Diving into Nature with Owl Odessey

Reflection Riding's weekend program and how it connects locals with nature.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.–  One local nature reserve is hosting events to help Chattanooga get wild again.

Reflection Riding, an Arboretum & Nature Center here in Chattanooga Tennessee, is inviting the public to come visit their location, and to greet some of the animals there. 

One of these creatures is Winnie– the resident barn owl for Reflection Riding.

She, along with her handler and the centers Wildlife Curator, Taylor Berry, educate and engage visitors with live demonstrations.

During their program, Berry tells his group fun facts while Winnie gives them demonstrations, allowing participants a rare, up-close and personal experience with a barn owl. 

This visual connection between what visitors are learning and what they are experiencing is crucial according to Berry. They are not only interacting with Winnie, but becoming knowledgeable in conservation and the importance of caring for the natural environments in their community.

“Well, ultimately the importance is education, right? We are a conservation organization, and we’re trying to reconnect Chattanooga with nature,” Berry says. “Part of that is people understanding what’s going on in their own backyard.”

Owl Odyssey is currently available to the public year-round, along with other programs such as the Wild Wonders tour– an event which allows guests the chance to see Reflection’s other animal companions in their habitats. 

Both of events take place Friday and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.