Wildlife Photograph

Ijams Is a Stop On the Appalachian Quilt Trail

Tuesday November 07, 2006

During your trips to Ijams Nature Center or down Island Home Avenue in the past month or so, you probably noticed a bright touch of artwork that has been added to the Ijams landscape. The front of the shed located across the street from the Ijams entrance now boasts a quilt block painted by Karen Nolt.
Ijams Nature Center is a part of the Appalachian Quilt Trail, which stretches through the entire Appalachian region and is a project of the Rural Conservation and Development Districts. Homeowners and businesses throughout the Appalachian region whose properties include a suitable outbuilding were asked to host a block. Each block is a traditional quilting pattern and is approved by the Knox County Committee for Authenticity and Visual Aesthetics. Each block has its unique color scheme, pattern of geometric shapes and name; the one appropriately chosen for Ijams is called Garden Walk.
The idea behind the Appalachian Quilt Trail is that it will stimulate economic development in rural areas by encouraging tourists to journey out to see each quilt block on the trail. The hope is that artists, growers, restaurateurs and hotel owners in these areas will see a boost in business while tourists travel along the trail and that these tourists will repeat their trips to these rural destinations in the future.
The Appalachian Quilt Trail project is being supported by regional groups like the East Tennessee Foundation and Knox County Parks and Recreation. More information about the project can be found at Ijams Nature Center or by calling Jane Pearce at 524-7857, Fiona McAnally at 523-7263 or Karen Nolt at 215-6610. We encourage you to do your part in supporting regional business and craftspeople; start your trek down the Appalachian Quilt trail at Ijams.

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