Last Saturday, March 22, Sam and Mary Ann Venable led a hike along the River Trail as part of our second annual Ijams Hike-A-Thon.
As we walked down North Cove, we came across toothwort, bloodroot, trout lily and little brown jugs just to name a few early spring wildflowers. Sam and Mary Ann told lots of stories about their hiking experience. One story that stood out to me was Sam’s rendition of the once benevolent American chestnut tree. Sam talked about how important the tree once was to the livelihood of animals and people alike. The American chestnut was once dubbed the redwood of the south. It was practically wiped out due to a blight that began in the early 1900s.
Sam, beloved columnist for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, also talked about his experience with duck hunting across the United States. A good time was had by all. We look forward to welcoming Sam and Mary Ann back for additional hikes soon.
Thank you, Sam and Mary Ann!
- Text and photos by Sabrina DeVault
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