T E N N E S S E E A Q U A R I U M

BIRDING IN DELTA COUNTRY 4

BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR BACKYARD 6

EVENTS, SUMMER CAMP & MORE 8

BROOK TROUT CONSERVATION 12

KEEPER KIDSNew spring break programs for kids age 6 & up

RIVERWATCHQUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM • SPRING 2013

L E A D I N G T H E W A Y I N F R E S H W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N

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When asked what he would like to do if he worked at the Aquarium, Brandon says he likes two areas. “I would love to be a butterfly handler so I could see the Atlas Moth,” said Brandon. “I would also like to be one of the divers because they get to go underwater. They have the best view of all the sea creatures.”

Amelia Hunt also loves spending time with animals. If the seven-year-old could work at the Aquarium now, she would, “Be a herpetologist and work with the reptiles.” She’s had wonderful experiences in Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari touching geck-os and a hedgehog. Like Brandon, she also ranks butterflies among her favorite Aquarium animals. She thinks they might also be the easiest creatures to care for. “Feeding the butterflies seems pretty easy,” said Amelia. “You just lay the food out.” But she also knows keepers have challenges. “Like having to keep track of which animal areas need to be cleaned and who needs to be fed, and what they need to be fed.”

Going behind the scenes is a special thrill for visitors of all ages, even those like Brandon who’ve

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Brandon Moore gets fi red up about every trip he makes to the Tennessee Aquarium. “I would go every day if I could,” the 11-year old declared. Brandon’s family makes great use of their membership, giving him opportunities to explore both buildings and soak up new information on each visit and summer camp experience.

enjoyed numerous trips to the Aquarium. Whether it’s meeting SCUBA divers, animal keepers or seeing where baby animals are cared for, a trip into areas that are nor-mally off-limits to guests is a won-derful learning experience. Brandon was happy to deliver information he learned on a recent expedition behind the scenes at the Aquarium. “I learned that Oscar the sea turtle was hit by a boat and his shell was damaged and he loves veggies,” said Brandon. “I also learned that the gecko does not blink his eyes, he licks them instead. And, I learned that the Atlas Moth is the biggest moth in the world and has a really wide wingspan.”

Throughout the year, visitors may choose to add a Backstage Pass tour to get up-close and feed some Aquarium animals. Each of the 45-minute experiences gives guests the opportunity to explore either River Journey or Ocean Journey to learn more about what it takes to provide excellent care to more than 10,000 animals.

Spring Break is a time to do even more. Aquarium educators and

Check out this fun video about Keeper Kids! tnaqua.org/springbreak

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husbandry staff have developed another great lineup of exclusive Keeper Kids activities. They will be scheduled daily from March 15th through April 15th for kids ages six and older. Kids can choose up to two of the 17 different activ-ities offered free with Aquarium admission during this month-long program.

Besides being fun, spending more time at the Aquarium helps open young eyes to the world around them. And, it might just bring out a thirst for more knowl-edge. Brandon already seems to be thinking about a career in research. “I love science and would like to study parasites on sharks.” Amelia agrees that Keeper Kids is fun and educational. “Most kids don’t know about this kind of stuff, so they could really learn a lot.”

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10:30 am Butterfl ies, Birds and Blooms

10:45 AM Otter Edibles and Trout Chow

11 am Behind the Scenes Penguin Peek

11:15 AM Sea Turtles & SCUBA Divers

11:30 am Jelly Babies & Other New Arrivals

11:45 am Seahorse Babies & Mysterious Mysis

12:15 pm Mystery Creature Feature

1:15 PM Behind the Scenes Penguin Peek

1:30 pm Behind the Scenes – Cichlid Café

1:30 PM Meet our Dr. Dolittle MWF only

1:45 pm Sharks and SCUBA Divers

2 PM Splashy Fun: Otter Enrichment

2:30 pm Make An Octopus Craft

3 PM Secret Reef Feeding Frenzy

3 pm Turtle Treats & Songbird Eats

3:30 PM River Giants Feeding Frenzy

4 pm Butterfl ies, Birds and Blooms

Ocean Journey River Journey

KEEPER KIDS SCHEDULEMARCH 15 - APRIL 15

For children ages 6 and up. Programs are approximately 15 to 20 minutes and are

limited to ten kids plus parents who may observe.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES with the Backstage Pass. Enjoy VIP access to get up-close, touch and feed some of our animals. Each 45-minute tour option takes you on a guided experience to “Keeper-Only” areas of the Tennessee Aquarium

and includes an Animal Encounter program.

RIVER JOURNEY Daily @ 11 AM: Visit one of the Aquarium’s busy kitchens, feed otters, explore other backstage areas and more!

OCEAN JOURNEY Daily @ 2:30 PM: Get a bird’s eye view of Penguins’ Rock before meeting Secret Reef SCUBA divers, helping feed sea creatures and more!

For ages 6 and up. Reserve your tickets today!tnaqua.org/PlanYourVisit/BackstagePass

PLEASE NOTE: Backstage Pass will not be offered during Keeper Kids.

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CONSERVATION ON E XHIB IT

“We have 30 species of birds in this exhibit,” said Kevin Calhoon, the Aquarium’s assistant curator of forests. “We recently added two Tennessee Warblers, one female Summer Tanager, one female Black-throated Blue Warbler and a male Orchard Oriole.”

Many of the birds on display in the Delta Country exhibit are spe-cies found throughout the year in our region such as the Eastern Bluebird and Northern Cardinal. But the rest are known as neo-tropi-cal migrant songbirds, species that spend their winters in the tropics but migrate into the Tennessee Valley to breed.

The Aquarium receives non-releasable birds from licensed wild-life rehabilatators who nurse injured birds back to health. If they can be returned to the wild, they are. But sometimes a bird is not fully flighted and would perish on its own. So Calhoon receives many beautiful

BIRDING IN DELTA COUNTRY

BY THOM BENSON, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD STAILEY

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The Delta Country exhibit is among the most popular galleries at the Aquarium. Who wouldn’t love getting safely up close to an American Alligator or the massive Alligator Snapping Turtles that roam underwater like Sherman tanks? But while most people are focused on what’s happen-ing underwater, they might easily overlook what’s happening overhead.

birds that enjoy a life without preda-tors in the Cove Forest or Delta Country. “We have a number of these birds that produce offspring on exhibit, so we know they are pretty happy here,” said Calhoon.

Calhoon wants more people to enjoy the Aquarium’s somewhat reclusive bird collection, so he’s been training the Delta birds to appear on cue. He rings a customer service bell three times and, Voila! tiny faces start to appear looking for some-thing tasty. “After I ring the bell, I put mealworms up on the posts and they come down to feed,” said Calhoon. “Sometimes you can get quite close to them and I’ve even had some success getting the birds close to school groups.”

During the winter, Calhoon needs to do this before the Aquarium opens. “When it’s cold, I like to get meal worms to the birds early. They burn a lot of calories,” said Calhoon. “But during the warmer months I’ll do this when our guests can see them eating. It’s a good chance to get pictures of birds that are difficult to photograph up close in the wild.”

The Delta Country birds are sometimes elusive. Get a behind-the-scene look at them here: http://bit.ly/YlOQBP

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ON STAFF: Began working at the Aquarium Nov. 11, 1991, help-ing to establish the bird collection. ON THE JOB: “After college, I wanted to work with reptiles and amphibians. But my first job was caring for birds at a zoo. The first time I held a Wood Duck in my hands, I was completely enthralled and have loved birds ever since.” IN THE FIELD: Logged 753 bird sightings in the U.S. and Canada and more than 2,200 species worldwide. FAVORITES: “I really loved see-ing penguins up close in Antarctica and Hyacinth Macaws in Brazil.” FUTURE TRIPS: “Northern Columbia to an isolated mountain range to look for endemic species of warblers.” BUCKET LIST: “Harpy Eagle found in Panama, Columbia and Venezuela. It’s the largest eagle in the world.” BACKYARD BIRDING TIPS: Plants — Native varieties provide food and cover...blackberries, raspberries, pokeweed and wild grapes. Wild vibernums and sweetshrub make great cover.Water — Make sure pools and birdbaths have a shallow area for the smallest warbler or finch. Keep the water fresh and clean.Feeders — Keep it simple. I put black oil sunflower seed in hang-ing feeders placed high enough to keep cats from catching birds. I also sprinkle wild bird seed mix on the ground below the feeder.

SPOTLIGHT ON KEVIN CALHOON

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CONSERVATION AT HOME

A YARD OF YOUR YARD — ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIESYou hear giggling and see outstretched arms as the IMAX® Theater appears to fi ll with Monarchs during each screening of Flight of theButterfl ies 3D. Audiences fi nd themselves rooting for these beautiful insects as they embark on one of the most amazing migrations on the planet.

For years, no one knew where Monarchs went in the winter. But one man’s childhood fascination with these butterflies led to a new branch of citizen sci-entists who helped solve this mystery of nature. The moment of discovery was documented by a National Geographic photographer and is just as thrilling when retold on the giant screen at IMAX. Hundreds of millions of butterflies turn forests, high in the moun-tains of Mexico, orange and black. The images are

unforgettable and the audio of their flapping wings makes you feel as though you are in the middle of this incredible gathering of life. “Reminiscent of March of the Penguins in terms of its ability to tug at heartstrings,” raved The Washington Post.

As visually stunning as these scenes are today, the numbers of butterflies are declining. It’s been

estimated that one billion Monarchs gathered each year in the Mexican sanctuaries at the time of their dis-covery in 1976. Since then, that number has been cut in half. The decline is due in large part to habitat loss along their migratory path – much of which lies in the United States. Open spaces with large fields of milkweed and nectar producing plants are disappearing, making the flight of the Monarchs more chal-lenging each year.

We’re fortunate to be able to wit-ness the generations of Monarchs that head north each year and to see some of the “super-generation” as they make the entire return trip from Canada to Mexico. Butterfly experts such as the Aquarium’s ento-mologist Jennifer Taylor and educa-tion outreach coordinator Bill Haley say there are a number of things we can do at home to help migrating Monarchs thrive.

Register today for “Monarch Way Stations” on Sunday, May 5th. Details on page 9.05

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Here are ideas to improve a yard of your yard to attract butterflies:• Give up a small section of your

lawn. While a green lawn may be attractive to us, it can resemble a desert to a butterfly, with no plac-es to land, no nectar and no food sources for caterpillars.

• A flower garden doesn’t have to be huge. By making room for some flowers in your yard, you will be replacing a bit of lost habitat.

• If you don’t have room in your yard, butterfly nectar and host plants can be grown in containers on your deck.

• Pick a nice sunny spot for your butterfly garden. Your flowers will love it and the butterflies will be more likely to visit.

• Monarch butterflies require milk-weeds for their caterpillars. For gardeners, this is good news because there are some nice choic-es. Butterflyweed is in the milk-weed family. It is a perennial that comes back year after year, only grows to around one foot tall and forms nice compact clumps with-out taking over your whole gar-den. It is drought tolerant and has gorgeous orange blooms. Swamp milkweed has clusters of pink blooms and requires a bit more moisture. Look for butterflyweed and swamp milkweed at a native plant sale or nursery that specializ-es in native species. Some garden centers sell tropical milkweed, either as flowers or in seed pack-ets. It is a two-foot tall annual with red and orange flower clus-ters. It does fine in gardens in this area, but it does not overwinter. Choose common milkweed if you have space. It has large pom-poms of pink blooms in midsummer, but sometimes grows to four feet tall and can be a bit invasive.

ENJOY DAILYFREE PROGRAMS

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There’s plenty of fun every day at the Tennessee Aquarium. Educators and animal experts love enriching your experience with keeper talks and animal presentations. Before your next visit, check this list of FREE PROGRAMS (with your membership or paid admission) to make the most of your day of aquatic adventure.

RANGER RICK’S BACKYARD SAFARI: You’ll find fantastic animals waiting to meet you face-to-face on Level A of River Journey. Stage programs are scheduled daily at the times listed below. Meet additional creatures on weekends from 10:30AM to 3:30PM during special “critter cart” encounters.DAILY Programs on the stage: 10:45AM 12:30PM 2PM

11AM 12:45PM 2:15PM

Additional weekend encounters: 10:30AM-3:30PM

SCUBA DIVERS IN OCEAN JOURNEY: Quiz our divers about sharks and sea turtles while they’re under the waves in the Secret Reef exhibit. These daily dive shows occur on Level 2 by the Boneless Beauties gallery.DAILY Secret Reef Dive Shows: 11AM 11:30AM 2PM 2:30PM

SCUBA DIVERS IN RIVER JOURNEY: Divers can be seen daily in either the Nickajack Lake or River Giants exhibits. Divers feed paddlefish, sturgeon and gar in Nickajack Lake on select days. DAILY Nickajack Lake or River Giants Divers: 11AM

Tuesday | Thursday | Saturday Nickajack Lake Feeding: 2PM

PENGUIN PROGRAMS: Talk to our bird experts while they feed our Gentoos and Macaronis at Penguins’ Rock on Level 2 in Ocean Journey.Monday-Friday Penguins’ Rock Programs: 10:30AM 1:45PM

SHARK FEEDINGS: You can observe 10-foot sharks feeding in the Secret Reef exhibit of Ocean Journey three days a week.Monday | Wednesday | Friday Secret Reef Shark Feeding: 3:15PM

RIVER GIANTS FEEDINGS: See monster freshwater fish feed in the River Giants exhibit of River Journey four days a week.Monday | Wednesday | Friday | Sunday River Giants Feeding: 2PM

Enjoy a meal at Big River Grille or BlueWater Grille before or after your Aquarium visit. Present your Tennessee Aquarium

membership card when you order to receive a discount.

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ANYTIME! You don’t have to wait until your membership expires to renew. Renew today and your next membership picks up when your current one ends. You’ll continue to enjoy uninterrupted privileges for another full year. Visit tnaqua.org/membership.

DO WE HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS? If you would like to stay on top of the latest Aquarium news, get notifications of new events and electronic renewal reminders, visit us at community.tnaqua.org to create your online profile. After signing up, you’ll be able to update your address, access your giving history, review your membership’s expiration date or sign up for e-newsletters.

PHOTO MEMBERSHIP CARDSIf you don’t already have your photo member-ship card, stop by Members’ Entrance in River Journey and have your new card made on your next visit. Bring in your old membership card without the photo and we will recycle it for you.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTERKeep up with our daily postings — you can even join in the conversations!

MEMBERSHIPINFORMATION

Offi cial sponsor of the Tennessee Aquarium

Membership Program.

SPR ING PROGR A MS & EVENTS

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SPRING EVENTS CALENDAR

Monarch Way Stations Sunday • 2-4PM

Discover the fascinating behavior of the Monarch from butterfly expert and Earth Kinship educator Wanda DeWaard. Go on a guided walk at Tennessee River Gardens and learn to create a monarch way station with a milkweed plant to take home.All Ages • $13/Person

Spring Family Sleep in the DeepBegins Friday • 5:30PM

Discover some of our darling animal babies and celebrate motherhood with your family. Explore behind the scenes, see an IMAX® 3D movie and bed down with sharks and colorful fish. Presented by Dasani.Families with children ages 6+, accompa-nied by an adult • $50/Member

TRAVEL ADVENTURE

Galapagos Islands AdventureMay 31 - June 8

Experience close encounters with animals found nowhere else on earth. Swim and snorkel with sea lions, come within mere inches of blue-footed boobies and rare marine iguanas as mysterious as the volca-nic islands they inhabit. Please contact Betty Miles for more information: ebm@tnaqua.org or 423-785-3008.

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Rain Barrel WorkshopSaturday • 10AM-Noon

Convert an empty Coca-Cola syrup drum into a working rain barrel with experts from Ace Hardware. Go green and collect water from gutters for outside use, especially during periods of drought. Presented by Ace Hardware & Coca-Cola.Adults • $25/Adult

SPECIAL MEMBER NIGHT

Aquarium WOWs & HOWsFriday • 6-8:30PM

The Southeast is home to more freshwater species than anywhere else in the United States. Discover how the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) is working with other environmental organi-zations to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems. From colorful darters to River Giants, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the natural treasures in our backyard. Meet and interact with Dr. Anna George, director of TNACI, her team of researchers and our partners in the field as they demonstrate field techniques and describe the multiplier effect of collaborative work. Add special animal presentations, games and activities for kids and you have one great way to celebrate World Water Day! Presented by Volkswagen Group of America and Tennessee American Water.All Ages • Free/Members

Seafood Dinner @ BluewaterTues. or Wed. • 6:30-8:30PM Join Bluewater Grille’s Executive Chef Scott Eiselstein who will pre-

pare a multi-course dinner to delight the senses that features delicious seasonal U.S. caught or raised seafood paired with Mary Hill wines. This event includes dinner, wine pairings, recipes and gratuity.Adults • $55/Adult

Spring Fling CruiseSaturday • 10AM – Noon

Early birds in the River Gorge are on their nests in March, so expect to witness Osprey and Great Blue Heron nesting sites. Gain insight about neo-tropical migrants from Aquarium bird expert Kevin Calhoon.All ages • $24/Adult; $18/Child

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Breakfast with the PenguinsSaturday • 8:30-10AM

Begin with continental breakfast before enjoying special feed-ing shows by penguin keep-ers and educators in Penguin’s Rock. Spring fever antics are fun to watch! Then explore on your own. Presented by Little Debbie. All ages • $10/Member

Williams Island Family CruiseSaturday • 12:30-2PM

Young naturalists will learn about animal and human life on the river with an on-board scavenger hunt and a live animal encounter. Presented by First Tennessee Bank & Tennessee American Water.$20/Person ($18/Child under age 3)

Wildflower WalksSunday • 1:30 & 3PM

Join Aquarium Lead Horticulturist Christine Bock on a wildflower walk featuring the folklore and medicinal uses of our native wildflowers at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center during their Spring Native Plant Sale and Wildflower Festival.All Ages • FREE

All Creatures Great & SmallSaturday • 8:30AM-3:30PM

Join professional photographers Tom and Pat Cory for a photography workshop that begins inside the Aquarium before opening, an instructive seminar and hands-on help for taking great images of butterflies, penguins and colorful fish in Aquarium galleries. 12 maximum, 6 minimum. Includes a special photo shoot during an animal encounter. Snacks and lunch included.Adults • $75/Member

Vertical & Container GardensSaturday • 10AM – Noon

If you have a small space or a blank wall, consider planting a vertical garden, using herbs and edible plants. Experts will share ideas for vertical and container gardening. Optional workshop follows with plants and materials available for purchase. Presented by The Barn Nursery.Adults • FREE

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Islands in the StreamSaturday • 11AM-1:15PM

Circumnavigate two islands in the Tennessee River that were formed by natural forces! You will discover the fascinating natural and cultural history of Williams Island, once inhabited by Native Americans, and Maclellan Island, an urban bird sanctuary.Presented by Tennessee American Water.All ages • $24/Adult; $18/Child

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TNAQUA.ORG/EVENTSOR CALL 423-267-FISH (3474)

Register online & discover newly-added events at:

All events are held on Eastern Time. Full event details, including Non-Member pricing at: tnaqua.org/Events

RIVERWATCH10 Go green and get Riverwatch online! Visit tnaqua.org/Membership/Riverwatch

Cost is $750. Full and partial scholarships are available. Spots are limited and competitive. Complete the online application with a recom-mendation from a teacher, scout leader, supervisor or minister. Applications and recommendations are due by April 1st. Those accepted will be notified by April 15th. Camp is open to rising 9th- 12th graders.

Dig in your claws during an intensive, week-long overnight summer camp with scientists

from the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI). The Baylor School serves

as CLAW base camp. We’ll stay in the dorms and use the classroom when we’re not

in the fi eld. Explore, paddle, hike and snorkel to discover our connections to aquatic

ecosystems during CLAW. Then become a water conservation hero at home.

CLAW! JUNE 16-22

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www.tnaci.org/teencamp.asp

TRAINING BIRDS FOR SHOWSJoin us and discover how show behaviors are trained and watch some training sessions in progress. Plus, you’ll walk away with some good pointers to try with your animals at home. It’s your chance to watch, learn and ask lots of questions with aquarium staff.

Thursday, March 28th @ 10:45AM

Thursday, April 25th @ 10:45AM ANIMAL RIDDLESWhat has 8 eyes, 5 pairs of legs, carries a book and lives in the ocean? Do you know what this animal is? Would you like to know? Come learn about this animal’s special adaptations and others through riddles and why these adaptations help the animals to survive in their various habitats.

Friday, March 8th @ 3PM

Friday, April 5th @ 3PM

RANGER RICK’S BACKYARD SAFARI IS IN RIVER JOURNEY, LEVEL A

RIVERWATCH 11For more information: tnaqua.org/Education/SummerCamp.aspx

AQUATOTS AGES 4-5 (PRE-K)SESSIONS9AM - 12:30PM • Monday - FridayAquatots learn about the Aquarium’s ani-mals and get to meet some, face to face! Campers participate in hands-on activities, crafts, stories and outdoor fun.Children must be potty-trained.$90/Member • $120/Non-member

TADPOLES AGES 5-6SESSIONS9AM - 4PM • Monday - FridayTadpoles explore the world of animals as they participate in exciting games, activities and crafts. Campers go on field trips to the Chattanooga Arboretum & Nature Center and the Chattanooga Zoo.Children must have attended kindergarten.$170/Member; $220/Non-member

TREEFROGS AGES 7-8SESSIONS8:30AM - 3:30PM • Monday - FridayThe Chattanooga Arboretum & Nature Center and Tennessee Aquarium join forces to bring campers nose to nose with animals indoors and out. Campers learn to canoe, hike and get down and dirty on Mud Day.Campers are dropped off and picked up at the Nature Center.$170/Member; $220/Non-member

POLLIWOGS AGES 7-8SESSIONS9AM - 4PM • Monday - FridayDiscover amazing facts about coral reef communities as we dive into “Life on the Reef”. Through unique activities, crafts and games, Polliwogs learn about extraordinary creatures and how we are connected to the ocean’s habitats - even in Chattanooga.$170/Member; $220/Non-member

BULLFROGS AGES 9-10SESSIONS9AM - 4PM • Monday - Friday With a Thursday overnightBullfrogs explore Aquarium galleries, visit with animals and their caretakers, and go behind the scenes while learning the importance of becoming environmental stewards. The week includes activities such as hiking, spelunking and a sleepover in the River Journey building.$230/Member; $300/Non-member

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ECOEXPLORERS AGES 11-12SESSIONS9AM - 4PM • Monday - Friday With a Thursday overnightCampers become Eco-Explorers inside the Aquarium and outdoors. Adventures include behind the scenes tours, trying out SCUBA, Stand Up Paddleboarding and a trip to the water park at Horn’s Creek NOC Resort.$230/Member; $300/Non-member

QUEST AGES 13-14SESSION9AM - 4PM • Monday - Friday With a Tuesday overnightHere’s a recipe for summer fun: mix a week of outdoor adventures including hiking, lake kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling and caving with environmental science. Quest Camp blends science with adventure in the outdoor “classroom.”Campers must participate in all activities.$345/Member; $415/Non-member

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TIPS ON REGISTERING YOUR CAMPER:

• Have your current membership and credit card numbers available when registering.

• Renew your membership now to be ready for early registration!

• For returning campers, save time during registration by using the same username (email) and password as last year.

• Find your forgotten password and account information on our website!

• Camp activities are developed for specifi c ages. Child must be the correct age for the registered camp during the session.

• SPACES ARE LIMITED! Only register for one week of camp per child.

• A $25 fee will be applied for transfers or cancellations.

2013 TENNESSEEAQUARIUM

Tennessee Aquarium Summer Campsare sponsored by Girls Preparatory School

REGISTERONLINE AT

TNAQUA.ORG OR CALL

423-785-4176 from 9AM-4:30PM

SESSIONDATES 2013

*ONLY AQUATOTS HAVE CAMP ON THURSDAY, JULY 4TH

1 JUNE 3-7 2 JUNE 10-14 3 JUNE 17-21 4 JUNE 24-28

5 JULY 1-5* 6 JULY 8-12 7 JULY 15-19 8 JULY 22-26 9 JULY 29-AUG 2

JUNE S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

JULY 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3

MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 4TH @ 9AMNON-MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 18TH @ 9AM

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CONSERVATION BEHIND THE SCENES

Logging activities in the 1970s wiped out large portions of the shady habitat needed by SABT. When their numbers dwindled, many sites were overtaken by Rainbow Trout, which can with-stand warmer water and more direct sunlight. Today the forest canopy along many streams has been restored, making angler and conser-vation groups curious about restor-ing the SABT to its proper setting.

The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation awarded a grant to the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation

TNACI UPDATE: BROOK TROUT

BY KATHLINA ALFORD, TNACI CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD STAILEY BRO

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Southern Appalachian Brook Trout (SABT) are one of the most beautiful aquatic treasures that the Appalachian Mountains have to off er. Being one of the smallest members of the Salmon family, and one of the more challenging to locate, this unique fi sh is a prize among trout fi shermen.

Institute (TNACI) to study captive breeding techniques for this species.

Because the habitat for this spe-cies is high-altitude headwaters, each stream contains an isolated popula-tion that has become genetically distinct from other streams through-out the region. For this reason, we are only working with fish from a single site. This avoids mixing groups that may be adapted to very specific parameters in their stream. We collected 50 brood fish in October 2012 to serve as parents in this new captive breeding program. With the

help of trout experts from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), we were able to collect more than 1,000 eggs from these brood fish. About 20 days later, we knew more than 400 eggs had been successfully fertilized when we observed what is called “eye-up.” The eyes of the developing baby trout could be seen within the fertile eggs. “Hatch Day” finally came on November 29th as the baby trout outgrew their egg sacs and began wiggling out. At this point they are

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The Southeast is home to more fish than any other spot in the U.S., but many are at risk of extinction. Please join us in protecting our natural heritage by giving $30: community.tnaqua.org/conservation

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called “sac fry” because they still have a huge yolk sac to feed them. They were able to stretch their bodies out and continue to grow but they didn’t eat for several more weeks until their yolk was completely absorbed. Like any growing baby, once they were ready for real food, these fish were hungry! Finely diced blood worms, powdered egg yolk and live brine shrimp were on their menu. By the time they started eating, they looked like tiny versions of their parents, measuring about one-half of an inch.

Before our success at TNACI, Southern Appalachian Brook Trout had been successfully raised a few times at the Tellico Fish Hatchery in the Cherokee National Forest. Their success came by using water from the

source stream. We were able to do the same using chilled and de-chlori-nated tap water.

We will raise these 400+ babies through the spring when they reach three to four inches in length. Then they will be reintroduced into the same stream where we collected their parents. Each fish will have a tag implanted so we will recognize them when they are recaptured.

We are so thankful for great partners such as TWRA, USFWS and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, but donations from friends like you also make this type of research possible. Together we can protect our native wildlife for future generations and restore ecosystems throughout our region.

TNACI was recently awarded a grant by the State of Alabama to continue research on a fiery-colored minnow called the Flame Chub. This fish was considered extirpated (made extinct in part of its historic range) from the Coosa River, but TNACI researchers were able to find this fish in three different locations over the past couple of years. The grant money will be used to do a comprehensive survey of the Coosa River drainage to see how widespread this species may actually be in Alabama. TNACI will use high-tech geo-graphic information system (GIS) modeling software to input all historic collection sites. Then the software will assess environmental parame-ters to predict where else Flame Chubs might be found. Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, TNACI’s aquatic conservation biologist, has used this technique to locate Mexican Trout with great success.

HIGH TECH FOR FLAME CHUBS

RIVERWATCH14

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The Tennessee Aquarium was awarded two grants by the Aquarium & Zoo Facilities Association to improve capacity for field conservation projects. The funding from one grant helped improve the Aquarium’s Animal Care Facility (ACF). The second grant made it possible for the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute to begin the new Southern Appalachian Brook Trout (SABT) breeding program.

Spring is a great time for bird watching. There’s no better way to enjoy your feathered friends than giving them a new home outside of your window. The Tennessee Aquarium River Journey Gift Shop carries a variety of bird houses built locally at Chattanooga Goodwill. By purchasing one of these attractive bird houses, you’re helping improve back-yard habitat and supporting both the Aquarium and our local Goodwill centers. Shop at home at store.shopaquari-um.org to find all sorts of bird books, puzzles and stuffed animals. At checkout be sure to use the coupon code BIRD to get your member’s discount of 10% off!

We have a great opportunity for a few high school students who would like to be plugged into their community. High School Youth Volunteers help make the Aquarium experi-ence richer for guests from around the world. Eligible stu-dents are between 14 & 17 and have successfully completed at least one year of high school science. The students become members of the Aquarium’s award-winning educa-tion team, volunteering for one half-day shift twice each month. (Must be able to volunteer for ONE calendar year.) Applications are due by Friday, May 3, 2013, with a manda-tory training class on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Visit tnaqua.org/GetInvolved.

The Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center are partnering to offer the Tennessee Naturalist program. This five-month training course offers the opportunity to learn more about Tennessee’s plants, ani-mals and geology. The program has a volunteer require-ment that allows certified naturalists to keep learning while introducing others to the wonders of Tennessee’s natural resources. Each classroom session is two hours long and typically is taught from 6-8 pm on a Tuesday. Each session has a corresponding field studies component held on another day, often a Saturday morning. The cost of the Tennessee Naturalist program is $250 for all 14 sessions. The class size is limited to provide the best participant expe-rience. Register online: community.tnaqua.org/Naturalist. The deadline is April 1st.

Sometimes we have wondered if there are more school groups in the Aquarium than there are schools of fish, but recent cuts to area education budgets will prevent many students from learning in our underwater classroom. Teachers tell us that transportation costs, specifically, prevent their students from experiencing the thrill of learning at the Aquarium. Please support our Drive for Schools: $20 for 7 campaign, where each $20 contribution provides transpor-tation costs for 7 students to visit the Aquarium with their classes. Learn more and donate at tnaqua.org/contribute to make a difference today.

Join us on Thursday, March 21st to learn how the recent fis-cal cliff countdown can affect your gift, tax and estate plans. Alan Cates, a member of the Aquarium’s Planned Giving Advisory Council, will discuss how “permanent” higher tax exemptions can simplify your financial planning. He’ll also discuss the challenges of estate planning for blended fami-lies. Two one-hour seminars will be offered at 12pm and 5pm as part of our ongoing Watershed Society series. Email contributions@tnaqua.org by March 15th or call (423)785-4038 to register.

AZFA GRANTS AWARDED

HOME TWEET HOME

2013 YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

CERTIFIED TENNESSEE NATURALIST PROGRAM

DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS: $20FOR7

FREE PLANNING SEMINAR

RIVERCURRENTS

RIVERWATCH 15

With bright color, pattern and scale-covered wings,they’re beautiful and they are named after _______.

But color’s a warning, “I am a bad _______!”“I’m poisonous. Eat me and you might just YACK.”

That is because young ones eat milkweed for hours.While adults recharge sipping nectar from _______.

Their senses, you’ll find, are surprising and neat:they smell with antennae but taste with their _______.

While mostly migrations go back and then forthsome special Monarchs just begin in the _______.

Learn more at the _______ while they are a featureand see, for yourself, this incredible creature!

MATERIALS:• Waxed paper • Hole punch• Scissors • String• An iron • Crayon shavings

Create a flutter of butterflies to decorate your windows.

DIRECTIONS:1. Fold a piece of waxed paper in half and

draw a butterfly on it. 2. Unfold the waxed paper and put it on a

tray or a flat surface.3. Fill the butterfly outline with a thin layer

of crayon shavings. Be creative! Use your favorite colors or patterns of black and orange to look like a monarch.

4. Fold the wax paper back over to cover the crayon shavings.

5. Have an adult iron your butterfly on low heat (protect the iron by putting a paper towel on top of the waxed paper while ironing).

6. Cut out your butterfly and punch a hole near the top so you can tie on a string and hang it in a window.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY Danaus plexippus

BUTTERFLY SUN CATCHER CRAFT

CONTENT PROVIDED BY THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT — AND YOU!

SEND YOUR ANIMAL JOKES & “HOW DO THEY DO THAT” QUESTIONS TO JAL@TNAQUA.ORG.

WORD Flowers Snack FeetBANK North IMAX Kings

SILLY ANIMAL JOKES...What do caterpillars do on New Year’s Day?They turn over a new leaf!

Th e Tennessee Aquarium is a non-profi t organization with a mission to inspire wonder, appreciation and protection of water and all life that it sustains.

Your dollars support our many education, conservation and research programs. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter and partner with us to continue our mission.community.tnaqua.org/donate

OPEN DAILY 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Closed Th anksgiving & Christmas Day.

RIVERWATCH EDITOR EVENTS EDITORTh om Benson Betty Milesriverwatcheditor@tnaqua.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERKaren Estes Todd Stailey

Riverwatch is published quarterly by the Tennessee Aquarium. Written material may not be reproduced without proper credit. Th e logo, the name Tennessee Aquarium and Riverwatch are registered trademarks of the Tennessee Aquarium. IMAX® & IMAX®3D are registered trademarks of Imax Corporation, Mississauga, Canada.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?Online: tnaqua.org/MembershipCall: 423-267-FISH (3474)e-mail: join-us@tnaqua.org

One Broad Street • P.O. Box 11048 • Chattanooga, TN 37401-2048 • tnaqua.org

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RIVERWATCH

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SPRING CRUISES ON THERIVER GORGE EXPLORERAdd some excitement to your family’s spring break. The Williams Island Family Adventure Cruise is a specially priced, 90-minute excursion. Observe spring activity at an osprey nest and heron rookery and have fun completing an on-board scavenger hunt with an Aquarium naturalist.

Cruises depart daily March 23rd–April 14th @ 12:30PM

tnaqua.org/RiverGorgeExplorer