We want to thank everyone that donated or sponsored our 2026 Nature Learning/Storytelling Center Fund Drive. It was a huge success and event though we didn't reach our goal our volunteer team will be able to accomplish a great deal thanks to everyone's generosity.
GBU Life for the second year in a row matched the first $2,000 raised during this fund drive. What a fantastic fraternal organization.
In the next few months a transformation will start to take shape around the Children's Discovery Garden and the area by the Honey Locust. As we progress we will keep everyone informed.
Below are a list of those that donated, dedications, and sponsors. Thanks for your outstanding support in making the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum a Community Nature Learning Center!
OAK LEVEL SPONSORS $500+
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
| Donor | Dedication | City | St |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tammy Bash | Beavercreek | OH | |
| Karen Wilkinson | Knoxville | TN | |
| Sam Curtis | Townsend | TN | |
| Tony Lester | Townsend | TN | |
| Robin Kinser | Townsend | TN | |
| Kristina Gaus | Townsend | TN | |
| Jerry Faulkner | Townsend | TN | |
| Steve Clark | Townsend | TN | |
| Emily Baker | For our Kiddos- Bo and Mary Hawkins 🩷
Thank you to the TRWA for such a special place |
Townsend | TN |
| Kim Moore | Madison | MS | |
| Randal Graham | In Memory of Jean Graham | Knoxville | TN |
| Erica Waechter | In Honor of my Mother, Mary Della Coenish, an avid reader. | Madisonville | TN |
| Joseph Isaac | Maryville | TN | |
| Debbie Dickie | Townsend | TN | |
| In Honor of Danielle Elise Deener | Maryville | TN | |
| Karen Eberle | Townsend | TN | |
| Anonymous | Everywhere | US |
The plan for the funds received from our donors and sponsors!
Nature Learning/Storytelling Library
This Library will be located at the entrance to the Nature Learning Center containing books and other materials to be used at the Nature Learning/Storytelling Circle or any of the many seating areas at the TRWA.
- Outdoor Library Structure (Similar to a Little Free Library Structure)
- Books and Reference Material on all aspects of Nature for all ages to be used at our proposed Nature Learning/Storytelling Circle or to sit and enjoy anywhere at the TRWA.
- Storybooks for family reading and storytelling that can be used at our proposed Nature Learning/Storytelling Circle or other areas of the TRWA.
- Activity and Game Materials such as Scavenger Hunt, Nature Bingo, Coloring pages and more.
Nature Learning/Storytelling Seating Area in the Round
This area will be located between the Learning/Storytelling Library and the existing Children's Discovery Garden. It will have many uses including a place for group activities and also Individual or family activities. Activities such as: Nature Learning Activities, Storytelling, and more.
- Bench Seating in the Round
- Activities Table in the Center
- An Oversized Storytelling / Teaching Chair
- Gazebo style roof over the seating area..
- Crusher Run/No. 10 stone and geocells for structure for ground under seating area.
- Crusher Run/No. 10 stone for area under activity table.
Sensory Path & Garden in the Children's Discovery Garden.
We will design the path and garden to stimulate the senses, connect with nature, explore. and provide relaxation and stress relief experiences. The garden will be incorporated with a sensory walk and will provide multi underfoot textures, multiple colors for the eyes, a variety of flower and plants for scents and taste activities
- Install a walking path in the front area of the Children's Discovery Garden that will be built with many path elements like: multi textured wood surfaces, multiple variety of stones, grasses, herbs and more!
- Garden areas around the path planted with a variety of plants to stimulate many of the senses.
- Wind chimes and other sound features
- Interactive learning elements.
The Discovery Bridge
A bridge linking the Nature Library and the Nature Learning/Storytelling Seating Area in the Round & Children's Discovery Garden
- Install Bridge with handrails.
- Paths leading up to the bridge and then to the Nature Learning/Storytelling Seating Area in the Round will be made accessible with Crusher Run/No. 10 and and geocells for structure.
- Learning Activities will be situated along the bridge such as animal print identification.
