Historic gift allows Ijams Nature Center to expand

The congregation of New Prospect Presbyterian Church has donated its building and 15.7 acres of land to Ijams Nature Center. The announcement came March 18, 2026, from the Rev. Dr. Wendy Neff, general presbyter of the Presbytery of East Tennessee, and Amber Parker, president/ chief executive officer of Ijams.

Wendy Neff

Neff said that when the New Prospect congregation approached the Presbytery about closing the church, she engaged with them about their legacy. They said they would love for Ijams to have the property, located at 4920 New Prospect Road in South Knoxville. Following significant discussion, Neff said the Presbytery enthusiastically approved the gift because it honors the congregation’s commitment to the community and continues both the Presbytery’s and the congregation’s values of stewardship of creation and education.

“This gift represents our great faith in the future, in children, in education, and in the power of nature to shape lives,” Neff said. “Partnering with Ijams ensures that this space will continue to serve the community in profound ways as a place of growth, stewardship and hope for generations to come.”

Parker said the gift will allow Ijams to expand with:

  • Nature-based preschool education
  • Partnerships
  • Outdoor classrooms and experiential learning environments
  • Family engagement and community-based environmental education
  • Professional development for educators interested in nature-based models

“This is so much more than a new location,” said Leigh Feld, Ijams’ early learning director. “It is an opportunity to build a model for what early childhood education can be: hands-on, curiosity-driven and grounded in the natural world.”

Feld said part of the plan includes collaborating with Anderson School Head Start, which is adjacent to the New Prospect property.

Amber Parker (file photo)

Ijams board president Carl Van Hoozier Jr. emphasized the long-term vision: “This gift is transformational. It strengthens Ijams’ mission, expands educational access in Knoxville and positions Ijams Nature Center as a leader in early childhood nature education in our region. We are deeply grateful to the Presbytery of East Tennessee for their trust and partnership.”

Parker added: “For half a century, Ijams has connected people to nature in ways that change lives. Today, we take a bold step forward. This partnership allows us to create a center for early nature learning in Knoxville that integrates conservation, equity and education. When children learn outside, climb logs, observe insects and experience seasonal change, they build confidence, resilience and wonder.”

The transition of the property will occur in the coming months, and phased planning and program expansion has begun. Ijams will share additional details as plans progress.

Founded in 1975, Ijams Nature Center is a 320-acre nonprofit educational center in the heart of Knoxville that serves visitors of all ages, stages and abilities. Ijams features 14 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails, a public access river dock, swimming, boating, biking and more. Hundreds of world-class educational programs and events are coordinated and offered annually. Ijams’ grounds and trails are open every day from 8 a.m. until dusk. Info: Ijams.org or 865-577-4717.

New Prospect Presbyterian Church Building will become home to Ijams Nature Preschool.

KGIS map shows property outlines

Josh Dobbs continues to give back to Knoxville

Joshua Dobbs, former Vol QB who now plays for the New England Patriots, visited the renamed Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital with a delivery of Girl Scout cookies.

Dobbs said he met “some of the strongest, most inspiring patients and their families. Lots of smiles, laughter and a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can bring comfort and joy.”

The caricature pictured here is a fun representation of the event. It shows Josh Dobbs with Girl Scouts ambassador Kheri.

 

 

Ripley among ‘Top Women Leaders’

Heather Ripley

Heather Ripley has been selected by the Women We Admire as one of its 2026 Top Women Leaders, recognizing her impact on the communications industry.

After founding the Maryville-based Ripley PR in 2013, she has led the company’s growth into an award-winning global public relations agency serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. Ripley PR has earned national recognition from high-powered industry leaders. It has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best PR Agencies list and has been repeatedly recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Best PR Agencies for Franchises.

Heather Ripley has launched two other PR agency divisions designed to serve specialized audiences. In 2018, she founded Orange Orchard, an agency focused on supporting animal welfare organizations. In 2025, she launched Adventure PR, which focuses on supporting brands in the outdoor, RV and adventure travel industries.

City of Knoxville works on Vision Zero

Cody Gentry

Cody Gentry was named Vision Zero coordinator in March 2024. At the time, he was a 17-year employee of the city’s Engineering Department. Gentry coordinates multiple city departments and community groups toward a goal of improving safety at dangerous intersections and reducing traffic speed on high-traffic streets.

In 2022 and 2023, a Steering Committee and key departments/ staff created the Vision Zero Action Plan,

Vision Zero strategies to reduce vehicular, bicycling and pedestrian fatalities are being funded by $8 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program and an additional $2 million in local dollars. The investments will be made in infrastructure projects to improve safety at five of the city’s most dangerous locations: North Broadway, East Woodland Avenue and three intersections on East Magnolia Avenue.

Gentry posted completion of the “quick-build safety improvements” at the intersection of Henley Street and Clinch. He wrote: “Very excited to share one of our latest improvements. This area used to be a right-turn lane with limited pedestrian visibility. Now the space has been reclaimed, and those right turns are much safer for everyone.

“The curb extension has been in place for a few months, but it really pops now with a fresh paint job in Knoxville’s favorite color. Small changes like these can result in massive safety benefits!”

Notes & Quotes

Remote Area Medical’s pop-up clinic offering free dental, vision and medical services to the Harriman and surrounding communities is set for two days only, April 11-12. All services are free, no ID required and on a first-come, first-served basis, until capacity is reached. Learn more here.

Quote: “Movements are built by addition, not subtraction. Every person who feels welcomed and capable and useful is a person who comes back – and when they come back, they might bring someone new.” – Michele Hornish, blogger

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.