Looking for a way to be outside on a beautiful April day, get some exercise, meet new people or work with your group, while making a huge difference in our community?
You’re in the right place, because Ijams Nature Center is organizing its 34th River Rescue cleanup! Volunteer registration is now open for the event on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and slots will fill on a first-come, first-served basis, typically booking quickly.
There are cleanup sites on land, along the shoreline (boots/waders recommended) and on the water (personal kayaks/canoes required).
“During this cleanup, between 500-1,000 volunteers come together to make a tangible, positive difference in their community,” Ijams Development Director Cindy Hassil said.
“It’s eye-opening to participate because you really get to see what ends up in our waterways. Hopefully it makes people more aware of how they dispose of trash and recyclables, and inspires them to look for ways to reduce the amount of waste they create.”
Groups from scout troops, churches and other organizations may sign up to do a particular site together. All members of a group must register individually to complete a waiver and provide personal contact information should Ijams need to communicate with all volunteers at a particular site. The deadline to register is April 1, or until all slots have been filled. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt featuring a great blue heron designed by Stephen Lyn Bales.
Site captains will be stationed at each site. Bags, gloves and other supplies will be provided. Potential volunteers can learn more and sign up for a site at Ijams.org/ijams-river-rescue or get more information from Hassil at chassil@ijams.org
Stanley’s Greenhouse is one for the ages
Stanley’s Greenhouse has been the area’s gardening partner for decades, but the history of the Davenport-Stanley farm actually precedes Tennessee statehood.
Known as the Davenport Farm, it became one of the largest wheat producers in Knox County.
Nevertheless, we know the greenhouse business that Charles and Mary Kathryn Stanley built and their first greenhouse erected in 1955 on the family farm that has been in the Stanley family over 200 years.
Stanley’s now totals over 190,000 square feet of growing and retail space to meet the ever-growing (no pun intended) East Tennessee area. As from the beginning, Stanley’s is replete with generations of family in the business to ensure the legacy continues for years to come. In addition to providing plants, they strive to teach people to care for their plants so they hold Saturday educational workshops from spring to fall. You may like the following events from Stanley’s Greenhouse:
- Next Saturday, March 25, 9:30 a.m., Children’s Seed-Planting Workshop in Knoxville
- Next month, April 1, 9:30 a.m., Nuts About Natives! in Knoxville
Stanley’s Easter Egg Hunt
Mark your calendar for this fun event on Saturday, April 8, starting at 9 a.m. at Stanley’s Greenhouse. Find an Easter egg and get 10 percent off your purchase, a free plant or another prize. Only one egg per customer please, so as many people as possible can join in the fun. The Easter egg event will be in effect all day – or until we run out of Easter eggs!
Susan Espiritu is the ultimate optimist who wants to share optimistic and entertaining stories about your neighbors! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com