We are proud to share that Carex Design Group owner and Knoxville landscape architect Bob Graves has been honored with Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s Felicia Award. This award is given annually to an individual who has exemplified the mission of Keep Knoxville Beautiful to inspire and empower Knox County communities to improve their quality of life through beautification and environmental stewardship.

“It is truly an honor to receive The Felicia Award,” said Graves. “Keep Knoxville Beautiful has been a meaningful part of my life in Knoxville and I’m humbled to be recognized with such a prestigious award.”

Graves first got involved with Keep Knoxville Beautiful by volunteering to help with landscaping improvements and a litter pick-up in Alex Haley Heritage Square at Morningside Park near downtown Knoxville. After that, he became an active volunteer with the organization, serving on the board from 2012 to 2017, including two years as president of the board.

During his service, Graves led Keep Knoxville Beautiful through a time of rapid change prior to the hiring of the organizations current executive director Alanna McKissack. Graves also worked with the board to conceive of and launch Beautification Mobs, which included projects such as the Daffodil and Crepe Myrtle planting along the I-275 corridor north of downtown Knoxville.

“It’s been a real pleasure to be able to contribute my landscaping knowledge and passion for the environment to Keep Knoxville Beautiful,” said Graves. “I hope that my contributions have helped make Knoxville a cleaner, greener and more beautiful community for our friends and neighbors.”

Keep Knoxville Beautiful was founded in 1978 to help “clean up” prior to the 1982 World’s Fair. The organization educates students and the public about waste-prevention, litter, recycling, and environmental stewardship; facilitates and supports litter pickups that make our roads and local waterways cleaner; creates and protects outdoor murals in the county; and hosts beautification mobs to make Knoxville a more beautiful and interesting place to live and visit.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful will announce the winners of its beautification awards through February 26, 2021 on Facebook. All proceeds benefit Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s programs. For more information, please visit the organization’s website.