Chattanooga Audubon Society

Chattanooga Audubon Society Chattanooga's oldest nature sanctuary. Tubing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are also permitted during the summer months.
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Founded in 1944 by Pulitzer Prize nominated author and naturalist, Robert Sparks Walker, the Chattanooga Audubon Society is the area's oldest land conservancy organization and works to preserve Chattanooga's natural and historical treasures. Our primary sanctuary, Audubon Acres, offers more than 5 miles of hiking trails over 130 acres on South Chickamauga Creek along with abundant opportunities fo

r picnicking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The visitor center houses a small gift shop and archeological museum. Also on the property are the historic Spring Frog Cabin, a Trail of Tears site and the birthplace of Robert Sparks Walker, and the site of an archeological dig, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We have exciting news! Six of our four-legged friends have returned to Maclellan Island via the Goat Boat! Meet the herd...
06/18/2026

We have exciting news! Six of our four-legged friends have returned to Maclellan Island via the Goat Boat! Meet the herd below:

Alura is our oldest goat at 7 years old and the largest member of the herd. While she tends to keep to herself, she's never far behind when the others find mischief. Gentle and good-natured, Alura is easy to spot thanks to the large dark gray patch on her side.

Gilligan is the only goat to have been conceived on the island! Because he was bottle-fed as a kid, he loves attention and snuggles. His owners say he acts more like a dog than a goat, and his friendly personality makes him a favorite wherever he goes.

Mark may have a male name, but she's actually a female goat and the mother of one of our youngest goats, Babydoll. Though shy at first, she quickly warms up to people and enjoys attention. She looks a lot like Gilligan, but her brown forehead sets her apart from his white one.

Penny is one of our mama goats and will be experiencing island life for the first time. Naturally shy, she has a knack for slipping away whenever her handlers need to check on her. Around here, we like to think she's simply turning routine care into a game of chase!

Gimli, nicknamed "The Villain," is known for his mischievous streak. This is his third year on the island, and while he occasionally leads the other goats into trouble, he also does an excellent job clearing invasive plants.

McLovin' the Second is our resident billy goat gruff. (As for McLovin' the First, he was sent off to "boarding school.") Loud and proud, McLovin' makes sure everyone knows he's around. Though reserved at first, he'll warm up to you, if his dramatic bleating doesn't scare you off first!

Of course, none of this would be possible without our guardian Great Pyrenees, Beowolf. Despite his important job, "Beo" is one of the friendliest, most lovable dogs you'll ever meet. Everyone loves Beo!

06/17/2026

They're back! 🐐🚀

The famous Maclellan Island goats have officially returned to the island in style aboard the Goat Boat, thanks to our partners at Chattanooga Riverboat Company. We were thrilled to welcome special donors and community partners aboard to help es**rt the goats home, where they'll get right back to work clearing invasive plants and helping restore the island's natural habitat.

The adventure even caught the attention of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Check out their video coverage here!

Want to meet the goats yourself? Our Maclellan Island Eco Tours launch this Saturday, June 20, and run most Saturdays through October. Come explore Chattanooga's hidden island gem, learn about conservation in action, and say hello to our four-legged conservation crew. More information can be found at ChattanoogaAudubon.org. We can't wait to see you on the island!

Thank you to our partnership with TennGreen Land Conservancy! What a beautiful day!
06/17/2026

Thank you to our partnership with TennGreen Land Conservancy! What a beautiful day!

We are currently looking for talented individuals to help make our Homeschool Day programs this Fall even more engaging ...
06/10/2026

We are currently looking for talented individuals to help make our Homeschool Day programs this Fall even more engaging and educational. Programs would start in August.

Do you teach a traditional craft, historical skill, nature-based activity, homesteading technique, or hands-on workshop?
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you specialize in carving, fiber arts, woodworking, bushcraft, herbal skills, historical trades, or another unique craft, we are seeking presenters who can share their knowledge and passion with homeschool families.

If you or someone you know would be interested in teaching a class, leading a demonstration, or offering a hands-on activity, please reach out to us.

Help us inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through hands-on experiences!

Please fill out our Educator form

https://chattanoogaaudubon.app.neoncrm.com/forms/educator--instructor-application-form-1

Chattanooga Audubon Society's Goat Boat* is in one week! After several months away, our famous Maclellan Island goats wi...
06/09/2026

Chattanooga Audubon Society's Goat Boat* is in one week! After several months away, our famous Maclellan Island goats will return to the island on June 15 to get back to work clearing invasive plants like honeysuckle and privet. Their annual return is always a highlight of the summer, and we're excited to welcome them back to the island once again.

Public eco tours begin June 20, and we'd love to have you join us. Along with the chance to visit the goats, you'll enjoy a guided tour covering the island's fascinating history, unique ecology, and the conservation work taking place behind the scenes. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, we hope you'll come experience Maclellan Island with us this summer.

*The Goat Boat tour is reserved for select donors and partners only. To become a donor, visit chattanoogaaudubon.org/donate.

Check out the event Our Friends at Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points have going on this weekend!
06/02/2026

Check out the event Our Friends at Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points have going on this weekend!

🌿✨ Exciting News! The 3rd Annual Whispering Giants Intertribal Festival is back! ✨🌿

Join us for a powerful day of culture, connection, and celebration honoring the diversity of Native Woodland traditions. Experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Native American heritage through music, dance, art, and community.

πŸ“… Saturday, June 6, 2026
πŸ•™ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎢 Opening Ceremony at 10:30 AM

✨ Enjoy a full festival experience featuring:
β€’ Traditional dance & music demonstrations
β€’ Native artisans and craft vendors

🎀 Live Performances By:
β€’ Mystic Wind Chahta Social Dancers
β€’ Southern Pine Singers
β€’ Ankituwah Warriors

🎟️ Admission:
β€’ $5 General Admission
β€’ FREE for Students, Teachers, Military & Children under 12

Bring your family and friends for a meaningful and memorable day of learning, connection, and celebration. We can’t wait to welcome you!

πŸ’™ Special thanks to our sponsor, the Tennessee Arts Commission.

New things are happening at the Audubon Acres archaeological museum! Here is a sneak peek of one of the updated exhibits...
06/02/2026

New things are happening at the Audubon Acres archaeological museum! Here is a sneak peek of one of the updated exhibits.

We just learned that May 18 is International Museum Day! While we're a day late on the memo, it's never too late to cele...
05/19/2026

We just learned that May 18 is International Museum Day! While we're a day late on the memo, it's never too late to celebrate your local museums, such as the Chattanooga Archaeology Museum at Audubon Acres.

One of the ways that we are showcasing and stewarding our museum is through the Little Owl Lecture Series!

This event is a fundraiser with a goal of bringing updates to our property's Cherokee Arboretum trail signage, new exhibits, support for archaeology/history education programs, and to be able to regularly support Indigenous artists with purchases for the gift shop.

Our next session of the Little Owl Lecture Series is on June 20th from 2 pm to 6 pm. There will be a 2 mile History Hike to Little Owl Village by our Museum and Education Coordinator, Ava Lowery, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

If you are planning to attend the Maclellan Island Eco Tours on June 20th from 12 pm to 2 pm, there's still time to attend the 4:30 lecture by Watson Harlan!

More info and ticket registration is here:
https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/little-owl-lecture-series-2026.html

What was once a Seed is now a Sprout! Go and support our Maclellan Island Eco Tours on the Chattanooga National Park Cit...
05/18/2026

What was once a Seed is now a Sprout! Go and support our Maclellan Island Eco Tours on the Chattanooga National Park City Page. And don't forget to book your tickets for our first one on June 20th!

The famous Maclellan Island goats are making their return to the island this June, and you’re invited to be part of the adventure! Chattanooga Audubon Society

Address

900 N Sanctuary Road
Chattanooga, TN
37421

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(423) 892-1499

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