Legacy Luncheon for the Parks set for September

Legacy Parks Foundation is bringing Conor Knighton to Knoxville for the annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Johnson University.

A correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, America’s top-rated Sunday news program, Knighton is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park. The book offers a behind-the-scenes account of the year Knighton spent visiting America’s national parks, weaving together lesser-known stories from the parks’ history with thoughtful reflections on their future and preservation. Knighton will share witty, heartfelt stories of America, its people and its national parks.

The Legacy Luncheon for the Parks draws 1,000 civic, business and community leaders for a picnic-style luncheon in a beautiful outdoor setting to celebrate Legacy Parks’ successful projects over the last year. Carol Evans usually has some surprises in store as well.

To date, Legacy Parks has invested more than $28 million in parks and trails, added over 700 acres of parkland in Knox County and created over 60 miles of trails within Knoxville’s city limits.

Table sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets for this year’s luncheon are available online at legacyparks.org or by calling 865-525-2585.

Flatwater Tales Returns to Oak Ridge June 5-6

Bil Lepp will return to this year’s Flatwater Tales.

Flatwater Tales returns to Oak Ridge June 5-6 for its 10th anniversary, bringing four storytellers whose tales will inspire listeners to learn, feel, laugh and cry, “sometimes all at the same time,” according to the festival’s founders.

Most of this year’s Flatwater Tales will take place at the Oak Ridge Conference Center, located at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The Saturday, June 6, final performance will bring storytellers together with the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association for the first time to present “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness – 250 Years of America’s Stories” at 7 p.m. at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

The storytellers are: Bil Lepp, Josh Goforth, Elizabeth Ellis and Sheila Arnold. The event is a fundraiser for Rotary Clubs in Anderson County and proceeds will be returned to the community. Info and tickets here.

Safe Passage reports progress

Safe Passage, a collaborative working for safe ways to get wildlife across major roads, is on a roll.

Following Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had to repair or replace stretches of interstate 40 that were washed out. Safe Passage worked with the department to promote wildlife crossings.

Bat wall built into retaining wall

For example, a “bat wall” was built into the new Pigeon River Bridge retaining wall. Designed by NCDOT engineer Kenny McCourt and inspired by his daughter Harper, this unique installation provides habitat for bats that were found roosting in the old bridge. (Video and story from WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina)

Bears are coming under the Interstate 40 via a drainage culvert. (Photo courtesy of Wildlands Network and National Parks Conservation Association) Info here.

The spring newsletter has several opportunities to support businesses that are contributing a percent of sales or otherwise helping Safe Passage on special days.

Rafting on Pigeon River

Experience the Pigeon River Gorge, and help animals cross our mountain highways safely. Smoky Mountain Outdoors has partnered with Safe Passage for a fifth year to raise funds through a donate-a-dollar (or more) program. Located in Hartford, Tennessee., a central location in the Pigeon River Gorge, Smoky Mountain Outdoors is a prime spot for guides to educate mountain visitors about Safe Passage and the work the coalition is doing along I-40. Share the love and go rafting this season with SMO.

The bipartisan Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act was officially introduced in Congress. This legislation establishes a national framework for identifying, designating and protecting wildlife corridors across the U.S. It is the only legislation that would create a National Wildlife Corridors System to protect and manage designated corridors for wildlife.

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TN wine industry gains AVA approval for four sites

Tennessee is now home to four American Viticultural Areas (AVA), further establishing the state as an emerging leader in the Southeast’s wine industry. The Nine Lakes of East Tennessee is now a federally recognized AVA.

The Nine Lakes of East Tennessee AVA spans more than 4,000 square miles across portions of 14 counties in East Tennessee and includes 29 wineries and more than 230 acres of vineyards.

“This AVA designation gives our region a stronger identity in the marketplace,” said Rick Riddle, owner of The Winery at Seven Springs Farm in Union County and president of the Appalachian Region Wine Producers Association. Rick and Donna Riddle purchased 370 acres of land in Union County in 2004. Now their daughter, Nikki, operates the winery.

“It helps tell the story of where our grapes are grown and why that matters,” Rick said of the AVA designation. “It not only validates the quality of our wines but also positions East Tennessee as a destination, bringing more visitors, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for growth.”

 Notes & Quotes

Beaver Creek Flotilla is Saturday, May 30, 2026, launching at 9:30 a.m. at Powell High Landing, adjacent to the PHS baseball field on Brickyard Road. Info and registration here.

More growing, less mowing: The Knoxville Public Service Department has transformed four small city-owned lots into wildflower gardens that achieve multiple goals, including reduced mowing and increased biodiversity. Native plants were used and flowers that attract pollinators. Residents who want to cultivate a natural landscape and ensure they follow City Codes will want to follow the city’s Natural Landscape Guidelines.

Quote: “It’s a sad fact about our culture that a poet can earn much more money writing or talking about his art than he can by practicing it.” – W.H. Auden, as published by Garrison Keillor.

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