Thanks to the generous donations of many of our members and supporters, Steele Creek Park’s tree trail is certified as a registered arboretum in the state of Tennessee.  The trail begins near the picnic area along Steele Creek where it enters the Park, and follows the paved path toward the knobs.  Currently, more than 30 different species of trees are included.  Other regional arboretums are located on the campuses of King College and East Tennessee State University.  However, two special aspects of our arboretum are particularly noteworthy.  First, in keeping with the current philosophy of the park staff to focus on native flora and fauna, all of the species of trees are native to northeast Tennessee.  In addition, each tree has its own large interpretive sign.  In the near future, we hope to develop a printed guide providing more detailed information about the trees.

We would like to expand the arboretum to include as many native species as possible. To do so will require additional donations to cover the cost of the new trees, as well as the interpretive signs. Signs may include a brief note of recognition for donors or honorees.  Each $150 donation will allow us to add another tree and sign. 

Species of trees we are hoping to add in the near future include: Southern magnolia, Umbrella magnolia, Sweetbay magnolia, Fringe tree, Basswood, River birch, Chestnut oak, and Staghorn sumac.

If you are interested in helping with this project, or would like more information contact us at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org or 423-989-5616.
 

With over 20 miles of existing trails, we are always in need of help with trail improvement and maintenance.  In addition to the routine work necessary to keep trails clear of downed trees and well maintained, we have several special projects requiring lots of help.  

During 2006 we hope to blaze the trails and install new trail signs throughout the Slagle Hollow side of the park. Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation, in 2003 we were able to purchase and install enough signs for the Trinkle Hollow side of the park (Completed Projects).  However, we will need almost twice as many signs to complete the work on the Slagle Hollow side.  In addition, it will take considerable labor to install the signs, since materials have to be carried in by hand, and many of the locations will be in the more remote areas of the park.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with weekend trail work, or if you would like to make contributions to help with the purchase of new trail signs or related materials, please contact us at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org or 423-989-5616.
   

Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers, we are fortunate to have wonderful gardens around the Nature Center. The front of the building is graced with a dramatic butterfly garden; in back is a wildflower and herb garden with a wheel-chair accessible ramp and gravel walkway.  In addition, we have recently developed and dedicated a native wildflower walk in the wooded area just down the hill from the Nature Center.

Volunteers always needed in the gardens to help with planting, weeding, marking plants, keeping up the wildflower trail, etc. All of the gardens are approved projects for Master Gardener volunteer hours. You can work either evening hours or daytime hours. In addition, garden workdays are scheduled from time to time throughout the growing season, from early spring through the fall.  Gardening expertise isn’t necessary; all that’s needed is the interest and enthusiasm to enjoy the out of doors and the willingness to get a little dirty.  If you’d like to help out with any aspect of our garden projects, please let us know by calling 423-878-7184 or e-mailing us at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org.
 

One of our organization’s highest priorities is that of preserving and protecting the remarkable natural resources and esthetic beauty of Steele Creek Park. Our Park Boundary Protection and Acquisition Committee helps to identify current and future threats to the integrity of the park, and opportunities for protecting and expanding the natural aspects of the park and surrounding properties. We are particularly interested in working with landowners who may be interested in the sale or donation of properties that are contiguous with the park, and those who may be interested in the protection of their land through conservation easements and other similar mechanisms.  If you would like to learn more about any of these options, or if you would like to help our committee with this very important work, please contact us at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org or 423-989-5616.
 

Wildlife Weekend is an annual fall event sponsored by the Bristol Tennessee Leisure Services Department and Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park.  Activities include talks by renowned speakers, children’s activities, interpretive walks, a photography contest, and campfire programs for the entire family.  Volunteer help is needed both prior to and during the weekend. 

To learn more about Wildlife Weekend and how you can help, contact us at mail@friendsofsteelecreek.org

or 423-989-5616.

Check out the details from the 2006 Wildlife Weekend event.