SANP Field Event

Dragonflies & Damselflies (and more)

TVA Wetlands 

Sunday, August 10

10 am - noon (or longer)

Leader: Clay Thurston     Phone:  (865)-773-8114      

E-mail: claythurston2@gmail.com

Meeting place: TVA Wetlands Viewing Area Parking Lot

Registration available:  Beginning July 15, 2025

Attendance in the Dragonfly Focus Session (August 6, 2025) is helpful, but not required for participation in this field event.

Dragonflies are out, and so are all types of birds (Ospreys, Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, songbirds and waterfowl) and wildlife (White-tailed deer, Wild Turkey, Bobcats, Foxes, River otters, etc.).

Dragonflies are most active in the middle of the day after their wings have dried from the morning dew. You may find that staying beyond noon increases your opportunity for success. 

Description: The TVA Wetland Viewing Area and Trails is an easy walk on the paved trail. As you enter parts of the wetland area you may think you are back on a farm.  Bring your long lens as you may find it will work the best for some of the subjects you wish to photograph.  

Learning opportunities: 

This is a good location to work on your technique with varying surroundings. You will have several options to explore and play with your camera. A tripod or monopod is helpful but not required.

What to bring:  Camera, long lens, bug spray, water, snacks and whatever you need to be comfortable photographing around the trail and water.  

Walking required: The amount of walking you do depends on  how much exploring you want to do. It is about one and half miles round trip on a easy paved trail. 

Driving directions:  Use Google MAPS:  TVA Wetland Viewing Area and Trails (Harriman, TN 37748). It will take you to the parking area using exit 350 off I-40.  This is about a 45 minute drive from Knoxvllle.  

Watch your email regarding event cancellation should the weather become unsuitable for dragonfly photography.