| Discover Nature: Ijams Nature Center |
| Written by Shannon Cournoyer | |||||
| Tuesday, 01 July 2008 | |||||
|
The Visitor Center will probably be your first stop. Here, you'll find the exhibit hall with exhibits such as those focusing on extinct and endangered species. Original owner of the property, H.P. Ijams, a well-known birder, was fascinated by the decline of the passenger pigeon so there is an exhibit on this bird here today. The passenger pigeon was so numerous that a flock flying overhead could darken the sky for hours but became extinct in 1914. Another exhibit here is the ivory-billed woodpecker, a large bird that was believed to be extinct since 1944 but might have been recently rediscovered. This exhibit is interactive so it's great for kids. Ijams Nature Preserve was founded, in a way, by Harry (H.P.) and Alice Ijams, who Executive Director Paul James describes as "Knoxville's original green family." The Ijams built their home on 20 acres on Island Home and developed it into a wildlife sanctuary with nature trails. H.P. was an avid birder and artist, Alice a horticulturist and member of local garden clubs. The family welcomed others to the property and a Girl Scout camp was located here.
After they passed away, the city purchased their property and called the area Ijams Memorial Park. The name changed to Ijams Nature Center in 1976. In 1990, another 60 acres from a state land grant were added to the property. Their Visitor Center opened in 1997 and, in 1998, visitors could walk along the Tennessee River on a new boardwalk. The size of the property continues to grow. A 28 acre parcel on a high bluff was donated then Mead's Quarry across the street from the original property was added. This old quarry was buzzing with activity in the 1800s but went out of business in the late 1970s. A site with derelict buildings and a place where people dumped garbage such as tires, refrigerators and TVs, it took a lot of volunteers helping with the cleanup to bring it once again to beauty. A 25 acre lake fed by natural springs and a 1 ½ mile trail, which leads you to a view of Mount LeConte on a clear day, make this a place worth visiting. Now 165 acres, more than 100 additional acres will be joining Ijams soon. The Georgia Marble Quarry next door will have cave entrances blocked for both safety and because a rare salamander calls these caves home. Soon after, cleanup will begin on this second quarry. A new situation with America's children, "nature deficit disorder," has been discussed lately. Many kids are losing touch with nature and Ijams Nature Center has programs which James says will "get children excited and comfortable in the outdoors." Their "First Child in the Woods" program has four different levels from age 2 through 14 and teaches children about nature. Summer Camp at Ijams offers age-themed camps from July 7 to 25, 9 am-4 pm. Advance Registration is required. They also offer a series of 22 programs called "Living Clean and Green" with subjects such as recycling, air quality and organic gardening. Ijams offers individual and group memberships. At the Family level, some programs become free-of-charge while others are discounted. The park itself is open from 8 am until dusk throughout the year but the Visitor Center is open shorter hours. There is no admission fee. For directions or to learn more about Ijams Nature Preserve, phone 577-4717 or visit www.ijams.org
Upcoming Events July 19 - Elementary Explorers July 26 - Living Clean and Green - Air Quality August 8 - Bat Night August 12 - Living Clean and Green - Science Café August 16 - Living Clean and Green - Composting August 23 - Living Clean and Green - movies September 5 - Bug Night - Kids learn about bugs then catch them in nets with prizes awarded for different categories.           
Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.12 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved. |
|||||
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Ijams Nature Center is an oasis in the heart of Knoxville. This wildlife sanctuary teaches about nature and offers a place to spend time in the midst of it. For walkers, bikers and hikers, Ijams offers a total of seven miles of hiking trails and is part of the 3 ½ mile long Will Skelton Greenway.
.jpg)