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Legacy Parks Foundation
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Legacy Parks

Legacy Parks Foundation is an East Tennessee nonprofit organization working to ensure that our community enjoys exceptional recreational opportunities, natural beauty and open spaces, and that these assets exist for generations to come. We work collaboratively to preserve our area’s extraordinary natural resources and to expand parks, create trails, and increase access to our rivers. Since 2007, Legacy Parks has raised over six million dollars for parks and open space, helped conserve 1,000 acres of forest and farmland, and added over 600 acres of parkland in Knox County.

Salamander Saturday

East Tennessee could be called the Salamander Capital of the World! Our region is home to more salamander species than anywhere else. Over 70 species of salamander—14% of species on Earth— are native to Tennessee, with most of those living here in the eastern region. According to the National Park…

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Places to Find Wildflowers

From late March to the middle of May is the best time of year to go hunting for native wildflowers. It may surprise you all the fun and colorful species that pop up to welcome spring. Here are our top picks for hunting down native wildflowers in Knoxville. Ijams Nature Center The trails at Ijams…

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Six Picks for Picnics

Spring is here! National Picnic Day is April 23, but anytime during this beautiful season is a lovely time to spend outdoors enjoying a meal al fresco. Here are our top six picks for picnics: 1. Suttree Landing Park Suttree Landing Park sits along the shoreline of the Tennessee River in SoKno. With…

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Top Spots Around Knoxville for Prime Bass Fishing

A great catch on the bank of the Tennessee River right across from Neyland Stadium Knoxville’s access to a multitude of lakes and its mild climate produces fishing that’s impressing anglers from all around the country. Elite anglers recognize our area as a top fishing destination, with the…

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Knoxville’s Top 5 Hikes for Springtime

Birding at Sharp’s Ridge When spring migration begins, the perfect place to start your birding journey in Knoxville is Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park, which is just a 10-minute drive north from downtown. Most birding at Sharp’s Ridge is done by walking or driving Sharps Ridge Memorial Drive…

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4 Ways to Get Fit Outside in the New Year

Enjoying the great outdoors during the winter months is a great way to add some fun to your fitness routine! While exercising outside you take in small doses of sunlight to help improve mood and absorb some vitamin D, helping to boost your immunity during cold and flu season. Another great perk is…

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Guide to Birding in Knoxville

Knoxville is a birding town! You may not know it, but there are over 12 different 'birding hotspots' identified by the TN Ornithological Society, all in and around Knoxville! The diverse ecosystems of our region offer ample opportunities to spot new bird species. Our home is a stopping point along…

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Christmas Lights in Knoxville’s Parks

Lots of places to see Christmas lights this season, and where better than Knoxville’s many parks? Check out a few picks across the county! Krutch Park Krutch Park is a small but lively park in the middle of Downtown Knoxville. During the holiday season, it is home to the City of Knoxville’s…

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Thanksgiving Activities Outdoors

Here are some outdoor activities to help you Get Out and Play with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday festivities. What better way to celebrate being grateful than to go appreciate the beautiful outdoors? Regal Knoxville Turkey Trot 5k + Little Gobbler Kids Run Join the Knoxville…

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Spooky Hiking Adventures

Ghost House Loop Trail Visit the beautiful Big Ridge State Park to explore some local history during spooky season. The Ghost House Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile easy-to-moderate loop hike which begins near the group campsite and takes you deep into the history of this area's pre-1930s inhabitants…

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