When: April 16, 2026 @ 3:00 pm
Indulge in springtime delights
Join Skye for this amble through Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, where we will revel in the many colors of our mountain springtime! We’ll wander among a mixed-oak-pine woodland, stroll through the rivercane corridor along the river, and meander along the edge of the floodplain meadow that hosts birds, butterflies, and bees of all kinds. This is a great time of year to admire the Catesby’s Trilliums (Trillium catesbaei, depicted in the images of this posting) that are prevalent at Tessentee, along with other April flowers like showy orchis, dwarf crested iris, Soloman’s plume, and more. We will discuss identification tips, wildlife benefits, and other interesting notes like edibility or medicinal uses.
We will meet just before 3:00pm on Thursday, April 16th at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve in Otto. See the map below for exact location. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to park and get settled. We will keep a gentle pace during this event, and walk about 2 miles in total. Trails at Tessentee vary from narrow with a steep grade, to wide and flat with an even grade. There is very minimal elevation gain along our route. We suggest bringing water, a snack, a warm layer, sturdy shoes, and any naturalist tools you may want such as field guides, hand lenses, or binoculars. This event should last around 2 hours, we will back at the trailhead around 5:00pm.
This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
This event is weather-dependent. Please leave pets at home. Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions.
Meet your teacher!
As Mainspring’s Outreach Director, Skye Cahoon inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. As a kid, she could often be found climbing trees, hunting for salamanders, or chasing fish at the swimming hole. Her passion for nature grew with her, and in 2020 she earned her Zoology B.S. from the University of Maine. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, Skye now strives to make science fun and accessible. She leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and enjoys continuing to learn about the diverse and fascinating creatures that call the Southern Appalachians home.
Please treat your registration as a formal ticket. Read this event description thoroughly and ensure that the date, time, and location work for your schedule. We monitor event sign-ups, and restrict group size to ensure you have a quality experience out in the woods with us. If you register and can no longer attend, email Skye at [email protected]. Thank you!
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