Tennessee River Gorge Trust Product Lifecycles

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FREE SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE Tennessee River Gorge Trust Preserving the Gorge Forever

Product Lifecycles Eco-Comparisons and Alternatives

October 2012 | Chattanooga | TNNaturalAwakenings.com coverartist www.mattdunmorephotography.com

Thoughtful Perseverance

Kevin Livingood

Kevin Livingood is a self-taught digital artist who has long enjoyed learn- For your perFect day, nothing could be more natural than the ing photography—not the traditional, Pot Point cabin in the heart of the Tennessee River Gorge. This casually elegant venue can accommodate intimate weddings of up to 75 people. academic way, but his own way. With Daily rates as well as weekend wedding packages are available. For the demise of the darkroom and the age more information, please visit www.trgt.org of user-friendly digital applications, a or call 423.266.0314. lovely picture is always easy to come Tennessee RiveR GoRGe TRusT by. However, Kevin has a unique gift for creating mood, feelings and an “inter- estingness” that truly defines art. The majority of Kevin’s landscape images center around Chattanooga and the surrounding area. The city’s Natural.Holistic.Dentistry thoughtful layout of tourist attractions Full Service Dental Care next to the Tennessee River allows for www.SmileChattanooga.com a harmonious balance of nature and community. The beauty of the Tennes- see River Gorge area has been the in- spiration of many of his favorite images. Exam & X-Rays Kevin currently teaches digital pho- $205 Value For tography classes at the Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain $4700 and sells his work at the Chattanooga Limited to the first 13 callers Market and Warehouse Row. His work Before After Expires 10.31.12 is often seen in publications and at various restaurants and businesses through- Please email: out Chattanooga. Kevin also assists at [email protected] weddings and events with his wife, to request your FREE report on the FREE Kim, a portrait photographer. Consultation 12 questions to ask your dentist Limited to the first 13 callers Digital art has directed Kevin’s life Expires 10.30.12 in an exciting and unpredictable path. He looks forward to continuing on this adventure. Robert J. Gallien DDS 4620 Hwy 58 View his work at Near Suntrust Bank LivingoodPhotography.com. 423.208.9783 Focusing on Excellence to Give You a Beautiful Smile

natural awakenings October 2012 9 newsbriefs

Meagher has studied Spring Forest Qigong since 2003 There will be beer and wine available, and Easy Bistro will and is qualified to be designated a certified instructor and serve specialty cocktails. master healer. She has worked one-on-one with some 750 The cost is $45 for the main rooftop party (includes food people, teaches Level I and II classes twice a year, and all night and two drink tickets) and $150 for all rooftop parties is available for individual healing sessions. At the CHEO (includes food and drinks all night). green|spaces members pay meeting she will explain the technique and then lead group $30/ $100. For more information, visit TheRooftopHop.com. exercises. “I want people to feel for themselves the power of directed thoughts and emotion on a problem area in them- green|spaces is an environmental nonprofit that advocates selves, another person or an animal,” she says. best practices for sustainable development, providing various educational opportunities, as well as a resource center for The meeting will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. October 21 commercial and residential building projects. For more infor- at Eastgate Mall in Chattanooga. For more information, visit mation, visit GreenSpacesChattanooga.com. 4CHEO.org See resource listing, page 37. October Busy Month for TRGT green|spaces Hosts “Rooftop he Tennessee River Gorge Trust Hop” Inaugural Fundraiser T(TRGT) has a full schedule in Octo- ber, from RiverRocks festival events to reen|spaces, a Chattanooga nonprofit focused on advanc- a Saturday river rescue to a 10K run to ging better building practices in the region, will hold its protect Stringer’s Ridge. inaugural fall fundraiser, The Rooftop Hop, October 20 from 6 The nonprofit TRGT helps pre- to 11:30 p.m. The Hop will consist of seven parties on seven serve the Tennessee River Gorge, rooftops around downtown Chattanooga. which will be the setting for many of All-inclusive ticketholders will be able to hop around the events that comprise RiverRocks, six exclusive rooftop parties. Venues will include the Bread an outdoor festival on October 5-14 Factory Lofts, the EPB building, the Plow building, River Point that celebrates Chattanooga’s commit- Condos, the Tallan Building and 212 Market. Each rooftop ment to environmental stewardship will serve drinks and land conservation. Among the and light hors scheduled events are a 10-mile swim d’oeuvres from in the Gorge, a 1-mile swim from Coolidge Park, and a canoe/ 6 p.m. until 8 kayak race from Ross’s Landing. For a full listing of events, p.m., when the visit RiverRocksChattanooga.com. main rooftop On October 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., TRGT will host two party begins on top of the Bijou parking deck. The main of 20 sites that are part of the Tennessee River Rescue, which party will feature live music by WTM Blues Band followed typically draws hundreds of volunteers in boat and on foot. by Space Capone, a Nashville-based act inspired by ’70s and For a list of the cleanup sites, visit TennesseeRiverRescue.com. ’80s R & B, disco and Detroit funk. For the main rooftop party To volunteer at the Suck Creek Boat Ramp Zone, e-mail Sar- green|spaces will partner with five Chattanooga restaurants [email protected] or call 423-266-0314. To assist at Highway 41/ dedicated to local foods and sustainability—St. Johns/Meet- Cummings Highway, four miles off I-24, call 423-364-6759 or ing Place, The Blue Plate and Taco Mamacita/Urban Stack— e-mail [email protected]. which will provide hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening.

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12 Chattanooga TNNaturalAwakenings.com Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, and Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park. Today, the TRGT is one of the oldest local land trusts, with a small staff and a strong board. Through its continued community outreach, more people are sharing the experiences of hiking and biking, kayaking, boating, rock climbing, caving and camping in the lush, unspoiled wilderness of the Gorge. In addition, a recent partnership with the Trust for Public Land and the cities of Chattanooga and Red Bank has allowed TRGT to help protect 102 Photo © Kevin Livingood Tennessee River Gorge Trust Preserving the Gorge. Forever.

by Sarah Quattrochi

“You protect the things you love, and you love the things you know.”

y son is a child who loves for 27 river miles to Nickajack Lake in acres of open space on Stringer’s Ridge, throwing rocks into water Marion County. The Tennessee River in the heart of North Chattanooga. Mand catching lightning bugs blazes a water trail through the Gorge, Although Stringer’s Ridge lies just at dusk. He enjoys hiking on trails and which helps define both the past and outside the boundaries of the Tennessee thanks God for the beautiful world the future of Chattanooga. River Gorge, you can view it from atop and all living things during mealtime The Gorge encompasses 27,000 the Ridge, making it a wonderful spot prayers. During a recent drive, I turned acres of forest, mountain, valley and to make the connection between our off an exit ramp and he yelled, “Oh no, river. The ancient history of mankind urban spaces and the natural world. Mommy! Someone threw their garbage can be found at dozens of archeo- It really is spectacular to have so onto the road!” He was shocked that logical sites dating back 10,000 years. much protected land so close to the someone would do such a thing. This More recent history from the Civil War hustle and bustle of our city. That’s one reaction led to an upbeat discussion may also be linked to various sites of many reasons that the New York about what we can do to help take care within the Gorge. TRGT has cooper- Times named Chattanooga a top place of our planet, and in six-year-old terms, ated with TVA, the state of Tennessee, to visit in 2012, and that’s why outdoor what we can do to care for our own and many private landowners to protect enthusiasts from all over the country backyard, since this is where we can more than 17,500 acres of land and has now call Chattanooga their home. make a significant impact. secured the Gorge’s designation as a “People recognize that unbroken The Tennessee River Gorge Trust biosphere reserve. wilderness is something to treasure. (TRGT) has been making a difference in “Being designated as one of six These places, while valued for their im- Chattanooga’s backyard for more than sites that compose the Southern Appa- portance to the natural world, provide 30 years. It all started with a quiet com- lachian Biosphere Reserve put the Ten- us with opportunities to refresh our mitment from a small group of citizens nessee River Gorge on par with the best spirit,” says the Tennessee Aquarium’s who recognized that we have a true examples of the earth’s living habitats,” Thom Benson, a current TRGT board national treasure worthy of protection: says Jim Brown, executive director of member . “I have seen the entire length the Tennessee River Gorge. The Gorge TRGT. The other sites in Southern Ap- of the Tennessee River Gorge by boat. I begins at Williams Island, just west of palachia include Coweeta Hydrologi- have paddled kayaks, hiked, biked and downtown Chattanooga, and continues cal Laboratory, Grandfather Mountain, been caving in the Gorge. I know the 22 Chattanooga TNNaturalAwakenings.com Getting to Know the Gorge: Pot Point Open House and Hikes

On October 8, the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) staff and volunteers will lead three hikes starting from Pot Point, in the heart of the Tennessee River Gorge. The public is invited to check out the historic Pot Point cabin, take a 3.5-mile hike and then join in a free meal. All hikes will depart from

9 a.m. – Pot Point Cabin open house will begin. Light refreshments will be It all started 30 years ago, available. with a quiet commitment 10 a.m. – Hike #1 includes three climbs and is moderately strenuous. It returns around noon. from a small group of citi- Noon – Lunch for returning hikers. 2 p.m. – Hike #2 might qualify as a stroll and will allow TRGT Executive zens who recognized that Director Jim Brown to describe the history and ecology of the Gorge. The we have a true national trea- hike returns by 4:30 p.m. 4–6 p.m. – Open house continues. sure worthy of protection. 5–6 p.m. – Light dinner for people preparing for the 6 p.m. hike. 6–8 p.m. – Hike #3 will leave during daylight and extend into the evening. Bring a flashlight and be prepared to experience some nighttime sounds and pleasure of viewing sunrises and sun- creatures. sets from the Gorge rim, the beauty of Williams Island and the majestic flights Those planning to attend should RSVP with the time of their anticipated of bald eagles and ospreys. Yet I know participation so the staff can prepare enough food for everyone. RSVP by I have only scratched the surface— e-mailing [email protected] or 423-266-0314, ext. 3. there’s so much more to explore. The sights and sounds of a snowy trail, the aroma of spring flowers, the rich greens of summer and the kaleidoscope of fall color in the Gorge are things everyone Do you want to help people and the should experience.” My son is developing a sense of environment while earning cash? responsibility to care for the world around him, so as a mother who wants Natural Awakenings to nurture this responsibility, I’m thrilled by the possibilities of exploring the is looking for an outgoing, Gorge with him. What is even more experienced, independent contractor to meet exciting is to know that I do not have to newIdeal clientscandidate and is adevelop highly motivated their business. self-starter. hurry to show him the majesty of this Must Have genuine desire to help others succeed. special place, because the TRGT is in Qualifications: the business of preserving the Gorge. Forever. * Ad sales experience * Strong verbal and written communication skills Sarah Quattrochi is outreach and edu- Job* Well Responsibilities: organized with solid computer skills cation director for TRGT. To support the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, become a * Prospecting , calling on clients, and account maintenance member by visiting TRGT.org or calling Compensation* Representation and at tradePersonal shows Satisfaction and events Benefits: 423-266-0314, sign up to receive the TRGT e-newsletter at their website, or * Fulfilling work within a supportive atmosphere “Like” Tennessee River Gorge Trust on * Legitimate work-from-home opportunity Facebook. Friends of Stringer’s Ridge, a * Excellent commission volunteer committee of TRGT, is online at Facebook.com/stringersridge or e-mail [email protected] to join. See ad, Send your page 9. [email protected] and cover letter to natural awakenings October 2012 23