[TN-Bird] Cherokee Indian Heritage and Sandhill Crane Viewing Days

Annual Cherokee Heritage and Sandhill Crane Viewing Days Information 


December 21, 2005 

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. 

  a.. Speakers, displays and music at Birchwood School 
  b.. Sandhill Crane viewing at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge 
Sunday - all day 
  a.. 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. 

------------------------

Posted by:
Wallace Coffey
Bristol, TN
 

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