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The Neighborly Notice
Vol. 17, No. 15 – Tuesday, April 16, 2024
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Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, we report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 865-215-3232. News deadline: 12 noon on Fridays.
Newsletter (PDF version): https://bit.ly/NeighborlyNotice-2024-04-16
1. Knoxville Joins in City Nature Challenge
2. Housing and Neighborhood Development Requests Input
3. PARC Meets Next Week
4. Mayor Announces State of the City Address
5. KPD Hosts Commander Forum for West District Neighborhoods
6. Let’s Learn About County Elections
7. Bike Walk Knoxville Organizes Walk with Elected Officials
8. Trees Knoxville Offers April Tree Walk
9. Save the Date for Open Streets
10. Small Tree Alternatives for Dogwoods and Redbuds
11. Earth Day is this Monday
12.
Knoxville Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
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Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, we report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods. Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 865-215-3232. News deadline: 12 noon on Fridays.
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleNeighborhoods
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1. Knoxville Joins in City Nature Challenge
The
Tennessee Butterfly Monitoring Network and
Zoo Knoxville, in partnership with the City of Knoxville,
Discover Life in America,
Sierra Club, and
Ijams Nature Center are coordinating the 2024 City Nature Challenge for the Knoxville area on
Friday, April 26, thru Monday, April 29.
The
City Nature Challenge is a global event in which cities all over the world collaborate to observe as much wildlife – wild plants, animals, fungi, insects, etc. – as possible in a four-day period.
This year, Ijams Nature Center is hosting a myriad of events so that folks can observe many kinds of wildlife. There will be a night hike to spot amphibians, and another to spot nocturnal critters. There will also be nature walks to identify fungi, trees, birds,
wildflowers, beetles, bees, and butterflies. See Ijams Nature Center’s
website for the different workshops, schedules, and links to register.
If you register for the City Nature Challenge, you will get free parking at Ijams for the day!
What does it mean to observe wildlife? In this case, it means to take photos of and upload to a website. You do not have to know what species something is before you photograph it. All you need to do is snap photos and upload them to iNaturalist.
What are the steps to observe and document?
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Download the iNaturalist app at
www.iNaturalist.org to your smartphone
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Create an account for yourself
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Take photos of the wildlife at different angles, if possible, while on the app
Don’t have a smartphone? You can take photos with a camera and then upload them to the iNaturalist website later.
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1. Knoxville Joins in City Nature Challenge
The
Tennessee Butterfly Monitoring Network and
Zoo Knoxville, in partnership with the City of Knoxville,
Discover Life in America,
Sierra Club, and
Ijams Nature Center are coordinating the 2024 City Nature Challenge for the Knoxville area on
Friday, April 26, thru Monday, April 29.
The
City Nature Challenge is a global event in which cities all over the world collaborate to observe as much wildlife – wild plants, animals, fungi, insects, etc. – as possible in a four-day period.
This year, Ijams Nature Center is hosting a myriad of events so that folks can observe many kinds of wildlife. There will be a night hike to spot amphibians, and another to spot nocturnal critters. There will also be nature walks to identify fungi, trees, birds,
wildflowers, beetles, bees, and butterflies. See Ijams Nature Center’s
website for the different workshops, schedules, and links to register.
If you register for the City Nature Challenge, you will get free parking at Ijams for the day!
What does it mean to observe wildlife? In this case, it means to take photos of and upload to a website. You do not have to know what species something is before you photograph it. All you need to do is snap photos and upload them to iNaturalist.
What are the steps to observe and document?
-
Download the iNaturalist app at
www.iNaturalist.org to your smartphone
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Create an account for yourself
-
Take photos of the wildlife at different angles, if possible, while on the app
Don’t have a smartphone? You can take photos with a camera and then upload them to the iNaturalist website later.
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4. Mayor Announces State of the City Address
On Friday morning, April 26, at 10:30 a.m., Mayor Indya Kincannon will unveil her 2024-2025 budget during her State of the City Address at the Tennessee Amphitheater at World’s Fair Park.
If you wish to attend, you will need to RSVP by calling the City’s 311 line (3-1-1 or 865-215-4311) by Wednesday, April 24.
Light food and beverage refreshments will be provided to guests who pre-register.
Mayor Kincannon will focus her speech on honoring commitments and seeing transformational projects through to completion.
In her December 2023 inaugural address, Mayor Kincannon vowed to push hard to advance the city’s priorities in the 1,460 days in office in her second term. Similarly, at her State of the City Address, the Mayor Kincannon will highlight the major progress being
made in enhancing public safety, creating great public spaces, building communities, creating jobs and economic opportunity, relieving the housing crisis, and reducing Knoxville’s carbon footprint.
State of the City guests also will see work that has begun at the base of the nearby Sunsphere. A Clinch Avenue street-level welcome center overlooking World’s Fair Park is under construction, a collaboration between the City, Knox County, Visit Knoxville,
the Public Building Authority, and talented design and construction teams.
There is no need to worry about parking – Knoxville Area Transit has you covered! KAT buses will be shuttling people to the State of the City festivities from two locations – the City County Building (Main Ave. pickup) and the Civic Coliseum Garage.
Buses will start running at 9:30 a.m., and they will be returning guests to the City County Building and Civic Coliseum Garage until 12:30 p.m.
Like last year, State of the City environmentally-friendly efforts are continuing
Paper invitations have been eliminated.
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The program is available online; a QR code will be provided at the even
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Water will be supplied from a portable water filling station – so bring your reusable water bottle!
Also, please note: There will again be open seating at this year’s State of the City, rather than assigned seating.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary
aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at Tit...@KnoxvilleTN.gov
or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at
SC...@KnoxvilleTN.gov or 865-215-2034. |
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5. KPD Hosts Commander Forum for West District Neighborhoods
The
Knoxville Police Department (KPD) will host a West District Commander Forum on Wednesday, May 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Public Works Service Center, 3131 Morris Ave.
The goal of the forum is to meet with community members and discuss current crime and ongoing issues within the West District and what the department is doing to resolve those issues.
West District Captain, John Kiely, and his support staff will be there to speak with residents regarding their public safety concerns and what they can do to address them.
The boundaries of KPD’s West District are roughly I-275 to the east and Knoxville city limits to the west and north. You can review the Field Operation District Beat Map
here.
For more information, please call 865-215-7042.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary
aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov
or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at
sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
6. Let’s Learn About County Elections
The
Knox County Election Commission will be hosting an elections seminar on Saturday, April 20, at the Downtown West Training Facility, 1645 Downtown West Blvd. from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The seminar will go in-depth about how elections are conducted in Knox County and many of the details associated with preparing for an election. The class is geared towards interested voters, residents interested in being poll workers, and individuals considering
a run for public office.
There is no cost to attend, but attendees must pre-register
here. The class will be limited to 40 individuals, attendees must be registered voters in Knox County. The deadline to register is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17.
Election Season and details associated with voting can be very confusing to voters. The purpose of this seminar is to provide factual information that creates a more informed Knox County voter.
7. Bike Walk Knoxville Organizes Walk with Elected Officials
Bike
Walk Knoxville is organizing a walk with elected officials in the Marble City, Pond Gap, Historic Sutherland Heights, and Kingston Pike-Sequoyah Hills neighborhoods on Thursday, April 18, beginning at 6 p.m.
The walk will begin at the Third Creek Greenway Park on Sutherland Ave. (with parking available across the street at Vreeland Engineers, Inc.), and will highlight walkability at West High School.
This walk will be an opportunity to engage with elected officials and community leaders about how policy, funding, and infrastructure impacts pedestrian safety in our community.
Don't forget to wear appropriate shoes for walking and bring a water bottle! |
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8. Trees Knoxville Offers April Tree Walk
Join
Trees Knoxville on Wednesday, April 24, for a Tree Walk led by Kayla Stuart to learn more about the
Tennessee Champion Trees Program from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Historic Fourth and Gill Neighborhood. (Meeting location TBD & I have asked for details)
For more information, please contact Trees Knoxville at
in...@treesknoxville.org.
9. Save the Date for Open Streets
Bike Walk Knoxville will be hosting the
Open Streets Knoxville Event on Sunday, May 19, from 2-6 p.m. in Happy Holler on North Central St. and Emory Pl.
Open Streets Knoxville detours motor vehicles from urban streets to connect community members with local businesses and organizations; creating space for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, dance; and much more!
Distinct from a street festival, Open Streets Knoxville gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhood and access local businesses in a safe, fun, and family-friendly way. Participants can enjoy being physically active and visiting local businesses
on foot or by bike. The event encourages the use of active transportation and healthy living, and has a goal of giving residents an opportunity to reimagine our streets as public spaces.
The goal of Open Streets is to have at least one mile of Knoxville streets closed to motorized traffic. This event will be free and open to the public.
For more information, please visit Bike Walk Knoxville’s
website. |
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10. Small Tree Alternatives for Dogwoods and Redbuds
This article is not meant to suggest that folks should not plant Dogwoods and Redbuds. Many folks love these two flowering trees that brighten up spring. However, recent issues with vascular disease in nursery stock have made it difficult to source some of
these favorites. These two trees are native staples in East Tennessee Landscapes; however, there are many suitable alternatives to consider.
When looking for an alternative tree, one can look for similar qualities of Dogwoods and Redbuds, such as spring blooms, native habitat, and a small mature size. A few trees that fit the bill include:
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Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) – This tree is vase shaped with early white blooms giving way to abundant summer berries that are both ornamental and edible. A bonus is the outstanding fall color.
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Washington Hawthorne (Crataegus phaenopyrum) – This tree is known best for its berries in winter. This small rounded tree also adds great architecture to your landscape and vibrant fall color.
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American Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) – This is a very showy specimen with its puffy, fragrant flowers in late spring.
More information is available on the
City of Knoxville Tree List.
This information comes to you from Bob Graves, who is a licensed Landscape Architect and serves on the City of Knoxville Tree Board. His involvement with the Tree Board stems from his passion for nature as well as his involvement in the design of the built
environment.
If you have any questions or want to reach out to the City of Knoxville Tree Board, please send an email to Tree...@KnoxvilleTN.gov
11. Earth Day is this Monday
Earth Day is this Monday, April 22. Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. Earth Day is celebrated on April
22 in the United States and on either April 22 or the day the spring equinox occurs throughout the rest of the world.
Environmental activism during the 1960s inspired Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson to create a national celebration uniting the environmental movement. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day
on April 22, 1970, educating participants in the importance of environmental conservation.
Here are some local events that you can attend to celebrate Earth Day 2024:
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Zoo
Knoxville invites you to be a part of North America's largest Earth Day celebration at Party for the Planet, a conservation-themed bash that takes place Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21.
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Trees
Knoxville is hosting a special Earth Day event on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Caswell Park, 570 Winona St.! Trees Knoxville and TVA have partnered up to host a Tree Giveaway and Invasive Species Removal Effort in the First Creek riparian
zone, open to the community and free of charge! Refreshments will be served, and there will be informational booths provided by the Nature Conservancy and the TN Division of Forestry. Please sign up to reserve your trees or RSVP for invasive species removal
before Saturday, April 20, on the
Trees Knoxville website!
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South Knoxville Earth Day Festival will be held at the Baker Creek Preserve on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Enjoy a Vintage Market, plenty of local vendors, family-friendly biking, shenanigan games, and a ticketed Appalachian Boil from 71 South
(shrimp, chicken, sausage, veggies, & cornbread). Then stick around for a Pump Track Competition with some prizes & live music on the 71 South/Crafty Bastard patio! For more information, check out the event on
Visit Knoxville’s website.
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The 2024
City Nature Challenge BioBlitz will take place on Friday, April 26, thru Monday, April 29. More on the BioBlitz and the City Nature Challenge can be found in article one (1) of this week’s newsletter.
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12. Knoxville
Neighborhoods Calendar (click link for online calendar)
Call 865-215-3232 to include your neighborhood event or meeting in
this Google calendar.
The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary
aids and services.
To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at tit...@knoxvilletn.gov
or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at
sc...@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.
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Other Calendars
Additional online calendars that cover events outside the neighborhood realm include:
The City of Knoxville requires a permit to operate a short-term rental property. Details and a list of short-term rental permits are located on the City’s website
here. |
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