If you go
› What: Wildflower hikes.› When: 1-5 p.m. CDT Saturday, March 26, and Saturday, April 16; must arrive by 12:30 p.m. CDT.› Where: Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn.› Admission: $5-$20 donation.› Phone: 423-949-5922.› Email: education@svionline.org.› Website: www.svionline.org.
Staff and friends of the Sequatchie Valley Institute will lead a hike to see the Sequatchie Valley's spring finery on Saturday, March 26. Can't make it this weekend? The hike will be repeated in three weeks on Saturday, April 16.
Ragwort, dwarf buckeye, phlox, bloodroot, trout lily, trilliums, wild geranium, redbuds and dogwoods can be found in bloom this time of year. The hikes, through land protected by the Land Trust of Tennessee, will be accompanied by naturalists and foresters familiar with the geography, ecology and ethnobotany of the area.
Each hike will begin at 1 p.m. CDT from Moonshadow, the SVI center. Participants must arrive at the parking area no later than 12:30 to assemble for a shuttle or hike to Moonshadow, one mile up a nature trail from the parking area.
Hikers may choose a moderate/easy route that will meander for two hours below the bluffs to discover the native flora awakening after winter. A more rugged hike will continue on to the creek and up the canyon, exploring the hidden treasures of Appalachia. The hikes will be along rocky mountain trails and are not handicap accessible. Kids of all ages are welcome. Pets are not allowed since the entire area is a nature preserve.
Participants should come prepared with long pants and sturdy shoes, as well as a hat, rainwear/umbrella, water and snacks. Cameras, ID books and journals are welcome.
Early arrivals are welcome to explore the Moonshadow site starting at 11 a.m. The site includes a permaculture landscape; hand-crafted solar-powered off-grid homes and structures; and Liquidambar Art Gallery, which features the artwork of staff and local artists.
There are also picnic areas in the woods to enjoy snacks or a lunch before the hike. SVI will provide herbal tea and coffee. After the hike, participants may relax over wine and cheese in the gallery.
The Sequatchie Valley Institute is a nonprofit educational organization promoting education and research in sustainable green living, ecology and art. A donation of $5 to $20 per hiker will be used for SVI's educational programs.