Chattanooga Nature Center

My class was reading a text about wolves last week and it reminded me of my first time visiting Chattanooga Nature Center (also known as Reflection Riding). My first experience here was on a date, and it was a memorable visit. A friend had taken my boyfriend to this place before, so knowing I loved the outdoors, he wanted to show me. We arrived around sunset. The nature center is surrounded by woods and as we got out of the car, I noticed the sign that said "Members only; No trespassing" We weren't members, so I was a little uneasy about walking around. We walked a little distance away from the car on the road through the woods (without actually entering the center). A few minutes into our walk a loud and very eerie howling started that sounded like it was pretty close by in the woods.  There was no question in my mind that it was wolves. I was trying to stay as calm as possible, but it was obvious to me that we were walking around in the woods and there were wolves on the loose! I very calmly, but firmly asked to return to the car. Thankfully, my date realized I was freaked out and obliged.

This creepy experience caused me to research Chattanooga Nature Center. I found out that they are raising Red Wolves there, but I had nothing to fear as they are kept in an enclosed area. They also have other wildlife that they have rescued, such as a bobcat, owls, hawks, and an eagle.

We returned to visit the Center during the day and I immediately fell in love. I purchased an annual membership (which is actually pretty cheap) and it is one of my favorite places to go and walk on almost any day. The trails make a huge loop and go through both fields and the woods. On a typical day, it's not unusual to see deer, turkey, rabbits, geese, horses, and many birds.

One of the best parts about Chattanooga Nature Center is that it's 5 minutes from my house and only 10 minutes or so from downtown Chattanooga. It's a wonderful place to walk in any season; in fact, I actually prefer visiting in fall or winter, because there is just something beautiful about the woods on a cold, foggy day. And in the Fall, the leaves are gorgeous.

I've often thought that if I have money one day, I will buy land to leave in its natural state. I'm so glad that people thought of that with the land that is now Chattanooga Nature Center, and gave us this little pocket of nature right in the middle of Chattanooga.