In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather  | Sunny with a High of 65

📰 Ijams River Rescue 2025: 17.2 Tons of Trash Removed from Local Waterways

📰 Join Us for Tree Fest 2025! 

📰 Fore the Kids 2025: Swing for a Cause!

📰 Celebrate 70 Years of Dogwood Arts

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Ijams River Rescue 2025: 17.2 Tons of Trash Removed from Local Waterways

On March 8, the 36th Annual Ijams River Rescue brought together 518 volunteers to clean up 34 sites across Knox, Anderson, Blount, and Loudon counties. This dedicated group successfully removed an estimated 34,402 pounds (17.2 tons) of trash from the Tennessee River, creeks, streams, and shorelines.

Volunteers collected 1,157 bags of trash, 100 tires, and several large discarded items, including a mattress, roofing material, and industrial cables. Some of the most unusual finds included a $10 bill, a golf bag, televisions, a bowling ball, and even an unopened beer!

This year’s cleanup expanded its reach, thanks to partnerships with organizations like Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, which alone removed 6,944 pounds of trash from eight coves on Fort Loudon Lake. The event was made possible by sponsors including City of Knoxville Stormwater Engineering, Dow, First Horizon Bank, TVA, Vulcan Materials, and many more.

A Community Effort
“Ijams River Rescue is just one day a year, but cleanups are a year-round labor of love,” said Ijams Volunteer Manager Brandy Cox. “Our volunteers, neighborhood groups, and nonprofit partners share a common goal: improving the health and cleanliness of our local lands and waterways.”

About Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center is a 318-acre nonprofit educational center in Knoxville that encourages stewardship of the natural world. With 14 miles of trails, a public river dock, and countless outdoor activities, Ijams provides opportunities for all to connect with nature. For more information, visit Ijams.org or call 865-577-4717.

📸 Check out event photos here: Ijams Facebook Album

Join Us for Tree Fest 2025! 

Celebrate nature and community at Tree Fest 2025, a free, family-friendly event dedicated to the beauty and benefits of trees! Join us as we plant, learn, and connect with fellow nature lovers in Knoxville. April 5 at Caswell Park – 570 Winona St.)

What to Expect:

 Volunteer Tree Planting (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) – Help us enhance our city’s green spaces by planting trees in the park!

 Free Tree Giveaway – Take home a tree and contribute to a greener future!

 Games & Family-Friendly Activities – Fun for kids and adults alike!

 Local Vendors & Eco-Friendly Crafts – Support local businesses and discover sustainable products!

 Music, Food & More – Enjoy live entertainment and delicious local eats!

Whether you're looking to volunteer, learn about tree care, or just enjoy a day outdoors, Tree Fest 2025 has something for everyone.

Come plant a tree, grow the community! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Step back in time and explore the rich history of the Bible with a full-scale replica of the Tabernacle of Moses at The Crown College in Powell, TN. This remarkable exhibition will be open to the public for three days, from March 20, to March 22, at no cost. Located at 2307 West Beaver Creek Drive, this unique experience offers a deep dive into the sacred elements of the Tabernacle More Info

Outrun the Popo - Police Benefit at Knoxville Dragway on March 22 - gates open at 8am knoxvilledragway.com

Celebrate National Quilting Month by joining us for a special hands-on workshop at Ramsey House! March 22, 10 AM – 2 PM at Ramsey House More Info

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park! This special event also marks the kickoff for the Bird of the Year—the magnificent Pileated Woodpecker. March 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET at Seven Islands State Birding Park, Bluebird Barn (Main Entrance on Kelly Lane) More Info

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided wildflower walk at Ijams Nature Center! Join an Ijams naturalist for a scenic stroll along the trails, where you'll witness the ephemeral beauty of blooming wildflowers before they fade for another year. Learn about the natural history of these delicate blooms while taking in the vibrant colors of the season. March 22 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) More Info

The City of Knoxville invites residents of all ages to explore career opportunities at the Job Fair and Career Expo on March 26, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Public Works Service Center (3131 Morris Avenue).

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Fore the Kids 2025: Swing for a Cause!

Mark your calendars for March 27, 5:00-8:00 PM at Topgolf, and join us for an unforgettable evening at Fore the Kids 2025! This exciting event will take place simultaneously at Topgolf locations in Austin, Knoxville, San Antonio, and Waco—giving you the chance to compete against other cities for ultimate bragging rights!

Enjoy a fun-filled night of friendly competition, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and, of course, Topgolf! Whether you're an experienced golfer or just looking to have a great time, this event is perfect for everyone. Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and support a meaningful cause while having a blast.

Each bay accommodates six golfers and two spectators, ensuring a fantastic social experience. Every attendee receives a food package and one drink ticket to enjoy while playing.

Support Military Kids & Families

All proceeds from Fore the Kids 2025 will directly benefit The Comfort Crew for Military Kids (CCMK), a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting children from military families. CCMK provides essential resources to help kids navigate the challenges of military life, including:

• Coping with multiple deployments

• Reconnecting with family after separation

• Adjusting to frequent relocations

• Understanding the visible and invisible injuries of a returning parent

• Managing grief after the loss of a family member

• Overcoming feelings of isolation

Join Us & Make a Difference!

Don't miss this opportunity to have fun while making an impact on the lives of military children. Register now and be part of a night filled with camaraderie, competition, and community support.

Let's tee off for a great cause—Fore the Kids! More Info

Celebrate 70 Years of Dogwood Arts with Knoxville’s Favorite Springtime Tradition!

Since 1955, Dogwood Arts has brought Knoxville’s most beloved spring tradition to life. What started as a neighborhood beautification project has blossomed into a month-long celebration of East Tennessee’s stunning natural beauty, art, and culture. This April, over 90 miles of historic Dogwood Trails will be open for visitors to explore by car, bike, or foot. Open Gardens and Camera Sites will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

This Year’s Featured Trails: The 2024 Dogwood Trails highlight two East Knoxville neighborhoods—Holston Hills and Morningside. These vibrant communities boast breathtaking landscapes, charming homes, and a rich history. Don’t miss the chance to experience their beauty in full bloom!

Kickoff Celebration & Ribbon-Cutting: To mark the 70th anniversary, a special ribbon-cutting and community celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 1st, from 5-7:30 PM at Holston Hills Community Park (1400 S Chilhowee Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914). Join city and county officials as they kick off this year’s festivities!

Plan Your Visit: Find trail maps, descriptions, and a list of Open Gardens and Camera Sites online at dogwoodarts.com/trailsandgardens. Printed Trail Guides are available at Visit Knoxville and the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902).

Upcoming Events: Throughout April and early May, several events will celebrate the efforts of trail residents and showcase Knoxville’s springtime beauty. (Events marked with an asterisk are not hosted by Dogwood Arts.)

• Dogwood Trails Official Ribbon-Cutting & Community Celebration – April 1, 5-7 PM @ Holston Hills Community Park

• Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail Kickoff Celebration – April 5, 9 AM-2 PM @ CommonPlace Coffee + Community (Food trucks, vendors, and music)*

• Holston Hills Dogwood Trails Opening Party – April 6, 2-5 PM @ Holston Hills Country Club (Live music, art vendors, ticketed event)*

• Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Dogwood Trail Walk & Talk – April 10, 5-7 PM (Guided stroll and guest lecture on dogwoods)*

• Spring Featured Gardens – April 12-13, 10 AM-5 PM @ Baxter Gardens, GATOP, and Savage Garden

• Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Spring Plant Sale – April 12, 9 AM-2 PM*

• West Hills Spring Dogwood Celebration – April 19, 10 AM-2 PM (Tree dedication, vendors, food trucks, music)*

• Talahi Plant Sale – April 26 @ Westminster Presbyterian Church (Native plants, herbs, trees, baked goods)*

• Holston Hills Garden Club Plant Sale – May 3, 9 AM-1 PM @ Holston Hills Community Park*

• North Hills Garden Club Plant Sale – May 3, 10 AM-2 PM @ North Hills Park*

The Dogwood Trails & Gardens Program is made possible through sponsorship support from ORNL Federal Credit Union, Realty Executives Associates, and the Town of Farragut.

Celebrate spring in Knoxville by exploring the breathtaking Dogwood Trails and participating in these exciting events. We’ll see you on the trails!

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