Saturday, Dec. 14

Orion and the Christmas Star — 8-10 p.m. — The December sky holds some of our most interesting and brilliant constellations. Roan Mountain State Park invites you to join us for a winter star party focusing on the brilliant constellation of Orion the Hunter as well as a look into what the Christmas Star that led the three wisemen to Bethlehem may have been. A telescope viewing will end the evening party.

Meet Ranger Phil from 8-10 p.m. at the Miller Farmstead parking lot to enjoy the dark sky as seen from Strawberry Mountain. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served on site, but guests are encouraged to bring seats, warm clothing, and blankets. This program is free to attend with no registration. Meet at the Miller Farmstead.

Sunday, Dec. 15

BCHET Elk River Falls Ride. Where: Elk Mills-Poga Volunteer Fire Department, 107 Poga Road, Butler TN 37640.

Contact Info: Lori Kegley email: mailto:ironmountainfarms@yahoo.com. Check: BCHET website for update information; or bchetfacebook

Winter Animal Tracking — 2-4 p.m. — Join Ranger Phil at the park conference center for an introduction to tracking wildlife during the winter months. Guests will learn various animal tracks and signs as well as how to read the land for animal movement. Guests will record their field notes in their own field journal. A reading of Aldo Leopold’s Sand County Almanac will lead into a winter nature hike of 1 mile distance (easy difficulty). Dress warm and bring along any field gear you would like.

This program is limited to 15 people at a cost of $5 per person. Meet at the Park Conference Center.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Tree Cookie Canvas — 2 p.m. — Tree Cookie Canvas! Join Ranger Holland (who still can’t color inside the lines) as we express our artistic side using a natural canvas. Tree cookie discs and other supplies will be provided and participants will be able to take home the painting made during the program. We will meet at the Visitor Center prior to going to the program area.

Sunday, Dec. 22

Fire Craft — 2 p.m. — Join Ranger Holland as we learn various methods of firelighting without matches. Instruction will include traditional flint and steel, modern ferro rod, burning lens and fire from batteries. Friction fire will be demonstrated using the bow drill method if time permits. Meet at the cabin area campfire circle. Program Cost: Free.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020

First Day Hike at Roan Mountain — 9 a.m.—- Join Ranger Holland as we celebrate the New Year with a hike to Round Bald. We will meet at the visitor center and then travel to Carver’s Gap to begin our hike on the A.T. to Round Bald. Hiking conditions will vary from moderate to strenuous and participants are advised to wear proper clothing and footwear suited for windy and cold outdoor conditions. Preregistration is required for this free event.