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Happenings
Join us for Marshmallow Hikes! November 29 December 19, 20, 23, 27, 30 & 31 January 2, 3, 10 & 17 Special Noon Year's Eve Hike: December 31 - 11 am Hike: Includes a craft and kid-friendly toast at noon. $15 / person ($17 walk-up) Hikes begin PROMPTLY at 9:30 am, 11 am & 1 pm. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time. Register online and save - ticket sales close at 8 am for the day's hikes Online Tickets: $11 / person Walk-up Tickets: $13 / person Children 2 and under: Free Are you looking for something to do with the family during the holidays or an excuse to get out of the house by yourself? How does a nice hike in the winter woods followed by hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows sound? Come by Owl's Hill for our annual Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Hikes. Hike Types Easy: 1/2 mile, mostly level with one short hill. Time: 30 - 40 min Moderate: 1 mile with some hills. 150 foot total elevation gain. Time: about 60 min Both hike types follow natural surface trails. No strollers or wagons. Note: To protect the wildlife, we do not permit pets on the Sanctuary grounds.
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.
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 7, 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.
