Reflection Riding continues to connect the community with nature

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A unique event is drawing nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center.

Owl Odyssey is an event that offers participants the chance to connect with these majestic birds through engaging programs, guided hikes, and up-close encounters. 

Visitors were able to meet and learn more about Winnie, a barn owl named after Erin Pickel who unfortunately passed away back in 2019. Erin’s family made a donation to help bring her favorite animal to the department and allow others to learn more about owls.

Taylor Berry, Reflection Riding Wildlife Curator, stated that “an organization reached out to [Reflection Riding] named ‘Love, Erin’ and they wanted to make a donation to the Reflection Riding Animal Department in honor of their daughter who passed away. They specifically asked if there was any way they could donate towards an owl because that was Erin’s favorite animal.”

Reflection Riding Animal Department was “in the process of making the purchase of Winnie and [the family] helped pay the rest of the balance of [Winnie] and they actually named her. Her full name is Erin Winston, Erin after [their daughter] who passed away and Winston was her pediatrician’s mother’s name.”

The event is part of Reflection Riding’s ongoing mission to connect people with nature and inspire conservation efforts.