The River Boardwalk at Ijams Nature Center is closed again, caused by damage from a tree that fell from the bluffs on May 26. The photo shows significant damage that will take a while to repair.
The Facebook announcement has triggered over 100 comments as well-wishers argue the merits of rebuilding with steel or just chopping the trees above the boardwalk (neither will happen).
Instead, the Natural Resource Team will tackle another rebuild. Donations are welcomed.
Master Gardeners lists June events
Knox County Master Gardeners lists a packed calendar for June 2026. Find it here.
Art in the Garden Featured Lecture: Bears by retired professor Joe Clark. June 6, 10-11 a.m. UT Gardens, South Greenhouse, room 124, 2518 Jacob Drive, Knoxville. Open to public: $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Registration required.
Professional photographer Elle Colquitt will lead garden photography workshops: June 6 at Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum and June 27 at UT Gardens
Land and Water: An Evening with Kim Wilkie, Thursday, June 11, 6:30-8 p.m., Lakeshore Park – Marble Hall, 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville. Seating for 200. Free and open to the public; donations accepted.
Rural Service Patrol Launches in East Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has launched its Rural Service Patrol (RSP) in Region 1 (24 counties in East Tennessee), marking the next phase of a statewide expansion to bring HELP incident response to rural interstate corridors. This launch provides dedicated roadside assistance, expedited clearance support and enhanced safety coverage in Tennessee’s heavily traveled rural areas.
Previously, TDOT’s HELP trucks patrolled the state’s four largest urban areas: Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis. The Rural Service Patrol will be fully deployed statewide by summer 2026, ultimately covering more than 870 miles of rural interstate with 40 dedicated RSP staff supporting rural HELP operations. Learn more.
Investigators break up cattle theft operation
Who knew that the TN Department of Agriculture operates an ACU (agricultural crime unit)? ACU investigated 78 cases in May 2026 including one in which two men are behind bars, charged with the theft of more than $114,000 worth of cattle.
An investigation by the ACU and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office found that 94 cattle were sold from March 2022 through November 2025 without the owner’s permission. To contact ACU call 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or email Agriculture.Crime@tn.gov. Full story here.
Notes & Quotes
Terra Madre – Women in Clay exhibition is opening at the Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, on Friday, June 5, from 5-9 p.m. This free gathering with the exhibiting artists will feature live music by Nick Marlow. The exhibit will be on display through June 26. Gallery hours are M-F 9-5. Info here.
Beaver Creek Flotilla is Saturday, May 30, 2026, launching at 9 a.m. at Powell High Landing, adjacent to the PHS baseball field on Brickyard Road. Float six miles to Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road. Shuttle service back to Powell High. Info and registration here.
MuMu to You: Dogwood Arts is hosting a free KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival on Saturday, May 30, noon to 8 p.m. at Emory Place downtown, featuring live mural painting, music and family-friendly activities. Learn more.
Quote: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh
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