Note: in case of inclement weather on Jan 25/26, the “rain date” for this event will be scheduled for Sun Feb 2/Mon Feb 3. We recommend keeping both dates open.

Sandhill Crane photo by Tony Thaxton, Jr.

Eco-A again offers our signature winter event with Quentin Bass, recently retired Archaeologist, Heritage Manager and Tribal Liaison for the Cherokee National Forest, on a day-long visit to a special area near the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers. For those who wish to stay overnight, we’ll also lead an optional hike the next day along a canyon ridge trail in the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Forest.

The intersection of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers was a Native American center for thousands of years. Later this area became an important hub for early American interstate transportation and commerce (which focused on major rivers before trains and automobiles), as well as a critically strategic military site, and a guarded boundary between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. By the late 1830’s this location became a major point of departure for Cherokee people who were forced to leave their homelands on what became known as the “Trail of Tears” trek to Oklahoma. Quentin Bass will share stories of the people and times, including about Sam Houston, who lived with the Cherokee at Hiwassee Island, across from our meeting location.

Today, this area still serves as a critical travel hub and primary gathering location for — thousands of Sandhill Cranes! The Eastern North American flock of Sandhills that nest and summer near the Great Lakes and in southern Canada, fly south to the Hiwassee and often further, flying directly over the City of Atlanta, to winter in south Georgia and northern Florida. However, since 2014, a great many of the Sandhills are now staying through the winter at the Hiwassee Refuge site, possibly as a response to global warming.

Sandhill Cranes are ancient birds who have likely been migrating north and south annually on the North American continent for 10 million years, long before humans emerged from African savannahs. There is no other sound like the Cranes’ mellifluous, haunting call, and the air for miles around is filled with this magical sound — simply being present to hear it, is worth the visit. There are also many uncommon birds found along the rivers, including sea gulls, cormorants, and even white pelicans. Friends of Eco-A have donated a high-powered spotting scope which allows us stunning, up-close views of the cranes and other birds. 

Saturday morning at 10:30 am we’ll meet for a Cherokee history talk with Quentin Bass and tour the Blythe Ferry Memorial site. Then we’ll spend time watching Sandhill Cranes at the nearby preserve. We’ll provide drinks and snacks but you may want to bring a picnic lunch. 

Sunday we’ll lead an optional hike beginning at 9:00 AM in the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Forest, located just north and east of Chattanooga.  

Above: Cherokee Removal Memorial (detail), left: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, photos by Kathryn Kolb

Fees: 1 day – $40, both days – $60  

Note: Locations are approximately 2.5 hours drive from Atlanta, for those who wish to stay overnight, we recommend accommodations near north Chattanooga or Dayton, TN. 

To register (RSVP) click HERE 

Details and directions sent to registered participants. A donation of $20 or more helps support our programs.