In the fall of 1998, a group effort by Foothills Land Conservancy, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and Ducks Unlimited secured a 524-acre wetland refuge along Ninemile Creek in Blount County.

The $1.9 million used to purchase the property was provided through the state of Tennessee’s Wetlands Acquisition Fund, and financed through a percentage of the state’s land transfer fee. Ducks Unlimited provided a $60,000 donation and the Lyndhurst Foundation donated the thousands of hardwood trees necessary to restore key bottomland habitat. This wetland refuge, now called Kyker Bottoms Wildlife Refuge, is managed by TWRA and open to the public.

Attractions include 135 acres of wetland, 513 acres of early successional plant communities and oak savannas, over 110 bird species, small game youth hunts, bird banding, educational research, and a quail demonstration area.  For birding enthusiasts, Kyker is one of the best places in east Tennessee – and especially the greater Knoxville area – from fall through spring to view a large variety of hawks, sparrows, and depending on water conditions, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Rare birds recorded at Kyker include Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow, LeConte’s Sparrow, and Brewer’s Blackbird.

Places like Kyker Bottoms matter, because bird habitats in East Tennessee are critical. They support a healthy ecosystem, which provides benefits like clean water, pest control, and pollination opportunities for other species. Birds are also sensitive indicators of environmental health; their well-being reflects the overall condition of our vital natural resources, and protection of their habitat ensures the safety of so many other species. (Birdwatching is also fun and beneficial for mental and physical health!)