FYI - posted from Chattanoogan.com regarding the upcoming Cherokee
Heritage Festival and Sandhill Crane Viewing - all activities are free &
open to the public.  

 

Plan Now for February "Crane Days"
posted January 10, 2006

Good News! It's time for the 14th Annual Cherokee Indian Heritage and
Sandhill Crane Viewing Days (February 4-5) in Birchwood on Saturday, and
Saturday and Sunday at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. It's getting bigger
and better with each passing year. 

Sandhill Cranes
Once again the star wildlife attraction will be the conspicuous and
graceful Sandhills. Last winter's peak count was 15,000 birds. This is
the largest easy-to-view wintering flock east of the Mississippi River. 

Whooping Cranes
Forty-one whoopers are now migrating on their own from their primary
summer area in Wisconsin. Last winter several spent a great deal of time
in the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge before moving on. This year at least
four birds have been seen in the slough just in front of the viewing
area. Four more individuals have been hand-raised and are migrating on
their own with some of the older birds. If they are present, we will
know! 

Cherokee Removal Memorial Park
More good news! Grants have now been confirmed totaling over 1.5 million
dollars towards completing the Park. The Park is located at the old
Blythe Ferry Landing in Meigs County near the confluence of the
Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers. A viewing platform has been completed and
provides a panoramic view of Hiwassee Island with all its rich
archeological, historical and wildlife attributes. This is also an
excellent location to watch for thousands of cranes as they arrive daily
in the evening and depart in the morning from their roost site. It is
also an excellent place to watch for both Bald and Golden Eagles. 

Vendors and Exhibitors
One of the best ways to learn about the area is to spend time with the
vendors and exhibitors on site. All are knowledgeable on their subject
matter and offer a unique perspective on the area. Also, keep in mind
this is the only time of the year when it is possible to assemble such a
great combination of speakers, vendors, exhibitors and wildlife for a
fun-filled weekend! 

Park and Ride
Catch the shuttle bus at the Birchwood School for a short ride to the
Hiwassee Refuge to view sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and possibly even
whooping cranes! Buses will depart throughout the day on Saturday. 

Program

8:30 a.m. - Introduction of Special Guests and Master of Ceremonies for
the Day - Dan Hicks, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 

8:45 a.m. - Welcome to Birchwood - Hoyt Branham, lifetime resident of
Birchwood.

9:00 a.m. - Plans for the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park -John Brown,
Project Landscape Architect.

9:15 a.m. - Hiking the Historic Unicoi Turnpike - Jeffrey Hunter,
American Hiking Society.

10:15 a.m. - Eagles and Other Cherokee Myths - Fred Bradley, Cherokee
Story Teller.

11:00 a.m. - Eat and enjoy the exhibits. Also, music will be provided by
2nd Nature, with band members Don King, Brant Miller and Dave Woodward.

1:00 p.m. - My Whooping Crane Story - Vickie Henderson, Author and
Artist.

1:15 p.m. - Live Raptor Show - Featuring a live American Bald Eagle -
John Stokes and Dale Kernahan, Save Our American Raptors, Inc.

2:15 p.m. - Planning the Future - TWRA's Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy -Greg Wathen, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

3:15 p.m. - Old-Time Music - Tom Morgan, Lynne Haas, Dalton Roberts and
local Birchwood legend, "Red Bird" Clingan, bring their unique blend of
traditional music to wrap up a great day!

Event Information

Saturday, 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Speakers, displays and music at Birchwood School 
Sandhill Crane viewing at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge 
Sunday - all day 
Sandhill Crane viewing continues at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Representatives of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tennessee
Ornithological Society will provide interpretation at the refuge and set
up spotting scopes to improve public viewing.
Directions: From 1-40, take US Highway 58 south to TN Highway 60. Turn
right and watch for signs to the event. Birchwood is located on TN
Highway 60, midway between Dayton and Cleveland and only three miles
from the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge.
Food and Lodging: Numerous motels and eating establishments are located
in nearby Cleveland and Chattanooga. The Birchwood School will sell food
and drinks at the school on Saturday only. 

For general information, call Meigs Co. Tourism at (423) 334-5850,
ext. 1. For specific program information, call Ken Dubke at (423)
499-3584.


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