Water Quality Forum

WaterFest 2026

WaterFest will be making a return to Ijams Nature Center on May 6, 2026! This year’s theme will be “The Ripple Effect,” where students will learn the ways in which water filters down and impacts our lives through interactive science-based activities and performers! WaterFest is open to Knox County, Lenoir City, Maryville, and Oak Ridge area Grade 2-5 students (public, private, & homeschooled). The event is completely free and the Water Quality Forum will provide all the resources you will need for each activity. If you are a teacher interested in registering your class for this year’s event, please reach out to Charlie at ccowart@ijams.org. 

Interested in Sponsoring WaterFest?

WaterFest is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through engaging hands-on activities and live performances, students will learn about the water cycle, water quality, and the crucial role that water plays in supporting diverse wildlife. Together, we can empower these young minds to become champions for our water resources! 
 
To make this event a success, we aim to raise $9,000, and we would love your support. We invite you to join us as a sponsor or donor. Your generous contribution will not only help us fund this educational experience but will also enhance your visibility in our community. 
 
We have created tiered sponsorship options to acknowledge your generous support: 
  • Rainfall Donor (Donation of any size): Your logo featured on our website. 

  • Tributary Donor ($250): All previous benefits, plus recognition during the event. 

  • Pond Donor ($500): All previous benefits, plus recognition at our winter and spring public Quarterly Meetings.  

  • Great Lake Donor ($1,000): All previous benefits, plus a booth at the event to showcase your commitment to environmental education. 

  • Watershed Donor ($2,500 or more): All previous benefits, plus a featured spotlight in our quarterly newsletters and social media, highlighting your support as a leader in environmental stewardship. 

We would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further and explore how we can partner together for WaterFest 2025. Please feel free to reach out directly at archie.collins@waterqualityforum.org. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to create a wild and wonderful WaterFest!  
 

WaterFest 2026 Donors

Great Lake Donor ($1000+):
TNWRRC | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Pond Donor ($500+): 
Logos & Seals - City of Knoxville

Rainfall Donor (any size donation):

 

 

Interested in Exhibiting at WaterFest?

Every year, WaterFest hosts a diverse array of organizations and businesses who make WaterFest all that it can be! Exhibitors are responsible for planning and executing some sort of water-related game, craft, or activity for attending students to cycle through. In the past, that has included trivia games, live-animal presentations, watercolor painting, bottle rockets, paper boat races, etc. We urge you to let your imagination run WILD! This is a great way for your organization to get involved in the local community and show your support for children’s environmental education. 

Direct any questions to ccowart@ijams.org