Happenings

Spring Lantern Hikes Friday, March 27 Hike Time: 7 - 9 pm Friday, April 10 Hike Time 7:30 - 9:30 pm Friday, May 1 Hike Time 8 - 10 pm All hikes are schedule to begin after sunset. Please note the start time of your hike. If the date you wish to attend is sold out, you may fill out our waitlist form . Cost: $18 / person Ages 12+ only . Minors (ages 12 - 17) must be accompanied by an adult. Participants under the age of 12 will not be admitted to the program and no refunds will be issued. Gate opens 30 minutes before program start. Program begins promptly at noted time. No late entries. No exceptions. Pack dinner and arrive early to picnic on the grounds. We are a pack-in/pack-out facility - please plan to take your trash with you. Come along on a nighttime adventure! We'll explore the woods at night by lantern light, listen for the sounds of nocturnal animals including owls, coyotes, crickets and frogs, and share stories about the history of Owl's Hill. This program is for adventurers who are looking for a longer hike than our typical evening programs. The route is 1.5 miles of moderately challenging natural surface trail. Participants can expect moderate uphill and downhill hiking as well as areas of uneven terrain. Once the hike departs, participants are expected to stay with the group for the duration of the hike. Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking are strongly recommended. For the safety and comfort of all participants, participants are not permitted to carry additional sources of light (headlamps, flashlights, etc.). Lanterns will be provided.

Winter 2026 Naturalist Workshops February Workshop: Tracking Basics Saturday, February 7, 9 - 11:30 am $20 / person Ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult) Learn how to identify animal tracks as well as signs like antler rubs, burrows, and scat to find out what animals are active in the area and gain insight into their hidden lives. This program will cover basic tracking techniques alongside track and sign identification and tips to help participants continue to build their tracking skills. Instructors: David Coats, Certified Tennessee Naturalist, Laura Smith, OHNS Staff Naturalist March Workshop: Beginning Birding Saturday, March 21, 8 - 10:30 am $20 / person Ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult) Get ready for spring migration with this introduction to bird watching and bird identification. Learn the basics of bird identification by sight and sound using a field guide or digital app. This program will also discuss how to choose and use binoculars and how to share your findings with digital citizen science apps like eBird and iNaturalist. Bring binoculars! There will also be a limited number of binoculars to borrow. Participants are welcome to bring field guides or load a digital field guide like Sibley or Audubon on their smartphone. Instructor: Laura Smith, OHNS Staff Naturalist

Saturday, February 21, 2026 Session 1: 9:30 am - 12 pm Session 2: 1 - 3:30 pm The same program will be presented at the morning and afternoon sessions. Cost: $40 Includes: - Up to 2 people per registration - One (1) mushroom cultivation kit - Guided hike Pre-registration is required. Learn the basics of mushroom cultivation for edible oyster mushrooms, and a bit about the biology and ecology of fungus. Participants will learn how to get started growing mushrooms at home and will assemble an easy to care for oyster grow kit to take home. The program concludes with a short mushroom identification and appreciation hike. This program is designed with adults and teens in mind. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Kids Ages 3 to 5 and Parents

Saturday, January 31, 2026 Event Check In: 10 am - 1 pm Trails close at 3 pm Cost: $10 Adult (ages 13+), $8 Child (ages 12-5) Children 4 & under free

Saturday, February 14, 2026 Morning Session: 10 am - 12:30 pm Afternoon Session: 1:30 - 3:30 pm The same program will be presented at the morning and afternoon sessions. $45/ group of 2 (includes one nest box kit) $35/ individual adult (includes one nest box kit) $10/ additional child under 18 (does not include a nest box kit - must be purchased in conjunction with a group or individual registration) Includes: Bluebird nest box kit and instructor-led build Bluebird presentation Guided hike Prepare the way for this spring's bluebirds with a brand new nest box. Hike the bluebird nest box trail at Owl's Hill and learn how this simple, but critical research project helped bring the Eastern bluebird from a threatened species to a common backyard bird. Build its own bluebird nest box in preparation of spring and learn how to find the perfect spot for you to mount it in your yard. This program is designed with adults and teens in mind. Suitable for ages 7 and up.