New Prospect Presbyterian Church Building; image courtesy of Ijams

KNOXVILLE - The Presbytery of East Tennessee has made a historic and generous donation of New Prospect Presbyterian Church along with its surrounding 15.7-acre property to the Ijams Nature Center, marking a significant collaboration rooted in shared values of community service, environmental stewardship, and education. Located at 4920 New Prospect Road in South Knoxville, this site includes two buildings and preserves 10.7 acres of diverse woodland, providing a prime setting for expanding nature-based educational programs.

Rev. Dr. Wendy Neff, General Presbyter of the Presbytery, highlighted that the congregation’s decision to close the church came with a desire to leave a meaningful legacy for the community. The congregation expressed their wish for Ijams Nature Center to receive the property, aligning with mutual commitments to stewardship of creation and education. The Presbytery enthusiastically approved the gift, seeing it as an investment in the future, particularly for children, education, and the transformative power of nature.

KGIS Map Property Outlines; image courtesy of Ijams

Ijams Nature Center plans to utilize the space as the new home for its Nature Preschool and establish an early learning center dedicated to supporting educators in creating nature-based programs in other communities. This expansion will enhance partnerships, outdoor classrooms, experiential learning environments, family engagement initiatives, and professional development opportunities for educators focused on nature-based teaching models.

Leigh Feld, Ijams’ Early Learning Director, emphasized that the project is more than just a relocation; it represents an innovative model for early childhood education—hands-on, curiosity-driven, and grounded in natural experiences. The plan includes collaboration with Anderson School Head Start, located adjacent to the property, reinforcing the commitment to making nature-based education accessible to children from diverse backgrounds.

Ijams Board President Carl Van Hoozier, Jr. described the gift as transformational, strengthening Ijams’ mission and positioning the center as a regional leader in early childhood nature education. Amber Parker, Ijams President & CEO, called the donation a milestone in the organization’s 50-year history, underscoring the profound impact outdoor learning has on building confidence, resilience, and wonder in children.

Aerial View of New Prospect Presbyterian Church Property; image courtesy of Ijams

The transition and phased development of programs at New Prospect are underway, with further details about renovations, enrollment growth, and community involvement forthcoming.

Founded in 1975, Ijams Nature Center is a 320-acre nonprofit in Knoxville dedicated to fostering stewardship of the natural world. It provides extensive trails, recreational opportunities, and hundreds of educational programs annually, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities. The Presbytery of East Tennessee continues to support regional Presbyterian congregations and community-strengthening ministries through faith, service, and stewardship.

For more information about Ijams Nature Center and upcoming initiatives related to the New Prospect property, visit Ijams.org or call 865-577-4717.