Organized by the Department of Energy’s 91°µÍø, six guided nature walks, which are open to the public, will take place at various locations across the Oak Ridge Reservation from April through June.
The Oak Ridge Reservation, located in East Tennessee, is home to more than 1,100 vascular plants, 72 fish species, 34 mammals and over 200 bird species. These nature walks will not only highlight the reservation’s rich flora and fauna but also demonstrate the ongoing efforts to manage and conserve this vital resource.
Nature walk participants must register in advance by noon the Thursday prior to each walk by contacting Nick Oldham at 865.341.3670 or oldhamnv@ornl.gov.
More information about these walks is available by contacting the Environmental Sciences Division’s Trent Jett at 865.574.9188 or jettrt@ornl.gov.
With expert-led walks featuring birds, bats, reptiles and even creepy crawlies, the whole family can get involved in exploring, learning and connecting with nature during the 2025 season.
Upcoming nature walks include:
1. Wildflower and old growth forest walk
Date: Sunday, April 13
Location: Meet at West Guardhouse, Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95)
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: Larry Pounds (botanist)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
See a variety of native spring wildflowers and a stand of old-growth trees that have thrived for over 240 years. This off-trail hike covers moderately rough terrain (about 1.5 miles), so participants should have good balance and stamina. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and water. Some areas may be shallow and wet, so boots are recommended. No pets, please.
2. Bird nature walk – Freels Bend
Date: Saturday, April 26
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Sarah Darling, Kelly Roy, and Neil Giffen (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
This walk will follow dirt and gravel roads for 1–2 miles. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray, a bird field guide, binoculars, and water. Expect to see birds of prey and sparrows in the expansive native grass fields, migrating warblers in the early successional and mature forested areas and wading birds along the Clinch River. No pets, please.
3. Frog calls and bat identification – Jones Island Road
Date: Friday, May 9
Location: Meet at Melton Hill Dam Tailwater boat ramp (Hwy 95)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Leaders: Nikki Jones and Sarah Darling (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Visit beaver-impounded ponds to learn how ORNL personnel monitor frog populations and identify various species by their calls, including pickerel frogs, spring peepers, and southern chorus frogs. Watch bats foraging overhead and use special equipment to identify them by their calls. This walk will follow level dirt and gravel roads for less than a mile. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring bug spray and water. A reliable flashlight or headlamp is recommended, as the walk will continue after sunset. No pets, please.
4. Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other creepy crawlies
Date: Saturday, May 31
Location: Oak Ridge Reservation – TBD
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Nikki Jones and Nick Oldham (ORNL)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
Explore the Oak Ridge Reservation and discover local insects in a variety of habitats, including streams. Learn collection techniques through demonstrations, then try them out for yourself. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and water. Be mindful of stinging and biting insects. If you’d like to wade into the creek and participate, wear older shoes or rubber boots. No pets, please.
5. Wildlife sampling techniques and identification – Freels Cabin
Date: Saturday, June 7
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e., south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Sarah Darling and Nick Oldham (ORNL)
Limit: 25 (children are allowed)
Discuss and learn about the wildlife that live on the Oak Ridge Reservation through skull and skin identification. The discussion will also cover management techniques and monitoring methods such as passive trapping and camera and acoustic sets. Participants can examine a collection of life-like skulls, scat, and track up close, as well as see and touch real furs and skins. The walk will take place at the historic Freels Cabin, with very limited walking through fields and over level dirt/gravel roads. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. No pets, please.
6. Reptiles and amphibians inventory – Solway Bend
Date: Saturday, June 14
Location: Meet at the parking lot behind (i.e. south of) the ORISE building at the corner of Bethel Valley and Pumphouse Roads.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Leader: Lindsey Hayter and Kathy Strunk (CRESO)
Limit: 20 (children are allowed)
During this walk, participants will collect several turtle species, learn about local snake identification and discuss the management of local herpetological populations. Children will have plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn about the animals. Walking will be through fields and over level dirt and gravel roads with very limited distances. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. No pets, please.
UT-Battelle manages 91°µÍø for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit .