Wildlife Photograph

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Saturday August 04, 2007
Ijams very thankful for all volunteers

I would like to welcome Ed Bellinghausen, our new RSVP trail volunteer at Ijams Nature Center.  Ed is helping us maintain the trail system at Mead’s Quarry.  He brings with him trail maintenance experience as a volunteer with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina.  He also served as a trail volunteer on the Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest.

 

RSVP stands for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, a national program that is federally funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service.  The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, Office on Aging, sponsors the local program.

 

RSVP volunteers are made up of seniors that want to make a difference by directing their skills toward helping their communities. The program is free and members receive additional auto and personal liability insurance while working at a service site. They also receive a newsletter, special discounts to community events and an annual recognition event.

 

Ijams Nature Center is one of the many RSVP service sites around Knoxville. Ijams offers volunteers the opportunity to work to maintain the trail system, beautify the gardens, assist with building maintenance or serve as a naturalist for our “Go Hike” environmental education programs.

 

Ed has been a visitor to Ijams many times since he moved here from Florida in 1971. Ed states that, "I just wanted to get involved and work outdoors on the trails. The work is rewarding and keeps you in shape. It is also a great way to

meet and talk with people."

 

For information on serving as an RSVP volunteer contact the Community Action Committee, Office on Aging at (865) 524-2786.

 

- By Ed Yost, Park Manager

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