Tag Archives: bird watching

Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

Ranked as one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s top attractions, I was looking forward to checking out Ijams Nature Center for the morning before traveling down to Gatlinburg for the week.  Having visited the website, I noticed the museum had won several awards and was ranked as a top destination.  I wanted to hike the River Trail along the Tennessee River for its scenic views and bird watching and then stroll through the nature center to learn more about the surrounding area.

The exhibits were extremely informative and centered around the ecology of the Tennessee River.  I learned that the river was home to over 230 species of fish, 100 types of mussels and the Cherokee Indians before the British began to build settlements here in the 1700s.

Stuffed taxidermy animals were strategically placed throughout the wildlife displays of trees and small ponds.  Shallow pools held turtles and local fish which can be found within the river.

I was most impressed with the life-like paintings of Dr. Earl O. Henry, dating back to the late 1940s.  Dr. Henry began his interest in birds when he was a young boy, imitating their songs.  He was an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society that was founded by H.P. Ijams for whom the center is named.  After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Henry returned to Knoxville and began to embrace his talent for painting the local birds.

Harry Pearl Ijams helped form the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society.  An enthusiastic outdoorsman, H.P., as he was known by friends, purchased 20 acres where he set up the Ijams Bird Sanctuary to monitor the various species and study their habits. H.P. would later be regarded as the “Father of Knoxville Ornithology”.

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Ijams Nature Center, learning about the Knoxville wildlife and the men and women who were instrumental in protecting them.

Have you visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee?  What were your thoughts?  I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at the exhibit if you would kindly leave a  message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time spent at Ijams and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37920
Telephone:  865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs

Inside Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

The First Metro Park in Columbus, Blacklick Woods Metro Park

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Buttonbush Swamp

It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.

I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop.  I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve.  Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.

The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching.  There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment.  In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.

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Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948.  First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park.  This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.

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At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel.  It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months.  The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor.  Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders.  I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio.  I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition.  Such fond memories….

Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about it in the comments below!  Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone:  614 208 4247

  • Hours:  The  park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
  • Amenities:   Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
  • Scenic View:  Views of wildlife from the nature centers
  • Length of Visit:   Determined by the activities
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing.  Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH  43213
Telephone:  614 322 8000

Where to Eat:

Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH  43081
Telephone:  614 300 5014

I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter.  The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal.  I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, Ohio

DSC_0786A couple of months ago, I decided to take afternoon walks after my busy days at work.   A great way to wind down, I started searching local parks close by to get a little fresh air and some exercise.  I happened to find Glacier Ridge Metro Park one afternoon after hiking through Battelle Darby Creek and decided to check it out.  Located in rural Plain City, Ohio outside of Columbus, I found the Honda Wetland Education Area and shared the walking path with a young man and his German Shepherd.

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Returning from the hike, I noticed the park’s office was closed, but it was swarming with a flock of swallows circling overhead.  A nearby nest was on the rooftop where a mother bird guarded her nest.

Glacier Ridge is one of the newer parks in the Columbus Metro Parks center, opening with 1,000 acres in 2002.   The park system took an interest in restoring Glacier Ridge to its natural habitat after it had been agricultural land for years.

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Wildflowers flourish along the nearby stretch of land as fragile blooms push forward through the wild, grassy underbrush.  As a result of the park’s conservation efforts, there are now several species of plants and animals, with a large population of birds.

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The clouds started breaking up, so it was the perfect time to climb the observation tower.  I reached the top for a beautiful view of the wetlands and surrounding area.  From here I could see herons and geese and sound of bullfrogs in the distance.  I waited long enough to enjoy the quiet sunset in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

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I decided to return to Glacier Ridge during the winter, excited of what I may find in the snow.  I once again strolled the Wetland Education Area and hiked the Ironweed Trail to explore the north end of the park.

Leaving the wetlands, I passed over a creek where the trail opened up into a large field.  There was a clear view with little obstruction from trees and the water seemed to continue to ice over as the temperature continued to drop.  Dedicated runners and hikers walking their dogs slipped past me while I took photos.  Footprints quickly disappeared with the new fallen snow and the silence continued until another visitor appeared on the trail.

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Crossing the bridge, I noticed a weathered barn that reminded me of a scene in an Amish painting.  Glacier Ridge seems so different in the winter months, so naked and exposed compared to the spring when life begins to flourish with bugs, birds and wild beasts.   The crunch of snow under my feet and the swishing of my ski pants are the only sounds I heard as I continued deeper into the park.

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There were no signs of life, only snow covered shells of plants that once thrived in the spring and summer months.   The thistles grew fat as the snow broadened their core, creating little snow monsters protecting the prairie.  I enjoyed the feeling of the sting of cold on my face and the light touch of snow as it fell from the sky.

The hike would total 5.6 miles round trip, but it was worth the experience to see in the winter.  Besides feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing the Ironwood Trail, I was also reminded that parks are not only for the summer, but can be a great way to exercise all year around.

Have you hiked Glacier Ridge Metro Park?  When is your favorite time to visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my blog post about Glacier Ridge Metro Park!  Happy Trails!

Make sure you visit Glacier Ridge during their interpretive programs, which cater to all families and individuals of all ages. There are four trails that range from .8 to five miles, cross-country skiing trails and trails for horseback riding.  In addition to picnic areas, there is also a wind and solar learning center and disc golf course.

What to See and What to Do:

Glacier Ridge MetroPark
9801 Hyland Croy Avenue
Plain City, OH 43064
Telephone:  614 891 0700

  • Hours:  The park is open daily from 6:30AM until dark
  • Length of Visit:  1 to 2 hours, or additional time depending on the activity
  • Scenic View:  There is an observation tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area
  • Amenities:  Trails,  cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf course, wind and solar learning center, dog park, Honda wetland education area, observation tower, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground and
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm the latest information about the park.   Pick up the Metro Parks magazine, ParkScope, which is published on a quarterly basis.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

Where to Eat:

Matt the Miller’s Tavern
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive
Dublin, OH  43016
Telephone:   614 799 9100

I started out with the Bavarian Bites, warm and soft pretzels served with roasted garlic sauce (my favorite) and sweet & tangy mustard sauce.  For my main course, I chose the Miller Salad with the addition of sesame crusted Ahi Tuna.  The restaurant has an extensive drink menu to include several types of bourbon.

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