Joy Grissom has always loved rescuing things she found, but now she focuses on saving native plants that make East Tennessee unique.
As co-founder and director of the Native Plant Rescue Squad, a nonprofit started in 2015, Grissom works to save native plants threatened by construction and land development.
The group partners with builders, developers, and landowners to dig up native plants before they are destroyed during clearing or building projects.
These rescued plants are then sold, used for education, or planted to restore natural habitats. Restoration means returning land to a healthier, more natural state by planting native species that support local wildlife.
Rescuing plants is hard work. Grissom describes it as “boots on the ground” and physically demanding, often racing against time to save plants on large sites before development begins.
Education is also key to the group’s mission. They teach developers, students, and the public about why native plants matter and how to care for them.
Restoration starts with a detailed site consultation. The team advises landowners on which native plants to use, how to maintain them, and how to create a thriving ecosystem.
Bringing back native plants helps attract insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, all vital parts of the local environment.
Volunteers play a big role at the Native Plant Rescue Squad’s base at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. They pot and prepare native plants like yarrow, black raspberry, and evening primrose for sale.
Volunteer Lynne Davis, who joined after retiring, enjoys working with the plants and learning alongside others. She appreciates how native plants are resilient and can thrive with little care if planted in the right place.
By saving and sharing native plants, the Native Plant Rescue Squad helps protect East Tennessee’s natural beauty and supports the wildlife that depends on it. Their work is a vital part of conserving the region’s unique environment for future generations.
