Guided Photography Hike at Bandy Creek in Big South Fork

Guided Photography Hike at Bandy Creek in Big South Fork

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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A guided photography hike will take place at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, July 13th, along the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop in the Bandy Creek area at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Visitors will learn quick and easy tips for all photography levels while out enjoying the Big South Fork.

The Oscar Blevins Farm Loop can be found at the Bandy Creek Trailhead. Follow the Bandy Creek Road past the Visitor Center and the campground then follow the sign that says "Trailhead" and points to the left and pull into the trailhead parking lot. The hike will begin at the trailhead sign. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Interpretation and Education Building located beside the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 for further information.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Astronomy Programs Offered at Big South Fork

Astronomy Programs Offered at Big South Fork

Thursday, May 9, 2013

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Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, May 18, 2013, for two special astronomy programs. A telescope with a sun filter will be positioned in front of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT) to allow for solar viewing. The use of special telescope filters will allow safe viewing of the sun. The sun should never be viewed without proper sun filters or permanent damage to the eyes may occur.

Later that evening at 9:00 p.m. (EDT), Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the May night sky. This program will be held in the parking lot across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation after the presentation. You may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. There is no charge to attend these programs.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the Interpretation and Education Building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

For directions or additional information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


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Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Big South Fork Announces Birding Walk at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11

Big South Fork Announces Birding Walk at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11

Thursday, May 2, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a birding walk with Dr. Charles P. Nicholson at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11. Nicholson holds a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree from the University of Maine and serves as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) manager for Tennessee Valley Authority. He is the author of the definitive book about Tennessee's birds, Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee, and numerous articles about birds and birding in scientific and other publications. Nicholson also taught bird watching at the University of Tennessee for a number of years and is on the board of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. He has over 35 years of birding experience on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, including the Big South Fork area.

Participants should meet Dr. Nicholson and park staff at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) and are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and to bring binoculars and drinking water. The program will conclude by noon. We will first be walking the Bandy Creek Loop trail that starts beside the visitor center. Then we will hike a short distance of the John Litton Farm Loop and return to the visitor center. Over 160 bird species have been documented in the Big South Fork NRRA. Spring is an excellent time of year to observe the park's Neotropical migrants which winter in Central and South America along with the area's year-round residents. Attendees will be provided with a checklist of the birds documented in the Big South Fork for use both during the bird walk and during future birding outings. Both experienced and novice bird watchers are encouraged to attend.

Please contact the park at (423) 286-7275 for directions or additional information.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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