We Had a Great Time at the Bassmaster Classic!

More than 160,000 people descended upon Knoxville at the end of March to support one of the largest bass fishing events in America – the Bassmaster Classic. Professional anglers dream of bringing in the largest catch from the Tennessee River during this three-day tournament.
Bassmaster Classic Showcases Area Biodiversity (tva.com)

A Delicate Balancing Act: Controlling Vegetation in TVA Lakes

Many residents of the Valley are familiar with invasive species on land, such as privet and kudzu, that crowd out native species. This also occurs with aquatic plants, such as Eurasian water milfoil, hydrilla, southern naiad and others. What needs to stay and what needs to go?
Fighting Invasive Forces (tva.com)

TVA Campgrounds Are Open for Business

Did you hear that cheer on March 15^th? That was the sound of campers celebrating the reopening of the Big Six TVA campgrounds located on dam reservations in the Tennessee Valley. Thanks to their environmentally responsible practices, The Big Six and many state parks and privately-owned campgrounds are certified as Tennessee Valley Camp-Right Campgrounds.
TVA Opens Campgrounds and Adds EV Charging at Four Visitor Centers

Camp-Right Campgrounds

Area campgrounds are open and ready to share the great outdoors with their guests. TVA CampRight Campground operators and staffs know that half the fun of traveling is being an explorer, so they provide information about exciting activities that are authentic to the region. Discovering cool walking tours, hikes or paddles; locally-owned restaurants and shops; and seeing places unique to the area are the best ways to learn. Plus, these endeavors support the local economy. While enjoying your trip, share your stories and photos on Instagram using #TVAfun.

Investing in the Earth for Earth Day

At TVA, we're investing in our planet every day, working to create a sustainable future. That means ensuring our ability to provide the people of the Tennessee Valley with clean, low-cost, reliable electricity, a healthy environment, and a prosperous economy.
Earth Day: Making the Investment (tva.com)

Join Us for an Earth Day Event—We Need You!

Want to make a difference to the Tennessee Valley region? Volunteer at TVA and be part of our mission of service.
Volunteering at TVA

Happy Birthday to Us!

This year is a big one for the Tennessee Valley Authority. That’s because, on May 18, 2023, TVA will turn 90 years old. This birthday will be a celebration of TVA’s past, present, and future.
Celebrating TVA’s Great American Success Story

Got the Seasonal Blahs? A New Study Shows Walking in Nature Actually Makes You Feel Better  

There is already mounting evidence that walking outdoors surrounded by nature helps lift mood and ease stress. Now a new study indicates it can even help with major depression.
New Study Shows Walking in Nature Makes You Feel Better (tva.com)

Hitting the Trail? Please Don’t Risk Your Safety for a Selfie

Here in the Tennessee Valley, native black bears are not the fuzzy stuffed bears in the gift shop; rather, they are wildlife and should not be approached. Similarly, snakes and spiders are not always amenable to up-close-and-personal visits.
Seven Tips to Enjoy Wildlife Safely (tva.com)

The Birds Are Back! Here Are Places to See Them  

Migrating birds are returning to the Valley, looking for mates and beginning to nest. Visit our page where you can find a whole collection of tips, tricks and information to spot beautiful birds, even in your own back yard.
Birdwatching (tva.com)

Cherokee Tribal Member Works With TVA to Preserve Native Vegetation

Roger Cain, a tribal member and ethnobotanist in the United Keetowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) tribe, shared the importance of his efforts in preserving reservation resources and how TVA can work to help him with future conservation projects.
Ethnobotanist Preserves Tribal History on TVA Lands

Explore TRV

Explore TRV is shining the spotlight on family-friendly events in the Valley. The annual Rossini International Street Fair will fill downtown Knoxville with superb art, cuisine, and live music. Downriver, Cullman, AL is home to the Bloomin’ Festival, where approximately 140 artists from across the nation gather on the campus of St. Bernard Abbey and school. In Kentucky, enjoy Spring QuiltWeek in Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City. Expect fiber arts as you’ve never seen before.

Tennessee RiverLine

Time to get back on the water! Start your April by giving back at Ijams River Rescue in Knoxville, TN, where volunteers will help remove trash from the shores of the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Further south, you’re invited to celebrate Earth Day at Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama. Lunch is provided for all volunteers during this park-wide cleanup! Let the paddling begin; register for the Watts Bar Spring Paddle in Rockwood TN, to Thief Neck Island. Free kayaks are available - limited basis. For more events, visit Tennessee RiverLine.

The Wayback Machine

Some things never change, like the joy of catching a whole string of fish. This young angler shows off the day’s catch at Fontana Reservoir in 1947.

Explore with the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide
Looking for new places to explore by foot, car or boat? Check out the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide. There are plenty of things to see and do close to home.

Got a question? Pick the PLIC
TVA’s Public Land Information Center (PLIC) is your single source for answers to questions about a variety of public land topics including recreational opportunities and shoreline permits. Call (800) 882-5263 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or submit your question using the form found here.

Ongoing maintenance:
Keep up with road closings, bridge repairs, and all kinds of things here.

See past issues of River Neighbors here.