The Tennessee RiverLine recognized the recipients of its 2024 awards during the sixth annual summit held February 23-25, 2025, at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown. The event brought together nearly 200 individuals from Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee who advance the RiverLine’s mission to connect communities across the Tennessee River Valley.
WaterWays won the excellence in stewardship award for its Tennessee River Rescue event.
WaterWays’ leadership of the Tennessee River Rescue has demonstrated the power of stewardship events to connect communities with the Tennessee River. In 2024, their efforts mobilized over a thousand volunteers across six communities to remove 10 tons of trash from the river. This impactful work enhances the quality of life for people and wildlife while fostering a lasting commitment to stewardship among participants, said a spokesperson for the Tennessee RiverLine.
Brad Collett, professor at UT Knoxville and executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine, said, “Through the dedication of our team, UT Extension, and our principal partners –UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority – we are honored to celebrate the remarkable ways our collaborators are bringing the river to life in their communities.
“Their leadership and creativity are shaping a future where the Tennessee River is more accessible, vibrant and connected than ever before.”
Leadership and top winners at the conference: Brad Collett, executive director, Tennessee RiverLine; Bert Robinson, regional executive, TVA; MaryBeth Sutton and Brooke Fleeman, director and assistant director, WaterWays of Chattanooga; and Randy Boyd, president, University of Tennessee.
RiverLine coordinates the project which will yield benefits in economic development, public health, resource stewardship and expanded access. See all winners here.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and is a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach.
Outdoor Knoxville
Spring is here. You know because the wildflowers have popped up. Get out and play by checking Legacy Parks’ Outdoor Knoxville events calendar, compiled by Elle Colquitt. Here.
Saturday, March 15
Knox Shamrock Fest and Lucky Kidney Run: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., World’s Fair Park. Info: East TN Kidney Foundation. Part of Knox Shamrock Fest, options include the traditional in-person 6K and 1 mile walk, as well as virtual options for both distances. Run starts at 10 a.m. Register online.
Wildflower Hike: 10 a.m., River Bluff SWA Trail Norris. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co. at 865-681-4141. We’ll be hiking the River Bluff Trail. Limited spots available, email hike organizer Dolphin Riggs at Dolphin@LittleRiverTradingCo.com to get signed up. Details online.
