Thanks, Randy. I'd encourage everyone (if you haven't already) to visit Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge. I had never visited until getting involved with the Legacy Parks Foundation and, though I had high expectations, was quickly impressed. The diversity of wildlife, privacy, the quiet serenity of the French Broad River, and the remarkable views of the Smokies and surrounding ridges are unmatched in Knox County. There is a five mile long, unpaved walking path that travels around the refuge (and for a mile or so along the French Broad River). On a typical day at Seven Islands, you might not see any other visitors.

Pete Claussen has provided a remarkable personal example to all of us of the importance of giving back to the community and providing a legacy for future generations. The Legacy Parks Foundation enables all of us to get involved in promoting parks, green space, and the expansion of our greenway system. It's an exciting time.

I cant believe I havent heard of this until now. Its only about 13 miles from my house. I'm going to head up there this weekend. Do you know if you can bike around the path or just walk (pedestrian only)?

It is an amazing place that seemingly changes aesthetic with each visit. The management team should be commmended on its sustainable approach. Along those lines, they do controlled burns of the native species, I believe each fall. Be sure to check it out if you have the chance! You may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle.

I'm not sure about bicycles. I'm confident they're not allowed on the trails; however, there is a closed road through the center of the park that might allow bicycle access. I'll send an email to the Parks folks and let you know.

Last year, my wife and I started paddling kayaks on flatwater. Our first few trips were on the French Broad from 7 Islands to the takeout on Kodak Rd about 5 miles down. By the end of the year, we'd been on that river at least 15 times.

Sitting in my boat looking downstream the first time, it appeared to be the same scene painted on the baptismal in the church where I grew up - serene, lush and mysterious. Particularly mysterious that it actually exists in Knox County.

In February, I bought a couple of used boats. Though still quite cold, we took them to Claussen Landing to try out. The "For Sale" sign was up on the land that has now been purchased for the park extension and, in fact, I inquired about it. The idea that it should be married up with the Claussen Landing property and provide a substantial "southside" to the rest of the park was obvious.

As we rolled into town yesterday, returning from a canoe and kayak festival in Charleston, I read this news with sheer delight. I can't express how happy this makes me for our community.

A thousand thank you's to those involved from the Legacy Parks Foundation and the French Broad Preservation Assoc.

Bicycles are not allowed in the refuge at this time. This issue might be revisited, according to Doug Bataille, when the pedestrian bridge is built.

Thats a bummer. Thanks for asking/finding out.

Sounds like you need to take up Kayaking!

I thought about that. I havent done it before so I dont have a clue..I wonder if you can rent one around Ktown? Do you know where to start/end at on the river?

Seven ISlands is a wonderful place and yes, you will see Bald Eagles, red Tailed Hawks, Buzzards, and other wonders out there. Pileated woodpeckers abound (or they used to) and you can hear them for miles along the river.

I was raised two farms downstream from what is now the preserve. I used to ride my pony all over those hills and we would have to stop and wait in the ditch as the dump trucks went by. They used to dredge sand from the river there and the dump trucks hauled it out. My mother still lives on the farm where I grew up.

I've got many lovely memories of those hills and the river. I am so glad it has been preserved and left for others to make their own memories.