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5 ways to practice environmental stewardship

Best practices for interacting with nature in Chattanooga

Here are some ways you can be an environmental steward in Chattanooga. | Photo by Ryan Maum via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

It’s no secret that locals + visitors alike love Chattanooga’s vibrant outdoor scene. From green spaces within the city to rivers and mountains to explore nearby — there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature in the Scenic City.

We want to help maintain these spaces, and when possible, leave them better than the way we found them. Here are some examples of best practices to keep in mind when interacting with Chattanooga’s nature + wildlife.

Leave every stone unturned

We’ve all seen the aesthetic rock-stacking photos, but moving rocks can destroy important habitats and displace fish + aquatic invertebrates. Listen to the Tennessee Aquarium’s advice — skip the photo op and leave the rocks in place.

Pick up trash

This one is easy, but if you come across some trash while out on your nature adventure, pick it up. Local organization Greensteps makes it even easier for you by providing materials needed to pick up + discard trash at one of its 50+ litter stations.

Ditch the single-use plastic

On your next Chattanooga outdoor adventure, bring your water + snacks in reusable containers. Single-use plastic water bottles or bags that end up in our waterways introduce pollutants and microplastics that are damaging to the environment. Check out this Chattanooga water bottle from the Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Stay on the trail

When you head out on your next hike, make sure to stay on marked trails to help keep the areas off-trail preserved. Apply the “leave no trace” principle to help make conscious decisions that serve to lessen our impact on nature.

Don’t feed wildlife

Feeding wildlife can cause them to suffer nutritionally or become dependent on unreliable food sources. It’s best to leave these furry and finned friends alone, opt instead to stop by Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center to learn about + get up close and personal with Chattanooga’s native wildlife.

Events

Today, May 12

Thrillville Fair | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 21 | Times vary | Camp Jordan Park, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy., East Ridge | $10-$45 | Head to Camp Jordan Park for world-class entertainment, carnival rides, games, and food booths.
Art Car Street Party Takes Over Patten Square | Friday, May 12 | 7-10 p.m. | Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Join Art 120 for a fun night with music, fire sculptures, and art cars.

Saturday, May 13

Family Fun Day | Saturday, May 13 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chattanooga Green, 100 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Have a family fun day with free kite building, art making, playing oversized games, and listening to music.
Self-Care Saturday Market | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | Free+ | Shop from vendors offering self-care products, tarot readings, coffee tastings, and more.
Chattanooga River Market | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Shop from dozens of local and regional artists + makers at this riverside market.
Folk & Traditional Arts Days: Old Time Music | Saturday, May 13 | 1-3 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Price of admission | Enjoy an afternoon of live music and discussion with local musicians.

Sunday, May 14

Mother’s Day Celebration | Sunday, May 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Celebrate the mother figure in your life with this special edition of the Chattanooga Market + shop gifts from local vendors.
Keb’ Mo’ | Sunday, May 14 | 7:30 p.m. | The Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga | $59.50-$79.50 | See “one of the most accomplished and respected artists working in contemporary roots music today” perform in Chattanooga.

Monday, May 15

Free Yoga for EveryBODY | Monday, May 15 | 5-6 p.m. | Chattanooga Fitness Center, 1254 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga | Free | Everyone is welcome to attend this free yoga class — bring a mat if you have one.
Monday Night Blues Jam | Monday, May 15 | 8-10 p.m. | Gate 11 Distillery, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Spend your evening listening to blues tunes from Robin Baker Blues Band.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Kick back and retire (yes, please)

SmartAsset wants to help you retire. | Photo by SmartAsset

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire.

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area.

It’s never too late to work towards more radiant golden years. Take this quiz to see if you can retire comfortably.*

Take the free quiz

News Notes

Biz

Volkswagen Chattanooga is set to start a new training program centered on battery-powered autos. This two-year EV program will work to scale up the Volkswagen Academy with the addition of 12 new apprentices. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Edu

Applications are open for UTC’s 12-month Cybersecurity Program fall cohort. Eligible students will learn effective data management + protection in this innovative course. Apply by Thursday, June 1. (University Tennessee Chattanooga)

Cause

Team Red, White & Blue will pass through Chattanooga on Thursday, May 18 as part of the Old Glory Relay — an initiative to move an American flag 4,000 miles across the country in support of veterans. Sign up + participate in the run, walk, cycle, push, and ruck event.

Community

The Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department will celebrate International Water Safety Day on Monday, May 15 by offering swim education at the South Chattanooga Pool. Learn about water safety, complete swim evaluations, and more.

Sports

The Chattanooga Lookouts will honor National Salvation Army Week by having Captain Mark Love, the Salvation Army of Chattanooga Commander, throw the first pitch on Tuesday, May 16. Get tickets online.

Fun Fact

Folks can donate a flag to be flown on the Veteran’s Bridge in honor of someone they know that served in the armed forces as part of the city’s Veterans Bridge Flag Initiative. Donated flags will fly from Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 20 until Veterans Day in November.

Eat

Get ready to eat your way through the city again, Nooga. Chattanooga BBQ Week is set for Monday, June 5-Sunday, June 11 — enjoy $6 barbecue specials at participating spots (stay tuned for more details in a future newsletter).

State

Governor Bill Lee recently signed the Tennessee Works Tax Act into legislation. The bill approves a cut that will save families + business owners more than $400 million in taxes — the single largest tax cut in state history. Notably, a new three-month grocery tax holiday will begin on August 1.

Active

Looking for some family-friendly, fitness, or outdoor activities to try this summer? Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors summer activity guide is full of details about pools, sports, Outdoor Chattanooga programs, upcoming special events + more. Get outside.*

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.*

Answered

Life hacks from Chattanoogans

Answered: Life hacks from Chattanoogans

Keep reading for pro tips from locals. | Photo by @wandering.anhbao

Back in April, we asked our readers what’s a Chattanooga “life hack” you know of — and of course, y’all delivered. Here are a few pro tips from our readers:

“Submitting public works needs to 311 via the app allows you to track the city’s response to your needs. Potholes, street lights out, missing sidewalk panel... report it and they will fix it!” — @ridgedalecommunity

“The Tennessee Aquarium membership has been so incredible!! My boyfriend + I purchased one basic membership for $120 and because it comes with a guest pass, it gets us both in! We have been so many times and it’s so much cheaper than paying for a ticket every time!” — Hannah M.

“If you live in Northshore or North Chatt, but don’t have enough room to do woodworking or metalworking, join ChattLab Makerspace. Their membership is cheaper than a gym and has woodworking, metalworking, laser cutters, and 3d printers. I love that place. It’s right on Cherokee Blvd.” — Jeff J.

More Chattanooga life hacks

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kristen Templeton

From the editor

I got the chance to attend Be The Change Youth Initiative’s latest “Concert for a Cause” event. The organization announced it will focus on addressing food insecurity in our community by partnering with Chattanooga Community Fridge, Help Right Here Chattanooga, and an exciting new program with Be Caffeinated (more on that to come).

There will be a lot of exciting ways locals can get involved, so make sure to follow the organization for updates.

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