August 2017

The heat of summer hasn't slowed the activities at Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary. We wrap up 7 weeks of Summer Camp, which also means we bid a fond farewell and sincere thanks to our five stellar summer interns and camp counselors. We put together a slideshow of this summer's antics below. 

Looking to August, Music in the Meadow features "The Whiskey Gentry" described by Paste Magazine as a  "toe-tapping, steamrolling kind of band, its fingers picking deep into fields of bluegrass, feet stomping in line with a punk-inspired kick drum. The band effortlessly marry old country and new grit, and carrying you along into the Appalachians with the pull of a landslide." 

And let's not forget the other BIG event in August - The Solar Eclipse Viewing - spots are still available and more details found below about the day of....see you at Owl's Hill when the lights go out...or at least go dim!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Margaret Smith
Dr. Margaret Smith
Tennessee Naturalist & Volunteer

If you're a student visiting Owl's Hill, you've most likely met Dr. Smith. She is one of Owl's Hill's education program volunteers - leading everything from Native American to Interpretive Hikes to Pond Ecology programs.

But, did you know she is a Worm Farmer? We chatted with Dr. Smith to find out more. 

What is Worm Farming or Vermiculture?
"Worm farming is basically composting, using worms who eat vegetable and fruit peels, pits, pulps, and skins. The worms need a protected spot that doesn't freeze or heat too high. Lots of brown matter, such as paper, leaves and cardboard are used also. The resulting product is wonderful fertilizer for all outdoor plants. The ecological benefits are great; no chemical fertilizers which contaminate our land and kill insects and birds, reduction of landfill waste, healthy soil and composting where outdoor methods can't be used. I first saw worm composting in my daughters garage. I live in cluster housing now and can't compost outdoors. This method works wonderfully and is easy."

Why do you volunteer at Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary?
"It matters to me that people have the experience of the natural world.  I get to introduce more people and especially children to native and natural outdoors enjoyment.  And, I get to enjoy nature at the same time. The greatest benefit I have gained from my volunteering at Owl's Hill is to experience so many wonderful,interesting people with expertise in all facets of nature."

Want to know about Vermiculture? Uncle Jim's Worm Farm 

Interested in the many volunteer opportunities at Owl's Hill? Email us at [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS
Knee-High Naturalist: All About Owls - Ages 3 to 5
Tuesday, August 1 & Wednesday, August 2
10:00am - 11:30am
Cost:  $10 one adult + one child / $7 each additional person

Do you know where the name Owl's Hill came from? Have you met an owl up close?  Children will learn about our owl friends that call Owl's Hill home


Summer Night Hike - 
Age 9 and Older
August 10, 2017                     
7:30pm - 9:00pm                                  
Cost: $10/person
 
Can you tell a Katydid call from a Cicada's?  The croak of a Bullfrog from that of a Green Frog? Have you ever called owls or listened to birds going to bed?  Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of "naked-eye" astronomy and listening to the Southern Summer Night chorus show with Naturalist Bob English of LEAPS.  

Free Hike Day - All Ages
Saturday, August 12 & September 2, 2017       1:00pm-3:00pm                                               
Cost: FREE

Come out to Owl's Hill for a free hike! Join one of our staff members or volunteers on a guided hike through Owl's Hill. This is a great opportunity for families, individuals, and small groups to come enjoy the trails of Owl's Hill and get some exercise. The hike will be approximately two to three miles with some moderate hill climbs included. Hikes will start at 1:00 .

Solar Eclipse Viewing - All Ages 
Monday, August 21, 2017
11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: FREE Admission

Come to Owl's Hill Meadow to view the solar eclipse. We'll have the glasses. You bring the picnic!

Viewing of the full eclipse will be from  Bird's Eye View Field - a 15 minute hike or quick ride in the haywagon.  Viewing from the picnic field in front of the pavilion is only 99.99%. 

Knee-High Naturalist: Backyard Friends-  Ages 3 to 5
Tuesday, Sept 5 & Wednesday, Sept 6
10:00am - 11:30am
Cost:  $10 one adult + one child / $7 each additional person

We'll get an up-close look at animals that can live in our own backyard. Meet some animal friends that call Owl's Hill home.


SPECIAL EVENTS
$20/person
$75/car (6 people maximum/car)

August Concert Artist


September Concert Artist




SUMMER CAMP REFLECTIONS
We finished 7 fabulous weeks of Summer Camps here at Owl's Hill. And with their finish, we also say goodbye to our five stellar interns and camp counselors.  Take a look at the memories made in this slide show.  Camp


Special Thanks to the Generous Staff & Volunteers of Home Instead Senior Care for the delicious snacks and treats all summer. 
THANK YOU SUPPORTERS
We continue to experience successes in 2017 and it's all thanks to all of our wonderful supporters. Join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to all the people who enable  Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary to continue to grow and thrive.

Thank You July Volunteers
Dane Andersen
Kristy Baker
Jennifer Bent
Tim Bent
Jean Buchanan
David Coats
Dana Coleman
Sam Davis
Bill Edwards
Mindy Edwards
Sharron Francis
Nancy Garden
Claudia Gifford
Morel Enoch Harvey
Darel Hess
Margaret Howell
Bob Ingle
Llew Ann King
Martha Larkin
Susan Leathers
Denis Lovell
Norm Miede
Jim Pennington
Charles Smith
Margaret Smith
Cindy Whitt
Margaret Wilburn
 
Thank You July Donors
Anonymous
Beth Boord & Henry Ambrose
Jim & Debbie Clapper
Melissa Donahue
Mr. & Mrs. William Edwards
Melanie Holt
Jill Moore
Angela Morris
Susan & Larry Leathers
Carole Raley
Dr. Margaret Smith
Seth & Victoria Robertson
Douglas & Betty Wise

Music in the Meadow Sponsors
TBH Global Asset Management

Grants & Foundation
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Roger & Barbara Cottrell Family Foundation
In Memory of Bennie Wells Shaw Batson
Aldridge, Borden & Company, P.C.
Steve & Kathy Anderson
Susan Benson
Michael & Cindy Corn
Howard Schubiner & Valerie Overholt Charitable Family Fund
Lewis Lefkowitz
Mrs. Armstead Nelson
Lee & Marguerite Peterseim
Mrs. Ann W. Rowe
Steve & Betsy Silverman
Benjamin & Amanda Sneed
Dr. Mildred Stahlman
Steve & Cheryl Wilburn
Mr. T.A. Satterfield
Greg & Jan Smith
Ms. Susan S. Weiss, Attorney

In Kind Supporters:
Moore & Moore Garden Center


Welcome to those joining
The Great Horned Owl Society
in July

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Moore & Moore Garden Center
TBH Global Asset Management, LLC


Welcome Trailwalkers

Who are Trailwalkers?
Trailwalkers are donors of $250 or more during the year. 
 
When can we come walk/hike the trails?
Our 10 miles of trails are open to you to walk whenever Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary is open. Gates are open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and  NEW on Sundays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m . Hiking privileges do not include admission to programs that may be going on during your visit.  We hope to see you on the trails!

How do I become a Trailwalker?
 
Not sure if we're open? 

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