Outdoor Chattanooga’s
2023 Winter Workshop Series

Join us for these free classroom based outdoor education classes which are open and free to the public of all ages and abilities.  Come learn and get inspired with these indoor classes this winter.  Join us virtually as well, with pre-registration.

Free ~ All Ages Welcome

Thursdays in January and February
6:00-7:30 PM

Location:  Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center  in Coolidge Park
200 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423.643.6888

(virtual option with pre-registration https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog)

2023 SCHEDULE:

Basket Weaving With Common Invasive Plants
Jan 12, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Join us for this unique workshop on invasive plants! James Eubank, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Chattanooga, will team up with Anna Mathis, Natural Resources Manager for the Department of Parks and Outdoors, to discuss invasive plants, how to identify them, their impact on our resources, how to remove/control them, and, finally, how to make a basket with invasive materials. 

Building the next great thru-hike trail
Jan 19, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Have you heard of The Great Eastern Trail (GET)?  A much needed alternative to the Appalachian Trail, the GET is a long distance trail reaching from New York through Tennessee (including Chattanooga) and Georgia into Alabama and, eventually, into Florida.  The GET is being developed through linking existing regional trails and utilizing local trails to create that linkage.  Join this interactive session to learn more about the vision for the trail, the support for completion of the GET in Tennessee, how Lula Lake Land Trust’s trail projects play a huge role in supporting the GET, and information on several local segments that are ready to explore.

Backyard Birding
Jan 26, 2023

6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Scott Martin, Administrator of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors, is a serious hobbyist birder. He will share how easy it is to dive into the fascinating world of birding! Take flight with inspiration and information about connecting to your feathered friends.

Mysterious Edible Mushrooms
Feb. 2, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Erik Hancock, Customer Relations Specialist for Outdoor Chattanooga, is an avid outdoorsman and mushroom forager. Join Erik as he shares his knowledge on all things fungi! Erik will teach everything from basic anatomy of fungi to how to search for and successfully identify various wild mushrooms. This class will have an emphasis on choosing edible mushrooms, but we will also get to learn about various medicinal and poisonous mushrooms. You don’t want to miss this one!

Building the Cumberland Trail
Feb 9, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Have you ever hiked or explored sections of the Cumberland Trail? This trail, currently still in development, showcases the exemplary beauty found on the Cumberland Plateau. Join Savana Keeton, Operations Coordinator with CTC for this presentation that will give an overview of the Cumberland Trail and the organizations involved in its maintenance, development, and protection. The presentation will be approximately 20 minutes with a Q&A afterward. Outdoor Chattanooga’s specialist, James Eubank will cover the elements of preparing for and leading a day hike include an essential gear packing list, trail maps and suggestions useful for beginner and seasoned hikers.

How to Poop in the Woods (and other outdoor ethics)
Feb 16, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

This class is for everyone and of all ages, from novice day hikers to professional outdoor athletes, as a growing number of people head to the woods and may find themselves pondering this question. Terri Chapin is a Leave No Trace Master Educator and the Recreation Programs Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga will cover disposal techniques for personal waste, pet waste, food scraps and many other outdoor ethics while in the backwoods or the front country. When nature calls, it is a relief to know what to do!  

Wonders of Weather
Feb 23, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM EST at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center
in Coolidge Park, or pre-register to join the session virtually:
https://secure.rec1.com/TN/chattanooga-tn/catalog

Weather can make or break and be potentially dangerous for any outdoor activity. Planning and being prepared for what Mother Natured can bring is crucial especially for extended adventures. Brian Smith, Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Communications Director and former meteorologist, has broken down weather planning into a few easy steps. Here you’ll find suggestions on what forecasts to pay attention to before you head outdoors and what to do if you’re caught in the storm.