tour and evening workshop are free, but a $25 registration fee applies for the Saturday Childbearing Year Women’s Workshop. The fee includes lunch. Register by calling the discussion facilitator, Rachel Fee-Prince, at (423) 774-2720. For tours, contact SVI in advance so the staff can prepare.

For the kids: The grounds at SVI make for an excellent tour for school and scout groups, home-schoolers and youth organizations. Call or e-mail Carol Kimmons at education@svionline.org to arrange dates.

Cost-saving tip: For most events that have a fee, participants may help pay their way with work on community projects.

More information: For more on SVI’s summer programs and tours, go to http://svionline.org or call (423) 949-5922.

Send your ideas and photos for other One Tank Wonders to mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.