The Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park is excited to partner with the City of Bristol, TN to host the 28th annual Wildlife Weekend at Steele Creek Park.
Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park will explore “The World of Bees” during the 28th annual Wildlife Weekend that begins Friday, Oct. 10, with a 3:30 p.m. reception to recognize the Nature Center’s recent accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Later that evening, ETSU Professor Darrell Moore will deliver the keynote address, and the winners of the Amateur Photography Contest will be announced. A host of activities, including guided hikes and live animal exhibits, will highlight the second day of the celebration on Saturday, Oct. 11.
“Wildlife Weekend is the annual fall event sponsored by the Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center, offering engaging, hands-on experiences that connect the park with the region’s natural history, “said Wes Walker, president of the non-profit Friends organization. “This year’s spotlight on The World of Bees highlights the vital role these pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystems. I’m proud of the experience our team has created for guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Steele Creek Park.”
Before delving into naturalist activities, the community will gather for a presentation by City leaders and an afternoon celebration to recognize The Nature Center’s inclusion as one of fewer than 1,100 museums nationwide to gain AAM accreditation. The achievement comes after a year of self-study and a site visit by a peer review team to ensure the Center meets AAM’s high professional standards and its commitment to excellence, accountability, and continued improvements.
Only 4 percent of museums nationwide and 17 in Tennessee have gained this top-tier recognition. Traditional Wildlife Weekend activities will resume at The Nature Center at 6:30 that evening with
the opening reception and keynote address titled “Honey bees are REALLY smart.” Moore, a professor of biological sciences, has conducted collaborative research with colleagues across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. His lecture will draw from his extensive studies on circadian rhythms and honey bee time memory, illustrating how seemingly simple animals can be surprisingly sophisticated and intelligent.
A hike led by Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Harvey Anderson and a morning bird walk led by Larry McDaniel, a former Steele Creek Park naturalist who has personally observed more than 800 species of birds during his travels, will kick off Saturday’s activities at 9 a.m. Workshops, exhibits, craft projects, and demonstrations will be presented by local experts, including Nature Center staff members and the Washington County Master Gardeners, throughout the day. Wildlife Weekend participants are also invited to join in the annual scavenger hunt.
As a special treat for young nature lovers, Chippy, the Steele Creek Park mascot, will make an appearance at various activities throughout the day. All weekend activities are open to the public and free, except for the standard $2/vehicle park entry fee.
Additional details and a detailed schedule of planned events are available online at www.bristoltn.gov/WLW or by contacting The Nature Center at (423) 989-5616.
