Winter Workshop Series

For the past decade, Outdoor Chattanooga has hosted a series of free Winter Workshops designed to teach people a variety of outdoor skills in a classroom-based setting. The goal is to inspire and prepare the inner adventurer inside you to get outside and play. Due to the pandemic, we had previously hosted these clinics virtually. However, with COVID numbers declining, we are so excited to announce that the Winter Workshop series will return to in-person in 2023!

These clinics will take place every Thursday from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center January 12 – February 23. We will also include a virtual option for those who prefer to learn these skills from the comfort of your home. See the full schedule and descriptions below! Workshops are 100% free and open to the public. No prior experience required to attend. Join us for one, some or all to improve your outdoor skills! We recommend you register in advance, however registration is not required. If you will be attending virtually, please register by clicking here. The link to the event will be sent to you the day of the program.

Winter Workshops

Learn Outdoor Skills Indoors!

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn Outdoor Skills Indoors!

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn Outdoor Skills Indoors!

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn Outdoor Skills Indoors!

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn Outdoor Skills Indoors!

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn outdoor skills virtually.

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn outdoor skills virtually.

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn outdoor skills virtually.

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn outdoor skills virtually.

RSVP

Winter Workshops

Learn outdoor skills virtually.

RSVP

2023 Winter Workshop Series

January 12: Basket Weaving with Common Invasive Plants

Join us for this unique workshop on all things invasive species! 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.

 

January 19: Building the Next Great Thru-Hike Trail
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.

 

January 26: Backyard Birding

Scott Martin, Administrator of Chattanooga’s Department of 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.

 

 

February 2: Mysterious Mushrooms
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 choice edible mushrooms, but we will also get to learn about various medicinal and poisonous mushrooms. You don’t want to miss this one!

February 9: Building the Cumberland Trail

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 us 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. Participants will also learn 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.

February 16: How to Poop in the Woods (and other outdoor ethics)

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, a Leave No Trace Master Educator and Recreation Programs Coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga, will cover proper disposal techniques for personal waste, pet waste, food scraps and other outdoor ethics while in the backwoods or the front country. When nature calls, it is a relief to know what to do!

February 23: Don’t Get Caught in Dangerous Weather

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.

 

 

FAQs

When and where are the workshops offered?

When: Weekly on Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm, starting January 12, 2023 through February 23. 
Where: In person or online. 200 River Street or register to view online by clicking here 

Do I have to make a reservation?

No, but we strongly recommend it to secure your spot. If you wish to participate virtually, online reservations are required.

Do I need to have my own equipment

There is no equipment required for this workshops. These introductory clinics are intended to inspire you to get out and try new things in the outdoors!

How much does it cost?
All Workshops are 100% FREE. 
Do I have to have experience to participate?
No experience required to attend and participate in any of the winter workshops. No minimum age requirement.

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Did You Know?

This is Outdoor Chattanooga’s 13th consecutive year offering free winter workshops to the public. Workshop topics have ranged from critter encounters, creepy crawlies, wilderness first aid, family camping, camp cooking 101, knot tying 101, fishing 101, intro to turkey hunting, intro to paddle sports, Leave No Trace Ethics, map & compass, how to poop in the woods, bike maintenance, bike touring, bike packing, hiking and backpacking basics, backcountry cooking, and so much more. Let us know what outdoor skills you’d like to learn about and  we’ll add it to the list! Thanks to COVID, we are now offering the winter workshops virtually!

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