Youth Arboriculture Career Expo
Tree CPR and UT Extension are hosting the Youth Arboriculture Career Expo (YACE) on Tuesday November 3rd from 8am~4pm on Ag Campus at the University of Tennessee.
YACE welcomes students ages 11-18 to come learn about careers in and around arboriculture through hands-on workshops with local industry professionals! Our professionals are in fields such as landscape architecture, arboriculture and urban forestry, native plant and tree nursery, outdoor recreation, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and a small gift will be provided for our student participants.
YACE has been hosted in Washington D.C. for the past 2 years, and this is the first year we are hosting YACE in Knoxville. Our capacity for this event is 40 students so we have room for about 10 more students. We are very excited to provide the access and exposure to the natural resources industry through this event!
Environmental Club Farm Tour
Join Environmental Club participants from many schools for a fun-filled day at Broken Shovels Farm! Included is a farm tour, harvesting, tea making & tasting, games & activities.
RSVP email: Jennifer.sauer@knoxschoools.org or call Hillary Doucet 865-333-8973.
Not a KCS sponsored event.
Biodiversity Collection Open House - UT Herbarium
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is hosting an open house of the UT Herbarium..
See the complexity of the natural world through a variety of collections curated by EEB faculty and staff that foster a deeper connection to our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Biodiversity Collection Open House - Living Plant Collection Conservatory
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is hosting an open house of the Living Plant Collection Conservatory.
See the complexity of the natural world through a variety of collections curated by EEB faculty and staff that foster a deeper connection to our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Sassafras Awards 2026
SASSAFRAS AWARDS 2026: Sunday, Nov 1st 5:00-8:00 PM. Please don’t wait to get your Sassafras Awards tickets! Space is limited, and we’re going to party, celebrate, and strengthen the connections that make our incredible native plant movement possible, while giving a pat on the back to the people who find rescue sites, help us dig, restore landscapes and everyone in this CONSERVATION MOVEMENT. We may be grass root peanuts, but we’re part of a much bigger conservation community because of YOU.
Tickets: (go to our website NativePlantRescueSquad.org)
Sliding Scale: $40, $60, and $80 or pay what you can to reserve a spot.
Biodiversity Collection Open House - Etnier Ichthyology Collection | Scary Things From The Deep
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is hosting an open house of the Etnier Ichthyology Collection.
See the complexity of the natural world through a variety of collections curated by EEB faculty and staff that foster a deeper connection to our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Youth Horticulture Roundtable Meeting
Join the tour at Fulton High School next Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 to see the large native garden (12,000 square feet area) and Outdoor Classroom garden.
Biodiversity Collection Open House - Living Plant Collection Conservatory
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is hosting an open house of the Living Plant Collection Conservatory.
See the complexity of the natural world through a variety of collections curated by EEB faculty and staff that foster a deeper connection to our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.
2026 Mary Ball Educator of the Year Celebration
Join the Ijams Team as we celebrate Kylie Preston's award as the 2026 Mary Ball Educator of the Year, awarded through the Tennessee Environmental Education Association (TEEA). Thank you to those who contributed their words of support during the nomination process. Congratulations, Kylie!
We'll gather in the Ijams Visitor Center Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, October 14, 5:00-6:30pm. Light refreshments will be served!
Please RSVP by email to Paige Crane <pcrane@ijams.org> by October 9 if you plan to attend.
Biodiversity Collection Open House - EEB Birds & Mammals Teaching Collection | Feathered and Furry Findings
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is hosting an open house of the EEB Birds & Mammals Teaching Collection.
See the complexity of the natural world through a variety of collections curated by EEB faculty and staff that foster a deeper connection to our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Outdoor Club Leaders' Retreat
You are not alone! Supporting young people’s enthusiasm for nature through an outdoor club is important work, but sometimes it feels that you are the only one taking on the challenge. We think we can help! Join us for a weekend at Tremont to learn alongside other schools, share ideas, and leave with a stronger vision and a clear plan for the year ahead.
What to Expect
Hands-on outdoor programmingLeadership development and team building
Dedicated time to plan your club’s year
Campfire, community, and connection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Who Should Attend
Small middle and high school teams (3-7 participants), including:
Student leaders (established officers or emerging leaders
Teacher sponsors/advisors
$195 per person - includes all meals, lodging, and materials
Thanks to support from Tremont’s Local Schools Fund, this program is offered at a reduced rate and includes assistance with transportation. Additional financial aid and scholarships are available based on school need. We’re committed to making this experience accessible - reach out to learn more.
Project WILD Teacher Workshop
Join Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville for a Project WILD Educator Workshop. This workshop is perfect for teachers and educators who want to incorporate wildlife conservation into the classroom.
Participants MUST register through Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Project WILD Workshop.
Teacher Escape Weekend III
When teachers use nature as a tool for their classroom, their students engage more – they ask more questions, share more observations, and feel emotionally invested in learning. That’s why we offer our Teacher Escape Weekends, an opportunity for educators to connect, get inspired, and find tools to make their work a bit easier.
Teacher Escape Weekend II
When teachers use nature as a tool for their classroom, their students engage more – they ask more questions, share more observations, and feel emotionally invested in learning. That’s why we offer our Teacher Escape Weekends, an opportunity for educators to connect, get inspired, and find tools to make their work a bit easier.
Teacher Escape Weekend I
When teachers use nature as a tool for their classroom, their students engage more – they ask more questions, share more observations, and feel emotionally invested in learning. That’s why we offer our Teacher Escape Weekends, an opportunity for educators to connect, get inspired, and find tools to make their work a bit easier.
Zoo Knoxville faSCInating TEaCHers 2026 (6/30)
Bringing Science and Technology to the Classroom
As instructors of future teachers, we strive to encourage, motivate, and inspire our students. We understand that there is a demand for technology and science in today’s schools and we hope to provide activities, apps, and techniques that can be integrated into all subjects in the K-6 environment. We want to provide quality professional develop that will be worthwhile and implemented in the classroom. We want to build a strong science and technology background in our educators!
This year’s theme: Land and Sea! — Register Here!!
Event Timing: June 29th OR June 30th
Event Address: Zoo Knoxville 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Contact us at:
Kelly (423) 585-6932; Kelly.Moore@ws.edu
Elesha (423) 318-2775; Elesha.Goodfriend@ws.edu
Zoo Knoxville faSCInating TEaCHers 2026 (6/29)
Bringing Science and Technology to the Classroom
As instructors of future teachers, we strive to encourage, motivate, and inspire our students. We understand that there is a demand for technology and science in today’s schools and we hope to provide activities, apps, and techniques that can be integrated into all subjects in the K-6 environment. We want to provide quality professional develop that will be worthwhile and implemented in the classroom. We want to build a strong science and technology background in our educators!
This year’s theme: Land and Sea! — Register Here!!
Event Timing: June 29th OR June 30th
Event Address: Zoo Knoxville 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Contact us at:
Kelly (423) 585-6932; Kelly.Moore@ws.edu
Elesha (423) 318-2775; Elesha.Goodfriend@ws.edu
Knoxville SOUP Proposal Deadline
Knoxville SOUP is a community micro-granting dinner that brings people together to support local projects making a difference. The next dinner is June 25 5:30 at Kerbela Temple in South Knoxville. For a $5 donation, guests get soup, bread, and a vote to help fund creative ideas that benefit Knoxville. At the end of the night, every dollar collected at the door goes directly to the project with the most votes—turning a simple meal into real community change.
Have a project that needs funding? Submit your proposal @ KnoxvilleSOUP.org by June 16th for consideration. New this year - all presenters will go home with $$. If you have submitted proposals or presented in the past, you are welcome to submit another proposal. 4 easy questions - briefly describe your project... why does it matter... how will you use the $$... what is your time frame.
Books and Bikes
Saturday May 30, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hosted by KickStand Community Bike Shop and The Friends of Literacy
All kids get a free book and can do fun activities to get a free bike. Food, Music, Activities for the whole family. At Macedonia United Methodist Church, 4630 Holston Dr, Knoxville TN 37914
Cattywampus Parade & Block Party: Where the Waters Meet
Schools are welcome to make puppets and join the parade! Line-Up: 2pm (Suttree Landing Park Pavilion) Kick-Off: 3pm Block Party: 3:30-6pm (Suttree Landing Park Festival Lawn) In east Knoxville, the confluence of the French Broad and Holston Rivers form the headwaters and start of the Tennessee River, one of the most biodiverse and 5th largest waterways in North America. We know water is not only one of our greatest sources of life but also a source of struggle for many communities, including our own, threatened by pollution and our ever-shifting climate. This parade season, we invite you to make giant puppets, costumes and other people-powered creations in celebration of water and a commitment to protect our waterways and all of the life they support, including our own. On Sunday, May 17th, we will then flow together as one and process along the Tennessee River at Suttree Landing Park, a beautiful confluence of community and art. More information-https://cattywampuspuppets.org/events
Vine Magnet Middle School STEM Night
We're looking for partners in the STEM/Entrepreneur space to join us from 5:00-6:00p to set up an interactive exhibit in the gym so families and students can learn more about your field of expertise. If this isn't for you but know someone who may want to join, send them my way! All are welcome to attend, with the event starting at 5:00 (student exhibits) and live student performances starting at 6:00p in the auditorium. Contact: Kyle Pickell, Community Schools Site Coordinator, VMMS <pickellk@unitedway.org> (865) 521-0890.
WaterFest
WaterFest will be making a return to Ijams Nature Center on May 6, 2026! This year’s theme will be “The Ripple Effect,” where students will learn the ways in which water filters down and impacts our lives through interactive science-based activities and performers! WaterFest is open to Knox County, Lenoir City, Maryville, and Oak Ridge area Grade 2-5 students (public, private, & homeschooled). The event is completely free and the Water Quality Forum will provide all the resources you will need for each activity. If you are a teacher interested in registering your class for this year’s event, please reach out to Charlie at ccowart@ijams.org
Teacher Workshop - Techniques to Learn Through Play with Students Outdoors
Teachers,
Are you interested in a FUN, FREE teacher workshop? Teachers of all grades and subjects are welcome! Discover techniques to learn through play with students outdoors! See attached flyer for more info.
Thursday, 30 April 2026; 9:30AM - 2:30PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center; Gatlinburg, TN
Lunch and Education materials provided
Substitute teacher stipend available ($150)
Upon workshop completion, you will receive a certificate verifying 5 hours of professional development earned.
Presented by: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and UT Gardens
To sign-up for this teacher workshop, register using this form:
Streams! From the Smokies to your school
Funding for this workshop made possible through a generous grant from the Arconic Foundation and Friends of the Smokies.
Nicole Nadasen
Park Ranger (Education)
Great Smoky Mountains NP
City Nature Challenge!
The City Nature Challenge is an international collaboration between cities to see how much wildlife we all can observe, how many species we can find and how many people we can engage in a four-day period. It's a bioblitz that happens all over the world! This year’s challenge starts on April 24th and ends on April 27th.
Even in urban areas, we are surrounded by nature. In fact, pockets of habitat in urban areas are becoming increasingly important for wildlife to survive as urban areas expand. Documenting the nature around us helps scientists, local governments, land managers and citizens like you understand what lives where, how this changes over time and what we can do to protect wildlife. We need your help to learn as much as we can about the wild plants, animals and other wildlife of Knox and the surrounding counties of central East Tennessee.
Join us for the City Nature Challenge! Cities all over the world will collaborate to observe as much wildlife as possible. Help us record observations of wild plants, animals, fungi and more for the world’s largest wildlife census while learning who lives nearby.
Where and When: Anywhere in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union Counties, TN from April 24th – April 27th. More information: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-knox-area
Schoolyard Escape Professional Development
Join Tremont on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, for our one-day Schoolyard Escape workshop at Belle Morris Elementary – an amazing professional and personal development experience for educators across the Schoolyard Network and beyond. (Looking for a Schoolyard Escape Weekend in Ohio? Join us on April 18.)
Schoolyard Network Professional Development
Schools across the country are moving to more experiential models of teaching and learning, often combining place- or problem-based education frameworks with various versions of outdoor classrooms.
The Schoolyard Network provides a collaborative space where we model best experiential-learning practices through professional development sessions, hearty discussion, and shared success stories.
School Environmental/Garden Club Meet-Up
Environmental/garden clubs will do a meet up at kerns on 3/20 at 4:30pm. Hear what other clubs are doing and ways we can collaborate. Contact Anne for more information-anne@gsmit.org
Schoolyard Network Professional Development
Schools across the country are moving to more experiential models of teaching and learning, often combining place- or problem-based education frameworks with various versions of outdoor classrooms.
The Schoolyard Network provides a collaborative space where we model best experiential-learning practices through professional development sessions, hearty discussion, and shared success stories.
Earth Science and Environmental Club Educators: City Nature Challenge Training
Earth Science and Environmental Club Educators: Bring real-world science into your classroom with City Nature Challenge!
The City Nature Challenge is a global, four-day community science event that invites people to observe and record as many local species as possible. From April 24-27, 2026, educators and students across our region will join thousands worldwide to explore and document biodiversity. Locally, the event is coordinated by Ijams Nature Center, Zoo Knoxville, Discover Life in America, Sierra Club, the City of Knoxville, and Seven Islands State Birding Park. Join us in this teacher training to learn how to bring City Nature Challenge into your classroom. We’ll explore the purpose of the event, walk through an educator-friendly toolkit, and share practical ways to incorporate this experience into science standards while connecting your students to their schoolyard. Strategies included come from Project Credible at UT and Ijam's Nature Center.
Presenters: Paige Crane (Ijam's Education Director), Jennifer Sauer (6-8 Environmental Science & Project Credible), Kathryn Henley (Ecology, IB ESS & Project Credible), and David Krebs (IB Biology & Project Credible).
This training will be held on Monday, February 16th during the KCS in-service day, Time- TBD; information should be sent out to all KCS Science Teachers.
For any questions, please reach out to Jen Sauer (jennifer.sauer@knoxschools.org)
Great Backyard Bird Count
Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.
Schoolyard Network Professional Development
Schools across the country are moving to more experiential models of teaching and learning, often combining place- or problem-based education frameworks with various versions of outdoor classrooms.
The Schoolyard Network provides a collaborative space where we model best experiential-learning practices through professional development sessions, hearty discussion, and shared success stories.
KKB's 7th Annual Summit: Rooted in Place
KKB’s 7th Annual Summit:
Rooted in Place
January 30, 2026
EAST TENNESSEE HISTORY CENTER
The 7th Annual KKB Summit will be on January 30, 2026 at the East Tennessee History Center.
$20 per person (includes lunch)
We can’t wait for you to join us for another inspiring and empowering day of learning!
Check out our 6th Annual Summit Speaker Recap Videos & Blog here
Schoolyard Network Professional Development
Schools across the country are moving to more experiential models of teaching and learning, often combining place- or problem-based education frameworks with various versions of outdoor classrooms.
The Schoolyard Network provides a collaborative space where we model best experiential-learning practices through professional development sessions, hearty discussion, and shared success stories.