The East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) are a group of environmental professionals focused in public education and outreach regarding the diverse ecosystems of the East Tennessee region. Our work is funded through a 604(b) grant to the East Tennessee Development District from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. In the 2023 calendar year, the program will be focused in the rural counties of: Cocke, Monroe, Campbell, Grainger, and Union Counties.

What We Do

Water Quality Workshops

The topics covered include the importance of clean water, sources of water pollution, and ways individuals can contribute to water conservation and protection efforts.

Informational Materials

ETEE develops and distributes informational materials, including brochures, posters, and online resources, to raise awareness about water quality issues and provide practical tips for individuals to reduce their environmental footprint.

Community Engagement Events

ETEE hosts various events such as community fairs, river clean-ups, and watershed awareness campaigns. These events aimed to educate residents about the local water quality challenges and promote environmentally friendly practices. ETEE also partners with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to expand the reach and impact of these events.

Interpretive Signage

ETEE implements interpretive signage projects in strategic locations in Big Ridge State Park and Sunset Bay Marina. These informative signs are designed to provide engaging and accessible information about local water quality issues, their impact on the environment, and potential solutions. By placing these signs in parks, nature trails, and other public areas, ETEE aimed to educate and inspire individuals to make informed decisions regarding water usage and pollution prevention.

If you are interested in ETEE installing FREE informative signage at your park or marina, please contact us.

Collaborative Partnerships

ETEE actively collaborates with local government agencies, conservation organizations, and other community stakeholders to leverage resources and maximize the impact of their programs.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact us! We’d love to make more community connections.

Notable Impacts

On April 12th, 2023 ETEE held a public workshop for the Sunset Bay Community and Homeowners Society. This workshop focused on lawn and dock care for homeowners that had waterfront or waterfront adjacent properties. Following our meeting, the Sunset Bay HOA voted to adopt many of the recommendations into their community bylaws. These changes included:
- New riparian area requirements
- Native vegetation requirement for landscaping in new and existing properties
- Changes to professional lawncare services in shared community areas including switching to phosphate-free fertilizer applications and changes to mowing instructions to preserve riparian areas