Upcoming Wildlife Weekend at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, Tenn.

Bristol, Tenn. — Get ready to experience a weekend immersed in nature and art as Steele Creek Park gears up for its 27th annual Wildlife Weekend on October 11-12. This year, the event is themed “Arts in the Natural World,” promising a unique blend of artistic expression and nature appreciation.

The festivities kick off on the evening of October 11 at 6:30 p.m. with a special reception and keynote address from well-known artist and author Suzanne Stryk. Her work has been showcased in solo exhibitions across the United States. Stryk will discuss “Taking the Pulse of Place: Connecting to the Natural World through the Arts,” sharing her experiences traveling through Virginia and the inspiration behind her mixed media artwork celebrating the state’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Following her talk, Stryk will be available to sign copies of her latest book, “The Middle of Somewhere: An Artist Explores the Nature of Virginia.” The book, available for purchase at $20, documents her journeys and the beauty she discovered throughout Virginia.

Later that evening, attendees can look forward to the Amateur Photography Contest awards ceremony. This competition offers cash prizes to adult and youth photographers who best capture Steele Creek Park’s natural allure. Winning photos will be displayed at The Nature Center throughout the weekend.

All Friday events take place at the Nature Center in Steele Creek Park, with no admission fee beyond the $2/vehicle park entry fee. Advance reservation is recommended due to limited seating, and interested participants can secure their spot at the city’s recreational website.

Saturday’s Wildlife Weekend Schedule

The excitement carries over to Saturday, October 12, with a full agenda of educational programs and nature-centric activities for all age groups:

• 9:00 a.m. – Morning Bird Walk
• 10:00 a.m. – Morning Hike led by Commander Harvey Anderson
• 1:00 p.m. – Mike’s Mushroom Foray
• 1:30 p.m. – Afternoon Hike led by Commander Harvey Anderson
• 2:30 p.m. – Lance’s Critter Walk focused on reptiles and amphibians, led by Naturalist Lance Jessee

Additionally, a series of mini-sessions led by topic experts will run throughout the day:

• 11:00 a.m. – Matt Keller hosts a 30-minute session on wildlife photography. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras and join a practical photo-taking session in the park afterward.
• 11:45 a.m. – Vanessa Hawley from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will present “Raptor Rehab.” She will bring a red-tailed hawk, a great horned owl, and a screech owl to illustrate her talk on raptor preservation and preventing injuries.

This event promises to appeal to both nature lovers and art enthusiasts, providing a platform to explore and celebrate the natural world through various creative and educational avenues.

Closing Thoughts

Steele Creek Park’s Wildlife Weekend offers a chance to reconnect with nature and get inspired by the beauty of the natural world through art and educational experiences. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a bird-watching enthusiast, or simply seeking a delightful weekend outing, this event offers something for everyone. So mark your calendar for October 11-12, 2024, and head to Steele Creek Park for an unforgettable Wildlife Weekend.