'Bees' author to appear at Arboretum Book Trail event

The University of Tennessee Arboretum and the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will celebrate the addition of a new book, "Bees: Honeybees, Bumblebees, and More!," to the Nature Book Trail from 10 a.m. to noon May 4.

The Nature Book Trail consists of 14 large signs that display the pages of "Bees." The public is invited to stop by and meet author and educator, Shirley Raines, and nature photographer, Curt Hart. Autographed copies of "Bees" can be purchased from them, as well as copies of the three other books in the series: "Butterflies," "Birds" and "Bugs," according to a news release.

Simple crafts and light refreshments will be available. Nature Book Trail sponsors are Raines, Hart, Flowerpot Press, and Janet and Tim Bigelow.

The easy-to-walk trail begins by the parking lot at the Visitors Center and ends at a gravel road near the Marsh Road trail that comes back to the starting point. In all, the total distance is about .5 mile, and the trail is suitable for adults and children who can walk. The trail is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for strollers. All arboretum trails are open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.

To learn more about the trail or the UT Arboretum Society, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org.