Category: Nonprofit

Celebrate 24 Years of Lula Lake Land Trust

9/25/2018

Founder's Weekend is September 28 & 29.

Lula Lake Land Trust is celebrating its 24th anniversary with its annual Founder's Weekend on Saturday, September 29, and Sunday, September 30. There will be special activities and fun events throughout the weekend.

on Saturday, gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Last guests will be admitted at 3:30 p.m. The day's activities include a family scavenger hunt, flora and fauna lessons with Jann George and Civil War history talks from Jim Ogen. Additionaly, Margaret Summersell will lead a yoga workshop at 10 a.m., land manager Patrick Kelly will take folks on a guided history hike at 10 a.m, and Dr. Hill Craddock will present a program about his American chestnut tree research prior to a tree planting ceremony at 11 a.m. Space for the guided hike is limited, so register today. The tree planting is also limited to 25 participants, and the $10 donation to visit Lula Lake is waived to those planting trees; click here for more info or to sign up.

On Sunday, the fun continues from noon to 3:30 p.m., with the last guests being admitted at 1 p.m. Scavenger hunts, history talks and more will take place. Then, at 4:30 p.m., Lula Lake's Founder's Weekend Wine Walk begins. Taste wines perfectly paired with hors d'oeuvres as you walk around the land trust. Tickets are $50 per person, and guest must be 21 or older. This is event is limited to 150 guests and is expected to sell out. Purchase your tickets now!

For more information about Lula Lake Land Trust, click here.

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Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

9/17/2018

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“Rhapsody in Pink” by Donna Bourdon (Finalist 2018)

BigPicture Opens at the Tennessee Aquarium October 1

Photography is sometimes referred to as a "hobby of a lifetime," and in the case of Donna Bourdon, that bit of popular wisdom has certainly borne out. The Chattanooga-based photographer’s love of capturing images began when she was 9 years old.

"My parents gave me my first 'Brownie' camera, and I never looked back," Bourdon says, adding that she upgraded to her father’s hand-me-down Minolta SR-7 as a teenager.

Inspired by watching episodes of "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom," her love of photography and wildlife naturally intertwined. Soon, she invested in better equipment and sought opportunities to capture spectacular animal imagery in some of the wildest places on Earth — a quest aided, in part by her participation in trips organized and led by the Tennessee Aquarium.

“Those made the dreams of Africa come to life,” Bourdon says. “I took my first Aquarium-sponsored trip there in 1998. Since then, I’ve been on eight African photo-safaris, five of those with the Tennessee Aquarium.”

Bourdon has warmed hearts with photos of snow monkeys, coastal brown bears, puffins and red-crowned cranes. Her shots also have garnered international acclaim. One, an image of a crocodile taking a young Cape Buffalo, was used in an African segment of the Nat Geo Wild program "Caught in the Act."

One of her images, "Rhapsody in Pink," was selected as a finalist to be included in "BigPicture," an annual photography exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

Since launching in 2014, "BigPicture" highlights the works of the world’s best nature and conservation photographers. This annual competition focuses a lens on the wonders of the natural world and critical environmental issues facing our planet. More than 6,000 entries poured in from around the world for the 2018 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, which includes a shot Bourdon captured while in St. Augustine, Fla.

“This beautiful roseate spoonbill is flying into the nest with its wings in what is referred to as the ‘orchestra position,’” Bourdon says. “I love capturing beautiful images of nature that inspire others to fall in love with the natural world. Hopefully, my works inspire others to promote conservation and protection of these precious animals and vital resources.”

Beginning October 1, the "BigPicture" exhibition will be on display at the Tennessee Aquarium, sponsored locally by Erlanger Health Systems and "GET OUT" Chattanooga. This will be the only location outside of San Francisco to host this phenomenal photo collection.

“This collection of amazing images is a perfect fit with the Aquarium’s mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife,” says Cindy Todd, the aquarium’s vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. “This exhibit will inspire more people to get outdoors, observe nature more closely, and appreciate all of the amazing ways that wildlife can thrive.”

In the introduction to “Wonders,” a companion book about "BigPicture," famed oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle describes how technology enables more individuals to focus on conservation issues.

“The photographs in this extraordinary collection do more than capture moments in time…they tell stories, arouse sympathy, provoke joy, and make you gasp with wonder. Images such as these are precisely what is needed to inspire new generations of people to know and care about wild places and wildlife, and to take action while there is still time.”

As a complement to the international exhibition, local photographers can submit their best nature, wildlife and conservation shots to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “What On Earth Have You Photographed?” contest through Sept. 21 at www.timesfreepress.com/bigpicture/#/gallery. The top three images will also be displayed at the Aquarium beginning October 1.

The BigPicture Natural World of Photography exhibit is free with aquarium admission.

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Get Your Tickets for Party at Point Park

8/27/2018

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Andy Mims, Sam Mims and Tony King enjoyed having their picture taken at Umbrella Rock during last year’s Party at Point Park.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 6, for the 10th annual National Treasures: Party at Point Park, hosted by National Park Partners. This year’s theme is “Treasure YOUR Park,” and guests are invited to enjoy a casual evening of dinner, drinks and music set against the stunning views from Point Park. Festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will once again be the only time all year for guests to have pictures made at the iconic Umbrella Rock. Purchase tickets by August 31.

National Treasures co-chairs Becky Browder and Lana Freeland are leading an experienced event committee and coordinating the donations of over 50 items for the silent auction. From restaurant gift cards to one-of-a-kind experiences and specialty baskets, guests will have a wide variety of choices at every price point. The delicious buffet supper will be catered by C&W Café and include southern-style barbecue and all your comfort food favorites, along with some healthy plant-based options. For dessert, Clumpies ice cream cart will be on hand for an after-dinner treat. Throughout the evening, guests will be treated to the smooth sounds of Chattanooga’s own Power Players, featuring Johnny Smith playing R&B favorites with contemporary classics mixed in.

National Park Service Superintendent Brad Bennett will be on hand to visit with event attendees, and interpretive National Park Rangers will be stationed at Umbrella Rock to share stories of how this became the area’s first major tourist attraction, as well as the history of the Ochs Museum. Totaling around 9,100 acres, the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the largest public open space in the region and was the very first National Military Park to be dedicated in the country.

Our National Park remains the largest tourist draw in the Chattanooga area, with 1 million visitors coming annually to spend time among the six units of the Park - Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Missionary Ridge, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, Orchard Knob and Signal Point.

“We are grateful to have First Tennessee Foundation and McKee Foods returning as our presenting sponsors,” remarked Tricia Mims, executive director of National Park Partners. “The support of the business community and its recognition of the economic impact of the Park, totaling over $70 million in 2017, is deeply appreciated.”

Mims notes that the new National Park Partners organization is the result of a merger between Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and the Friends of Moccasin Bend. “The two Friends groups served the National Park for decades, each very successful in carrying out their respective missions,” says Mims. “The time was right to consolidate our operations and become one united philanthropic partner for our National Park, creating efficiencies for Park staff and simplifying the message to the public that these six special places are all part of one National Park.”

Lookout Mountain’s own Keith Sanford, a regular guest of National Treasures, encourages his fellow residents and all who enjoy the peaceful beauty of our National Park to support the event. “Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is truly a national treasure,” says Sanford. “We all need to do our part to preserve this asset for future generations.”

Tickets to National Treasures are $75 each or $130 per couple, with a portion of the ticket cost being a tax-deductible donation. Host sponsorships are available at $250 and will be listed in the event program. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, August 31. All donations received above the ticket price or in lieu of attending will be matched by a generous challenge grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, up to $50,000, to support the newly launched National Park Partners organization. For more information, call (423) 648-5623 or visit npp-ccm.org.

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LLLT Announces Conservation Ambassador Program

3/27/2018

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Matthew Hubbard, LLLT director of development and communications

Lula Lake Land Trust is launching the Conservation Ambassador Program designed specifically for young professionals ages 21-30. Spearheaded by Matthew Hubbard, the new director of development and communications, this program will focus on teaching the conservation efforts of Lula Lake Land Trust.

Selected individuals will tour the core property of Lula Lake Land Trust in addition to on-site visits with other conservation partners, such as Tennessee River Gorge Trust and Lookout Mountain Conservancy, to better understand how conservation organizations work together. Hubbard, a fundraising expert, will also provide experiences in the fields of fundraising and marketing that will directly tie into conservation and the nonprofit sector.

"It is our duty to preserve the wonders around us," Hubbard states. "Both the engagement of young professionals and the teaching of conservation initiatives are important. The future of conservation relies on choices made today. This comprehensive program is a great resume builder for those looking to gain experience in the environmental or nonprofit field; I’m excited to lead it. Together, we will work toward a better understanding of conservation. I can guarantee it will be eye-opening."

The Conservation Ambassador Program is now open for young professionals to apply. Space is limited and only a select number of applicants will be chosen. Interested parties should send resumes to [email protected] by April 13.

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Plan Your Native Garden at Weekend Plant Sale

10/4/2017

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A selection of native plants at Temple Park

A butterfly on a globe amaranth flower at the Alice Stout Memorial Garden.

Imagine your garden overflowing with beautiful songbirds, colorful butterflies, hummingbirds and other small wildlife. Once you meet the simple criteria, you can even certify your yard through the National Wildlife Federation.

Mr. Daniel Talley, and his wife, Nancy, own Botanica Chattanooga prescribe to the philosophy that gardening with nature harmonizes the local ecology with your preferred design tradition, which is not as to say to let your yard run wild with whatever naturally does the best. Think about landscaping as being beyond ornamental. Use plants that encourage local insects and wildlife rather than ones that look pretty but poorly serve the little locals. Furthermore, good planning and planting with natural varieties will reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals. Over time, you will be able to do away with chemicals entirely, allowing your healthy, native landscaping to thrive organically.

Daniel’s list of the top short meadow species that would do well on Lookout Mountain includes poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), needlegrass (Piptochaetium avenaceum), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius).

Landscape designers Jimmy Stewart and Ann Brown have a few favorite plants they like for the pollinator garden, and they can all be seen at the Alice Stout Memorial Garden at Temple Park off of West Brow Road. Buddleia “Adonis” (2015 Butterfly Plant) is a compact plant with an abundance of deep blue flowers. “Hot Lips” and “Scarletta” both sound like trouble, but the deep red blooms of this salvia are edged in white, making them pop even more. “Sassy Red” and “Sassy Purple” salvia may not be as new and different as these newcomers, but they live up to their names with their vibrant colors. Gomphrena “Fireworks” (globe amaranth) does indeed resemble a firework bursting in air with its purple spikey blooms. Chrysanthemum “Becky” is a perennial favorite of all, but especially of Jimmy’s since that’s his wife’s name. Achillea “Oertel’s Rose” is a spreading yarrow that fills up nooks and crannies with a gorgeous pinkish purple bloom. Coreopsis “Daybreak” is hardy and long blooming, and similar to gaillardia “Goblin.” Lantana “Miss Huff Hardy” and “Chapel Hill Hardy” are both extremely hardy, as well as gorgeous in the summer, and verbena “Homestead Purple” spreads its deep purple clusters all around, trailing picturesquely over rock walls. Echinacea “Solar Sunrise” is a coneflower with a color similar to a sunrise, and just as breathtaking. Asclepius (annual butterfly weed) is from the milkweed family, and is everything the butterflies are looking for as far as room and board go. Parsley, with its frilly edges and soft mounding appearance, are perfect for laying butterfly eggs, as are the wispy, airy fronds of fennel.

Native plants naturally thrive in their indigenous regions, making caring for them less complicated and more cost efficient. They generally require less water than non-native plants and are often drought tolerant. By going native, you can probably use fewer pesticides. Native plants also help maintain the landscape by preventing erosion and enriching the soil. They also discourage non-native plants that can be invasive and of little benefit to a healthy ecosystem.

This weekend you can purchase native plants and get loads of advice at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. Check out their fall native plant sale on October 6-7. There will be lectures and tours from naturalist and historian Michael Green, as well as instructional speakers like city water quality expert Lyn Rutherford on topics discussing utilizing native plants for erosion control and “Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant” with Master Garner Chris Mahoney. Admission is free with the purchase of a plant. For more info and a complete list of plants that will be available, go to www.reflectionriding.org.

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Philanthropic Portal Enables Neighbors to Help Neighbors

1/18/2017

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Maeghan Jones, president of The Community Foundation; Marsha Drake, Hamilton County Department of Education’s director of student services; Blake Canterbury, founder of Purposity; and Arielle Hayes, principal of Dalewood Middle School.

Chattanooga has always been known for its philanthropy as residents rally around each other and respond when needs are identified. Whether its providing toys to children during the holidays, donating school supplies, or purchasing essential items for homeless families, Chattanoogans are always ready and willing to extend a helping hand.

Building upon the true spirit of Chattanooga and generating awareness around the fact that anyone can be a philanthropist, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and The Maclellan Foundation joined forces to launch a portal to connect people in Chattanooga who have specific needs with other people in the community who can help meet the needs. This centralized portal, Purposity Chattanooga, will give anyone and everyone an opportunity to learn about and respond to a neighbor in need. These practical and immediate needs could range from winter coats and backpacks to toiletry items and space heaters. Local needs will be published and disseminated weekly by text message through the Purposity Chattanooga portal.

"As a city, this is what we do best: create a network of support and care and generosity," said Maeghan Jones, President of the Community Foundation. "But sometimes we don’t know the challenges that people face, even though they live just down the street. So we are creating a safe, secure, and reliable way for anyone to respond to the specific needs of our neighbors. It’s about Chattanoogans helping Chattanoogans, in moments of need, large and small."

With more than 20,000 Hamilton County public school students currently living below the poverty line, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and The Maclellan Foundation will begin with needs vetted by Hamilton County Department of Education school guidance counselors and will expand later this year to help meet the needs of Chattanooga's homeless and economically disadvantaged neighbors.

"I am excited about the possibility of helping more Hamilton County students," said Marsha Drake, director of student services at the Hamilton County Department of Education. "The fact that anyone can be a philanthropist through Purposity Chattanooga is amazing. A lot of times people in the community want to help our schools and schoolchildren, but they don't know how. Pairing Hamilton County residents with the needs of Hamilton County Department of Education's students in such a simple and straightforward way is a huge win for our students and their families."

Chattanoogans who are interested in receiving weekly text messages through Purposity Chattanooga can sign up for free in less than two minutes. To date, more than 150 residents have signed up and officials hope to have 500 residents sign up by February 15.

"We are so very fortunate to live in such a caring and generous community," said Chris Maclellan, chairman of The Maclellan Foundation. "We believe that this new philanthropic portal, Purposity Chattanooga, will inspire and encourage us to collectively serve our neighbors in need. Our gifts will find purpose through generosity and have the ability to transform families and communities."

Purposity was first launched in Atlanta in Spring 2016 and since has helped to meet the needs of more than 600 students. Chattanooga is now the second city to host this portal, which will be powered by the Community Foundation and The Maclellan Foundation. Sign up is free and takes less than two minutes. After signing up, users will get one text a week, presenting the needs of neighbors residing in the Scenic City.

To learn more or to sign up visit, www.purposity.com. Doing good is just a click away!

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Forgotten Child Fund Needs Your Help

12/14/2016

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Since the early 1960s, the Forgotten Child Fund assists needy families and their children at Christmas. The FCF Santa Train (a long parade of emergency vehicles) delivers the presents on Christmas Eve.

This year, fund organizers say its resources are spread thin due to a number of tragedies, including the Woodmore Elementary bus accident, fires in Gatlinburg and tornadoes. Please consider donating to this cause if you are able. Toys, gloves and hats for all ages are still needed. Find out more about how you can help make Christmas special for people in our community at the Forgotten Child Fund's website. Donations can be dropped off at Chattanooga Fire or Hamilton County EMS locations.

The Forgotten Child Fund is operated and supported by volunteers with many emergency response agencies, including the Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Emergency Services, Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, Red Bank Fire Department, Signal Mountain Fire Department and several volunteer fire departments.

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Lookout Mountain
Happenings

Celebrate 24 Years of Lula Lake Land Trust

Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

Get Your Tickets for Party at Point Park

LLLT Announces Conservation Ambassador Program

Plan Your Native Garden at Weekend Plant Sale

Philanthropic Portal Enables Neighbors to Help Neighbors

Forgotten Child Fund Needs Your Help

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Lookout Mountain​Happenings

Celebrate 24 Years of Lula Lake Land Trust

Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

Get Your Tickets for Party at Point Park

LLLT Announces Conservation Ambassador Program

Plan Your Native Garden at Weekend Plant Sale

Philanthropic Portal Enables Neighbors to Help Neighbors

Forgotten Child Fund Needs Your Help

Article Categories

Archives

Stay up-to-date

Contact US

Stay Connected

Lookout Mountain
Happenings