coming in March

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March is here. If the prognosticators are correct—and I think the groundhogs got it wrong—it's coming in like a soggy, wet lion replacing the snowy, frozen saber-tooth of the last two weeks.

To celebrate the coming spring, here's what has been scheduled for me on Saturdays, this month at Ijams:

Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.
Ijams Birding & Breakfast: Bird Nesting
(All Ages) Join me for this indoor program on "Bird Nesting." Bluebirds need pine needles, titmice need hair, wrens need a hidey-hole and robins just need a flat surface and mud. Learn quick tips on how you can help your backyard birds nest successfully. Plus, Peg will also be serving a traditional breakfast. Fee: Ijams members $7, non members $12. Call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register.

Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m.
Hike the South Loop with Ijams
(Ages 10 and up) The Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop now features a network of over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Join the Ijams Hiking Club with Eric Johnson and me for an exploration of a portion of this Urban Wilderness. Join other friendly and enthusiastic explorers in the Ijams Hiking Club for a fun trip around the trails. This program is free for Ijams members and $5 for non-members. Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 for registration and information. 

Saturdays, March 14, 21 and 28, 3 p.m.
Red-tailed Hawk presentation at Ijams
(All Ages) Learn all about our most common Buteo and all hawks in general. Free. No need to register. On the Plaza at the Ijams Visitor Center.

Saturday, March 14, 6 p.m.
Woodcock Birding & Supper Walk at Ijams
(All Ages) Join me for an outdoor walk in search of displaying woodcocks. Peg will also be serving a traditional soupy supper to warm our bellies before we go adventuring. Fee: Ijams members $7, non members $12. Call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 to register.

Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m.
Backyard Birding Basics
Studying birds can open up a new world of outdoor exploration. This hands-on workshop will take you into the field to learn more about the practice of birding as well as how to identify common bird species. Fee: $29. This is an UT Non-credit course. To register go online to utnoncredit.com or call (865) 974-0150.

Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m.

Junior Backyard Birding Basics

Studying birds can open up a new world of outdoor exploration. This hands-on workshop will take you into the field to learn more about the practice of birding as well as how to identify common bird species. Must be age 10 or older and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Fee: $29. This is an UT Non-credit course. To register go online to utnoncredit.com or call (865) 974-0150.

Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m.
Shinrin-yoku: Mindfulness Walk at Ijams
(Recommended for adults) Stressed out? Feeling too disconnected? Then perhaps you need an exercise in shinrin-yoku, Japanese for "forest bathing." Modern living is too hectic. Ijams Mindfulness Classes will help you reconnect to the moment, using only your senses to take in your surroundings. Slow meditative walks in nature lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and blood pressure. The mindfulness walks are led by me and I'll prompt you to be aware of what nature offers: its scents, textures, sounds. There are only two rules: no talking and no cell phones or cameras. This program is $7 for Ijams members, $10 for non-members. Please call (865) 577-4717, ext. 110 for registration and information.

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