Winter Workshops Schedule
› Jan. 14: Bicycle Maintenance 101› Jan. 21: Plan a Successful Day Hiking Trip› Jan. 28: Fresh Water Snorkeling in the Cherokee National Forest› Feb. 4: How to Poop in the Woods: Waste Management Ethics in the Outdoors› Feb. 11: Full Feature Documentary: “An American Ascent”› Feb. 18: Map and CompassFeb. 25: Moving Wet Lands› March 3: Adventure is Just Ahead, but What About the Weather?
The city’s recreational department is trying to teach locals that wintertime is just as good a time as any to get outside.
So, Outdoor Chattanooga is hosting a series of Winter Workshops for the first time, starting Jan. 14 and running through March 3.
The workshops are free and will occur from 6-7:30 p.m. on the days they are scheduled at Outdoor Chattanooga’s headquarters, located at 200 River St.
Topics range from things as basic as bicycle maintenance and planning a successful day-trip out on the hiking trails, to the unorthodox “How to Poop in the Woods” session.
Outdoor Chattanooga Programs Coordinator Terri Chapin, who will be teaching the session on outdoor bathroom etiquette, said that particular session will be about educating the public on how to properly dispose of waste “when nature calls.”
“Human waste and what we do with it can significantly impact our outdoor recreational experiences,” she said. “Seeing used toilet paper inches from the trail is a horrific sight and considering the increasing amount of recreational use an area may receive, this type of irresponsible behavior can negatively impact water quality and spread disease.”
Other unique sessions include a map and compass workshop as well as a workshop on fresh water snorkeling in the Cherokee National Forest.
“This workshop will inspire all ages,” said Chapin. “[It] provides an opportunity to learn more about exploring the diversity of life underwater.”
To find out more about the Winter Workshops, visit outdoorchattanooga.com.
Email Kelsie Bowman at kbowman@timesfreepress.com.