Small Fish, Big Mission: Laurel Dace Day Brings Fun and Conservation Together

Chattanooga is gearing up for a fun and meaningful day as the Tennessee Aquarium invites the community out for Laurel Dace Day on May 16.

It is a growing event that blends fitness, family fun, and conservation.

The Race for the Laurel Dace and Laurel Dace Day in Spring City, Tennessee.

“Last year was our inaugural event. It was a hit,”  says Watershed Coordinator Helaina Gomez with the Tennessee Aquarium.

She also mentions that this year they’re leveling up with a new 10K added to the 5K and family fun run, all leading into a lively celebration at Spring City Nature Park.

Beyond the races, guests can enjoy educational exhibits, local vendors, and even unique afternoon excursions like a guided snorkel on the Piney River or a hike through historic Laurel Dace habitat.

Reintroduction Biologist II Teresa Israel prepares fish before the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute reintroduces critically endangered Laurel Dace into Bumbee Creek.

While the event is packed with fun, it also shines a light on a serious mission—protecting the critically endangered Laurel Dace, a small but striking fish that now survives in just one healthy stream.

“It’s a little fish, but it’s making a pretty large impact,” Gomez explains, highlighting ongoing conservation efforts backed by a $10 million partnership to restore habitats across the region.

From outdoor adventure to environmental awareness, Laurel Dace Day is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event that brings the community together for a great cause.