Girls Outside April 13 hike for younger girls!

Salamanders, worms, and bees were among the wildlife attractions on Saturday’s hike for the younger set.

Nine girls in grades 1-3 enjoyed a hike of just under three miles in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Our guides were Girls Outside volunteer Catherine Crawley and two volunteer parent helpers.

Leave No Trace hang tag

The group met at Mead’s Quarry. After introductions, we learned the lessons of “Leave No Trace,” and each girl received their own Leave No Trace hang tag for attaching to their backpacks — a popular hit with the girls. The Leave No Trace principles are:

•     Know Before You Go (being prepared)
•     Choose The Right Path
•     Trash Your Trash
•     Leave What You Find
•     Be Careful With Fire
•     Respect Wildlife
•     Be Kind To Other Visitors (includes unplugging and leaving electronic devices at home)

The group hiked along the Will Skelton Greenway into the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. The girls observed many signs of spring with a variety of flowering trees and active birds in the nesting boxes along the trail. The girls also enjoyed a fun snack time break at the cement rings beside the corn field, always a great spot for games of hide-and-seek.

We look forward to our next hike with Girls Outside. For more photos check out our photo gallery on Facebook!