East Tennessee’s outdoors offers plenty of reasons to get involved, whether we’re planting trees along a new trail, helping protect wildlife or discovering what happens in nature after sunset.

This week, we’re celebrating people who are making our outdoor spaces better and sharing a few opportunities to enjoy them.

SoKno Rail Trail gets a greener future with 37 new trees

A former railroad corridor in South Knoxville is becoming more than a place to walk or ride a bicycle. It’s growing into a destination where nature, public art and community connections come together.

On Thursday, October 22, volunteers were scheduled to plant 37 trees along the developing SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk, an effort organized by Trees Knoxville and Legacy Parks Foundation with support from The Mortgage Gallery and Realty Executives South.

The planting was planned near River’s Edge Apartments on Island Home Avenue, adding shade and natural beauty to a section of the 3.8-mile corridor stretching from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.

The trail is transforming a former freight railroad corridor into a recreational route for walkers and cyclists. A 1.5-mile Art Walk will feature murals, sculptures and other public art, connecting outdoor recreation with Knoxville’s creative community.

The trees represent another important step in that transformation. As they mature, they will help cool the trail, improve the landscape and create habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Melissa Hinten, executive director of Trees Knoxville, emphasized the long-term benefits of planting trees for the community’s beauty, sustainability and health.

The project also demonstrates what can happen when nonprofits, businesses and volunteers work toward a shared vision.

A trail may begin as a path through a neighborhood, but with the addition of trees, artwork and gathering spaces, it can become a place that brings the neighborhood together.

Learn more about the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk and the work of Trees Knoxville.

Tennessee researchers discover encouraging signs for endangered bats

Bats don’t always get the appreciation they deserve, but a recent wildlife survey in Tennessee shows why protecting them matters.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recently reported results from its 2026 Bat Blitz, a two-night research effort conducted in late September in Fentress County and surrounding areas.

Fifty biologists and volunteers participated, examining 316 bats representing nine species.

Among the bats documented were two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat and gray bat, along with the tricolored bat, which has been proposed for endangered status.

Researchers also encountered the eastern small-footed bat and Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, both considered species of greatest conservation need in Tennessee.

The survey helps scientists understand which bats are present, how populations are changing and where conservation efforts may be most important.

Bats face significant challenges from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated populations across North America.

Their survival matters to people, too. Bats consume enormous numbers of insects, helping protect crops and maintain healthy ecosystems.

TWRA biologist Dustin Thames said the information gathered will help researchers better understand, conserve and protect Tennessee’s bat populations.

The next time you see a bat darting across the evening sky, remember that it’s doing more than putting on an aerial show. It’s performing an important job in nature.

Read the TWRA report on the Bat Blitz.

Knox Makers and Trees Knoxville invite neighbors to dig in

Want to help make Knoxville a little greener?

Trees Knoxville and Knox Makers are joining forces for a community tree-planting event Friday, October 23, from 5–6 p.m., at Knox Makers, 116 Childress St. SW, in South Knoxville.

The free event includes tree planting, opportunities to adopt a tree, a costume contest and refreshments.

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Trees Knoxville will provide tools, gloves and planting guidance.

Registration is required, and space is limited.

Find details through Trees Knoxville’s event calendar.

Discover Ijams Nature Center under the Hunter Moon

There’s something different about a familiar trail after sunset.

Ijams Nature Center will host a guided Hunter Moon hike Sunday, October 25, from 6:30–8 p.m.

Naturalists will lead participants on an evening exploration of the trails, looking for plants, animals and geological features that take on a different character after dark.

The program is designed for ages 10 and older. Participants should be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain.

Headlamps and blacklights will be provided, and a completed participant waiver is required.

Check availability and registration details on the Ijams Nature Center event page.

Daily Connections — Friday, October 23

Today’s Motivation: The best way to make a difference in your community is often to start small. Plant a tree, pick up litter, lend a hand or simply spend time appreciating the outdoors.

Today in History: On October 23, 2001, Apple introduced the first iPod, changing how millions of people carried and listened to music. Technology has changed dramatically since then, but a good playlist still makes a walk more enjoyable.

Tennessee Trivia: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 19,000 documented species of living organisms, with scientists estimating that many more remain undiscovered. It’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States.

Today’s Smile: Why don’t trees ever get lost? Because they always stick to their roots!

Local Connections: Looking for outdoor activities this weekend? Explore upcoming events through Visit Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center and Tennessee State Parks.

Stock Market: Follow the latest market activity at Yahoo Finance.

865 Puzzles: Give your brain a little outdoor-inspired exercise indoors! Visit KnoxTNToday and select to play crosswords, Sudoku, word search and WordroW.

Let’s keep talking

Do you know someone protecting our natural resources, improving a neighborhood park or creating opportunities for outdoor recreation?

We welcome story ideas for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders and Outdoors. Send announcements, photographs and community news to news@knoxtntoday.com. Please include photo credits and publication permission.

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