Long Hunter State Park has announced its nature program schedule for the month of October. The schedule features such topics as bats, spiders, autumn edibles, astronomy, trees, and wild teas, and also includes a variety of nature hikes and canoe floats. See below for the complete schedule.
All programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are needed, except for canoe floats. Unless noted otherwise, program participants should meet at the park office. Long Hunter State Park is located at 2910 Hobson Pike in Hermitage.
For more information, contact the park office at 615-885-2422.
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Cedar Glade Nature Hike: Friday, October 9th at 5 PM
The Tennessee Coneflowers have faded, but the unique cedar glades of Middle Tennessee still contain a wide variety of plants and wildlife. On this one-mile hike we will look for wildflowers and also discuss the geology and ecology of the Couchville Cedar Glade.
*Meet at the Couchville Cedar Glade parking lot.
Friends of Long Hunter Monthly Meeting: Saturday, October 10th at 10 AM
All are welcome to join us for the October meeting of the Friends of Long Hunter State Park as we discuss park activities and plan for future events, including possible field trips to nearby parks and natural areas. Nonmembers are welcome to attend and show their support for the park while learning more about the Friends group.
Oak: The King of Trees: Sunday, October 11th at 2 PM
Oaks are one of the most diverse and abundant types of trees in Tennessee. During a one-mile hike we will discuss the life of an oak tree, why they are so diverse, folklore and uses, and how they are important to almost all life on Earth.
Preschool Story Time - The Nature Circle: Monday, October 12th at 10 AM
"The Nature Circle" is an interactive group made up of nature-themed stories, puppets, songs, and crafts for ages 3-5. Children are encouraged to bring an item (examples: favorite book, stuffed animal, or photograph) that relates to each week's theme. Join us each Monday morning as we develop and nurture our love of nature. This week's theme: Native American Pow-Wow
Teas from the Wild: Tuesday, October 13th at 5 PM
People have been making tea from leaves, seeds, roots, and bark for thousands of years. Join us for an informal talk and short walk where we will discuss plant identification, uses and benefits of plants, and also get a taste of some mighty fine teas.
Sunset Canoe Float: Wednesday, October 14th at 5 PM
Spend your evening enjoying the beauty and serenity of a sunset on Couchville Lake. Ages 6 and above. Reservations begin October 7th. *Meet at the boathouse in Area 2
28th Annual Fall Festival and Pow-Wow: October 16th-18th at 9 AM.
Long Hunter State Park and the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee are hosting this fun-filled event to include Indian food, arts and crafts, live music, and dancing. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children (ages 6-12). For more information contact the Park Office at (615) 885-2422 or call (615) 232-9179.
Couchville Lake Night Hike: Friday, October 16th at 6 PM
Fall is in the air and the cool evenings of October are the perfect time to experience the woods surrounding Couchville Lake. We will be searching for owls, bats, and other nighttime wildlife, and also observing the night sky two days before the new moon.
Preschool Story Time - The Nature Circle: Monday, October 19th at 10 AM
For a full description see October 12th. This week's theme: Looking at Leaves
Native American Tools: Thursday, October 22nd at 5 PM
Join us for an indoor discussion on Native American history with a focus on primitive tools and how pre-historic people used natural objects in their daily life. Simple objects such as rocks, bones, and antlers will be brought to life during this educational program.
What’s the Deal with Bats? Friday, October 23rd at 5 PM
Join us for the next installment of Long Hunter’s new “What’s the Deal?” series. Each of these programs will feature an in-depth look at some of Long Hunter’s lesser known plants, animals, and natural resources. This program will focus on bats, one of Earth’s most important and magnificent creatures. During an informal talk and short walk we will discuss the life of a bat, what makes bats unlike any other animal, and why the bats of Tennessee are currently in danger.
Third Annual Long Hunter Mega-Hike: Saturday, October 24th at 7 AM
Join naturalist and avid hiker Jason Allen as we attempt to hike all of Long Hunter’s trails -- 26 miles -- in a single day. Whether you join us for 2 miles, or all 26 miles, the objective is to experience the variety of trails Long Hunter has to offer. Please bring water, lunch, snacks, and good hiking shoes. Those who complete all 26 miles will receive a certificate of merit. Meet at the Couchville Lake Trail Parking Lot at 7 AM. Please call the Park Office at (615) 885-2422 for more information.
Fall Star Party: Saturday, October 24th at 8 PM
Join members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society for an amazing evening under the stars. View stars, planets, the moon and more through one of several telescopes! Prepare to learn plenty from this group of knowledgeable astronomers.
*Please park at the Park Office and walk to Group Camp 1 behind the gate
Stories of the Ancient Ones: Sunday, October 25th at 4 PM
Take a walk back in time at the Sellars Farm Archaeological Site. Mississippian Period Native American culture will be discussed while visiting this site.
*All program participants should meet at the Sellars Farm Archeological Site.
Preschool Story Time - The Nature Circle: Monday, October 26th at 10 AM
For a full description see October 12th. This week's theme: Having a Hoot with Owls
Creepy Crawlers: Monday, October 26th at 5PM
Although feared by many people, spiders are one of the most unusual and helpful organisms in nature. This program will focus on the importance of spiders and their webs, and will also feature an up-close look at spiders outside in the wild.
Autumn Edibles: Wednesday, October 28th at 5 PM
Mother Nature provides us with many delicious wild foods during Fall. Join us for a short hike on which we will discuss plant identification and how and where to look for wild foods. We will conclude by sampling some of Long Hunter’s tasty treats including acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and persimmons.
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