The City of Knoxville’s generous contribution of $100,000 to the acquisition of the River Bluff Wildlife Area matches Knox County’s $100,000 commitment, announced in October, and the fundraising campaign is now within $200,000 of the needed $1.5 million to purchase the property.

As the December 31st purchase deadline draws rapidly near, Legacy Parks Foundation is making a final push to raise the remaining funds to preserve the property.

“We have been amazed that during this tough economy we’ve been able to raise 80% of the funds from private donors at all levels and from throughout the community. That’s why we have faith that we can tackle this last hurdle,” Tommy Schumpert, board chair declared. “Contributions can be extended over five years which helps make the goal within reach. For example, we would only need four $10,000 annual donors, eight $5,000 annual donors, ten $4,000 annual donor, twenty $2,000 annual donors and so on.“

The 70-acre River Bluff Wilderness Area is the key link in the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor project which envisions a 1,000 acre greenspace paralleling the South Knoxville Waterfront Development in the heart of Knoxville. It will contain three civil war forts, historic settlement sites, and diverse ecological features and recreational amenities. This Corridor will preserve the greenspace that frames our downtown, protect our ridges and views, provide new recreational opportunities with a city park and system of trails and greenways, protect important historic assets, and enhance the South Knoxville Waterfront development. The Corridor takes advantage of our existing natural, cultural and historic assets.

You may support the effort through contributions online or by contacting Carol Evans at 865.525.2585.

The Knox Greenways Coalition contributed $5,000 to the Legacy Parks Foundation to contribute to the River Bluff Preservation fund.

“The Knox Greenways Coalition is pleased to make this donation to the Legacy Parks Foundation to show our support for the Foundation’s drive to purchase the River Bluff Wildlife Area,” said Betty Schohl, Chair of the Knox Greenways Coalition. “This land purchase is consistent with the goals of the Coalition in that it will provide the opportunity to offer walking trails through a city wildlife area.”

Formed in 1991, the Knox Greenways Coalition is an organization that advocates improving the quality of life in Knoxville and Knox County through greenways. The Coalition is open to all citizens interested in advocating for greenways.

For more information on the Knox Greenways Coalition contact Betty Schohl at bschohl@usit.net.

Adventurers, as well as more casual outdoor lovers, can get a ground-level experience within the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor on March 20th at the first ever Knoxville Urban Wilderness Challenge. The event will take place in the parks and public spaces in South Knoxville and will feature two levels of activity. The Adventure Race combines running, rappelling, biking, paddling, orienteering and several surprise challenges within the Corridor. The Explorer Challenge offers guided walks in the Georgia Marble Quarry and Ft. Dickerson Park, both family-friendly activities. The Urban Wilderness Challenge is sponsored by River Sports and Patagonia. For more information go to www.legacyparks.org.