Outdoor opportunities to give back and make friends

Today we’re looking for ways to support your community while meeting people with similar interests. It’s cheaper than joining a gym and probably safer than looking for friends online.

Knox County offers bird watching clubs, running clubs, bike clubs, and trash pickup on streets and streams. There are hiking clubs, hiking clubs and more. Your best source for these opportunities is Friday’s KnoxTNToday.com or the Legacy Parks Foundation’s outdoor Knoxville events calendar, compiled by Elle Colquitt.

Gifts for everyone. Check out the high-quality gifts that support Tennessee State Parks. Here.

Best bets from Elle Colquitt’s outdoor Knoxville calendar

Knox birds: Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m., UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Room 118. Free. Info: Knoxville Chapter TN Ornithological Society. The meeting begins with bird watching and club business, followed by an entertaining program of favorite bird photos, short trip reports and more. All visitors welcome.

Knoxville Social Bike Tour: Thursday, December 5th, 6 p.m., Kerns Food Hall. Free. Info: Bike Walk Knoxville. Join us for our second quarterly meeting to connect with other community members interested in biking, walking and improving safety on our roads. We want to hear your ideas about the future of cycling and walking in Knoxville and share ways you can get involved.

AMBC working day: Saturday, December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Forks of the River. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. We will carry out maintenance projects. At lunchtime there is a lunch with cold drinks on ice. AMBC provides the tools. Bring gloves, goggles and water.

Norris Dam State Park: Park Sign Volunteer Workshop: Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. Meet AmeriCorps Sarah Parker at park headquarters to help us improve our park signage. We will be repainting old signs and painting new signs that we find throughout the park. Register online. Free. Information: Norris Dam State Park at 865-426-7461.