Ijams Nature Center
2915 Island Home Ave
Knoxville, TN 37920
Contact Information:
(865) 577 - 4717 ext. 1012
Mission:
To encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban greenspace for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences.
Located three miles from downtown Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center is an environmental education center visited annually by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. With 318 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, and creeks, Ijams is perfect for students, families, and nature lovers of all ages.
Education Programs:
In school - class time or virtual programs, Field Trips (day trips or overnight), Camps (summer, fall break or spring break), Public Programs, Early Learning Programs, Community Science
Program Details:
Field Trips: Ijams Nature Center offers classes a unique outdoor education experience. Students engage in inquiry and experiential learning designed to deepen their connections to place and each other while fostering their natural curiosity. Most of the pre-designed field trip offerings can be adapted for grades K-12 unless otherwise indicated. Some of our field trip offerings include Ecosystem Exploration, Sense of Wonder, Watershed Investigations, Journey Through Geology, Nature’s Recyclers, and Adaptations in Action. For more information and to submit a field trip request form, visit https://www.ijams.org/field-trips.
Homeschool Days (ages 5-12): During Ijams Homeschool Days, Ijams staff inspire students to explore classroom concepts in a natural context through inquiry and experiential learning. All sessions are held fully outside, with exceptions for visiting animal exhibits, inclement weather, or at the discretion of Ijams educators. Programming is designed to deepen students’ connections to place, with each other, and with the natural world, all while fostering their curiosity. To learn more about themes and to register, visit https://www.ijams.org/homeschool.
1. Schoolyard Investigations (PreK-12)
Focus Areas: Nature Exploration in the Schoolyard
Description: Ijams educators bring hands-on nature exploration to your schoolyard, helping students connect with the environment right outside their door. Activities include wildlife observation, habitat studies, and interactive lessons tailored to different grade levels.
2. Animal Outreach Programs (All Ages, including Adults)
Focus Areas: Wildlife Education, Conservation, Adaptations
Description: Our live animal programs bring animal ambassadors to your school, offering an up-close look at native wildlife. Educators provide engaging lessons on animal adaptations, conservation, and the important roles these species play in our ecosystems. Programs can be adapted for any age group, from preschoolers to adult learners. Learn more about Schoolyard Investigations and Animal Outreach at https://www.ijams.org/ijams-outreach
Ijams Nature Center Camp Programs:
Spring Break & Fall Break Camps (Ages 6-12)
These seasonal camps offer a week of adventure, discovery, and outdoor fun. Campers explore the forests, creeks, and meadows of Ijams through guided hikes, nature-based games, arts and crafts, and up-close encounters with wildlife.
Summer Camp (Ages 3-15)
Ijams Summer Camp provides immersive nature experiences tailored to different age groups:
Preschool Camp (Ages 3-5):
A play-based, sensory-rich introduction to nature, featuring story time, hands-on activities, and safe outdoor exploration.
Discovery Camp (Ages 6-9):
A fun-filled week of outdoor adventures, animal encounters, creative projects, and exploration of Ijams' diverse habitats.
Adventure Camp (Ages 8-12):
Campers take on bigger challenges like shelter building, and other wilderness skills while deepening their connection to nature.
Wilderness Camp (Ages 13-15):
A transformative experience where teens build outdoor skills, embrace new adventures, and grow as leaders while supporting one another.
Adult Camp (Ages 21+):
Who says camp is just for kids? Ijams’ Adult Camp offers grown-ups the chance to reconnect with nature through guided hikes, paddling trips, campfire cooking, arts and crafts inspired by the outdoors, and much more! Perfect for those looking to learn new skills, meet like-minded nature lovers, and enjoy a bit of nostalgic camp fun!
Learn more at https://www.ijams.org/camps
Public Programs:
At Ijams, adults, families and children can get outdoors and connect to nature in myriad ways. From paddling programs and hiking clubs to the Tennessee and Junior Naturalist Programs, guided workshops, and hikes with a naturalist—there’s something for everyone to explore! To view and learn more about the full selection of public programs visit https://www.ijams.org/public-programs or reach out to Public Programs Manager, Katharina Livar, at klivar@ijams.org.
Early Learning Programs:
Ijams Nature Play Club:
Exploratory Play and Learning for Kids 3-5
OUTSIDE PLAY ALL MORNING
Low Child-to-Teacher Ratio
Social, Emotional, and Community-Based Development
PART-TIME: Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Learn more at https://www.ijams.org/nature-play-club
Ijams Nature Preschool:
Exploratory Play and Learning for Kids 3-5
Low Child-to-Teacher Ratio
Outside Play Every Day (At Least 50% Each Day)!
Social, Emotional, and Academic Kindergarten Preparedness
DHS licensed child care facility
Learn more at https://www.ijams.org/nature-preschool.
Community Science:
Get involved in real scientific research by volunteering for programs like NestWatch, Caterpillars Count, and Avian Point Counts! Whether you're monitoring bird nests, surveying caterpillars, or observing local bird populations, your contributions help to gather valuable data to help protect our local wildlife!
Interested in volunteering or have questions? Reach out to Public Programs Manager, Katharina Livar, at klivar@ijams.org.
Website and Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/ijamsnaturecenter?igsh=enR0ZnNxNWVvZGNk
