Travel Adventures

Exploring Florida's Forgotten Coast
April 12 - 15, 2012 
[Note: This date changed from what was published in the Spring, 2012 Riverwatch]
The Apalachicola Bay and St. George Sound of the Gulf Coast have some of the most pristine beaches, bio-diverse wetlands and bountiful waters of all Florida.  This little known paradise is the perfect place to see and understand the ecology of gulf coast habitats without the effects of overdevelopment. Explore tidal beaches for marine life, search for migratory birds and feast on sustainable seafood along Florida’s natural gulf coast with Aquarium Assistant Curator of Forests Kevin Calhoon and Environmental Educator Jennifer Latour. We’ll visit diverse coastal ecosystems to observe first-hand the natural connections of wildlife in each unique habitat and discover the many species of birds that use the gulf’s wetlands, forests and beaches as prime time Spring migratory stopovers.

Spring Wildflower Weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Thursday, April 19, 2012 @ 9 a.m. - Saturday, April 21 @ 3 p.m.
Discover the special beauty of Spring in the Smokies during the peak of wildflower season! From the tiniest spring ephemerals to White-fringed Phacelia so thick it looks like snow, we’ll pay witness to this world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity. Experienced guides will lead you on their favorite trails and share their extensive knowledge about the interesting names, historical uses and folklore of mountain plants. Aquarium Lead Horticulturist Christine Bock, an 18-year veteran Wildflower Pilgrimage leader, will be joined by well-known local naturalist and outdoor educator Wanda DeWaard. Overnight at the charming Lazy Bluff Lodge in Townsend, nestled in a peaceful setting with three cozy wood fireplaces. Included: naturalist guides, transportation by Aquarium van, 2-night’s lodging in group accommodations, one continental breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner. (Level walks on unpaved trails; Adults; Limited to 12, minimum of 8)

Mongolia: Land of the Blue Sky 
Monday, Aug 27 - Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 
If you treasure exploring unspoiled and less-traveled places and learning from the diverse and wondrous cultures of the world, travel with us to Mongolia. Explore cosmopolitan Ulaanbaatar before venturing into “Outer Mongolia” staying in authentic felt-lined Gers, the Mongolian equivalent of African tented camps. Our journey takes us from the vast rolling grasslands of the steppe and forested mountains of the north, south to the shifting sand dunes and stunning landscapes of the arid Gobi Desert. 

Lake Hosvgol, known as Mongolia's Dark Blue Pearl, is situated among the most pristine forests, mountains and meadows of the world. Kayak on the lake, drive or trek on horse-back into the spectacular native forests of the Khoridal Saridag Mountains and meet a local nomadic family to learn about their ancient lifestyle. Then stay in luxury Gers at the Three Camel Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge located in the heart of the world's northernmost desert, the Gobi. Join nature walks, see the brilliant glow of the Flaming Cliffs, a legendary paleontological site, and view ancient petroglyphs in the mountains. Meet “camel wranglers” before learning to ride atop these beautiful animals to explore the surprisingly varied desert landscape, habitat for two-humped Bactrian camels, Goitered Gazelles and many uncommon bird species. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the Asian wild dog, snow leopard, and Gobi bear. This trip promises to change you forever!

Scenic City Photo Safari  
Friday, Nov. 9 - Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012     
Focus your lens on Chattanooga, the “Scenic City” during an exciting weekend workshop for film or digital photographers of all levels.  Nature photographers Tom and Pat Cory will present short lectures on how to photograph subjects along with hands-on instruction in the field.  Begin at the Tennessee Aquarium and capture images of sharks, jellyfish, butterflies, penguins, flowers and fish.  Snap photos of Chattanooga’s beautiful urban riverfront.  Photograph Civil War re-enactors in an historical setting at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center. We will wrap up on Sunday with brunch at a Lula Lake, a private reserve, after photographing streams and waterfalls.  Includes admissions, individual hands-on instruction, box lunch, BBQ dinner, picnic brunch, snacks and beverages.

Adults
Limited to 15
$185/Member; $210/Non-Member