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Apr 12

Spring Ephemerals and Plant Communities Hike

This is an elective course and provides 4 hours toward the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.
You do not need to be pursuing the Certificate to enroll in this class.

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park Montlake Road Trailhead
354 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
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Apr 12, 2025 09:00am ET - Apr 12, 2025 12:30pm ET

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$40.00 - $50.00

SEE FULL CLASS DETAILS BELOW


Class Description:

The course will explore in depth the ecology, spring wildflowers, and temperate deciduous forest of the North Chickamauga Creek State Natural Area. Topics will include local geology, the forest system, plant interactions, wildflower life histories, and wildflower identification. The class will take place along a½-mile 1`trail from the parking lot to the crossing of North Chickamauga Creek, with two short side trips.


PLEASE NOTE: Participants will be required to make a ½ mile leisurely trek along a moderately steep trail into the cove and then back out again. People with mobility and balance issues have found this hike challenging. 

Note also that there are no facilities at this venue, so you need to take care of any needs at the Circle K convenience store at the corner on Old Dayton Pike and Montlake Road.


What to bring with you:

Bring a copy of the Tennessee Native Plant Society’s Wildflowers of Tennessee by Horn and Cathcart, if you have it. If you have a 10x magnifier, that would also be helpful. We will provide you with a list of plant species you are likely to see along with a picture sheet to use in the field. Hiking shoes and rain gear will be needed along with any snacks or water needed.


Registration Policy: 

As with all CNP classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.



Richard Clements

Instructor: Dr. Richard Clements


Dr. Clements is a Professor at Chattanooga State Community College and is the lead instructor for Environmental Science courses. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University, a M.S. in Plant Taxonomy from the University of Tennessee, and a Ph.D. in Plant Ecology from the University of Kentucky. In 2016, Dr. Clements was awarded Tennessee Science Teachers Association (TSTA) Science Educator of the Year for Higher Education for leadership roles in promoting science and outstanding contributions to science education that positively impact the community. He was also awarded the Harry C. Yeatman Environmental Education Award from the Friends of South Cumberland State Park in 2022.