Give back and make your community a cleaner, healthier place during the 35th annual Ijams River Rescue Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A severe weather date is set for Saturday, March 16.
Amber Parker (file photo)
Ijams Nature Center’s annual event brings together hundreds of individuals, Scout troops, businesses and church groups to remove tons of trash and tires from sites along the Tennessee River, creeks and streams. Sites are typically located in Knox, Anderson and Blount counties.
Potential volunteers can learn more and sign up for a cleanup site at Ijams.org/ijams-river-rescue. Slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis, and typically book quickly. The deadline to register is March 1, or until all slots have been filled.
Site captains will be stationed at each site. Bags, gloves and other supplies will be provided.
Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt featuring a red fox designed by Stephen Lyn Bales.
The 35th annual Ijams River Rescue is made possible by city of Knoxville Stormwater Engineering, Dow, First Horizon Foundation, Tennessee Valley Authority, Borderland Tees, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Vulcan Materials Company, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, Old Sevier District and Tailwater Properties. Other supporters include CAC AmeriCorps and Water Quality Forum.
Ijams Nature Center is a 318-acre nonprofit educational center in the heart of Knoxville and serves visitors of all ages, stages and abilities. Its mission is to encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban greenspace for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences. Ijams features 14 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails, a public access river dock, swimming, boating, biking and so much 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.
Amber Parker is president/CEO of Ijams Nature Center.