Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) and stream excursion

Visit Chattanooga has a fantastic lineup of tours available to WITS attendees. These day tours are only for attendees with a confirmed ticket in their name to WITS 2026.

Visit the freshwater field station of the Tennessee Aquarium and meet the team of conservation scientists working behind the scenes to protect our region’s unique biodiversity and restore aquatic habitats. See live fishes including Lake Sturgeon, Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, and federally endangered Laurel Dace in our propagation room. All three species are reared and raised to reintroduce into restored streams. Then, journey to a local stream within the Tennessee River Basin. Enjoy a peek beneath the surface and discover abundant diversity of aquatic life found only in southeast Tennessee’s waters. Learn how to help safeguard wildlife and clean water for future generations while enjoying hands on exploration of the waters that nourish people and wildlife. Disclaimer: This outing involves physical activity – stepping over rocks, moving through water, and maintaining your balance. Weather in May in Chattanooga may range from warm and comfortable to hot in the upper 80s to low 90s. Recommendations: Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (closed toe preferable). A limited supply of waders is available upon request. Shoe size will be needed. Pack plenty of water and some snacks, maybe even a packed lunch. Tickets will be provided to visit the Aquarium afterwards as a regular guest.

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Meeting Point: Chattanoogan Hotel Lobby
Meeting Time: 7:45 AM
Return Time: approximately 1:30 PM
Tour duration: a few hours
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, quiet space, Mother's Room, service animals welcome
Spots available for each tour listed here: 15

Cancellations
• If you can no longer attend, you must cancel using the link in your confirmation email by May 19, 2026
• Late cancellations after this date will incur a $50 USD fee per tour

Detailed day tour policies can be found on the WITS Summit - Day Tours page.