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Happy autumn to you! Fall is one of the best times to enjoy some downtime on TVA’s public lands, no matter what you enjoy doing. After such a long, hot summer, it’s refreshing to enjoy some nice fall temperatures.
 
What better time than Halloween to learn about bats? International Bat Week is this month and we are very proud of the new bat roosts we’ve been placing around the Valley to encourage bat populations to find secure homes.
 
Our six managed campgrounds are closing for the winter on November 15, so you still have time to plan a trip. And don’t forget, there are plenty of campsites open year-round where you can enjoy some time with nature. And if sleeping in a tent isn’t your bag, enjoy the comforts of home in your RV while still visiting TVA campgrounds.
 
This continues to be a good year for fishing, and anglers won’t be disappointed, especially if they know a few secrets about where to look. We’ll share those, along with updated info on places to hike and mountain bike among the fall colors.

With a record-breaking wet spring followed by an unusually dry September, we’ve stayed busy managing the river and lake levels in the Valley. Winter drawdown is arriving now, but in wet conditions and in dry, you can be sure that TVA works around the clock to ensure Valley residents are safe, and getting the most benefit from the Tennessee River.
 
We’ll send out our next issue in December with lots of ideas and suggestions for enjoying the outdoors even in the chill. Until then, we invite you to visit a new trail, perhaps a lake you haven’t seen before. Feel free to use the hashtag #tvafun so we’ll see your pictures. Stay safe!

David Bowling
Vice President, River & Resources Stewardship

Boo! International Bat Week is here

International Bat Week is the week of Halloween each year (very appropriate) and so we share our love for these furry friends. Bats are often seen as spooky or creepy, but in fact they play a very beneficial role in nature, and TVA works hard to protect their habitat and help save them. Go batty with TVA!
 

The comforts of home in the great outdoors

Sleeping on the ground isn’t your favorite thing? You can live it up in a comfy RV and still enjoy many TVA campgrounds. Plan a trip with us.
 

Speaking of the comforts of home…

We’ve been busy putting in brand-new bathrooms at Pickwick, replacing the old facilities that were destroyed by flooding back in February. Check out this cool time-lapse video of a bathroom being installed.
 

Friendly fire

See smoke on the horizon? Don’t panic, it might be a TVA crew doing a carefully controlled burn to help the vegetation. This is a prime time of year to conduct prescribed burns, which help safeguard against wildfires. Find out about friendly uses of fire.
 

Little trees with a big story

TVA and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are proud of their new orchard of red oaks near Norris Dam. Learn the long history of these little trees.
 

Perfect time for a bike ride – try TVA’s Mill Creek Loop

Even after fall rain passes through, Mill Creek Loop stays dry enough to ride. Grab your mountain bike and try it out.
 

Have you seen these five feathered friends?

Fall and winter are great times to birdwatch. When the leaves come off the trees, you can see the birds going about their lives. Here are five of the most common birds to look for in the Tennessee Valley—very likely right there in your yard.
 

Duck, Duck, Goose

Located in the East Coast migration zone, the Tennessee Valley is a perfect place for hunting waterfowl. Here, six TVA experts share their best tips for bagging the birds.
 

Have you met these TVA River Neighbors?

Hey, river neighbors and friends – have you met the folks at TVA who help watch over the land and waters that you love? Among the many different groups at TVA, there are teams that spend their days dedicated to taking care of river flows, the public land and the wildlife that populates it. Visit the “Powered by People You Know” page and look for these names: Kelvin Young, Kim Pilarski-Hall, Damien Simbeck, Keri Chartrand, Adam Dattilo, Erin Pritchard, Heather Hamilton, Liz Hamrick, Hill Henry, Tom Mayes, Daniel Saint (and many more!)
 

The Wayback Machine

Did you know TVA used to build scale models of its dams so it could test water flows? Here, engineers study the model they created of Tims Ford. (Why do trout and darters both like the waters near Tims Ford? Learn more about it here!)

Binge-watch Season 5 of Tennessee Valley Uncharted

Fishing, hiking, exploring caves, sampling tasty treats, hiking with llamas and more—it’s all here in Tennessee Valley Uncharted. Take a journey through the Valley as hosts Erick Baker and Ariel Nicole explore its unique natural wonders, urban secrets, recreation destinations and hidden gems. The TVA-sponsored series has five seasons available. Check your local station for listings, check Amazon Prime, or click here to play episodes. Check your local station for listings, check Amazon Prime, or click here to play episodes
 

Explore with the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide

Looking for new places to explore by foot, car or boat? Check out the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide. There are plenty of things to see and do close to home.
 

Got a question? Ask the PLIC

TVA’s Public Land Information Center (PLIC) is your single source for answers to questions about a variety of public land topics including recreational opportunities and shoreline permits.
Call (800) 882-5263 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or submit your question online.
 
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We publish this newsletter to keep TVA's stakeholders informed about the programs and projects associated with TVA’s environmental stewardship, recreation and river management efforts.

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Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902

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