Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the mission of Ijams?The mission of Ijams Nature Center is to increase the knowledge of, understanding of and appreciation for the natural world by providing quality educational experiences throughout the region. The grounds shall remain a sanctuary for the enjoyment and interpretation of its natural features.
- What is your annual operating budget?Ijams' fiscal year FY05 (July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005) annual operating budget was approximately $640,000.
- What are your funding sources?
| City |
18% |
| Fee for service |
22% |
| Grants/Donations |
13% |
| Membership |
13% |
| Special Events |
12% |
| Program Fees |
14% |
| Endowment Interest |
5% |
| Other |
3% |
| Total |
100% |
- How many current corporate partners do you have?Currently, Ijams has 35 corporate partners from the local community.
- What is your total membership?Around 920 households
- What types of programs do you offer?
Educational Programs
Urban environmental education workshops
Onsite school field trips
Offsite school & community group outreach programs
Day camps
School-based solid waste reduction programs
Teacher workshops
Girl & Boy Scout badge workshops
Solid waste reduction and sustainability programs
Air quality education
Recreational Programs
Public programs including owl prowls, bat walks, frog watches, etc.
Offsite hikes to Great Smoky Mountains and Big South Fork
Trail race
- What conservation activities do you undertake?
River Rescue -- community-wide, volunteer-led clean up of 50 miles of the Tennessee River shoreline
Waterfest -- booths, demonstrations and learning activities about our most precious resource…water
Plant Rescue Site -- rescuing plants from development sites and sharing with community groups
- How do you use volunteers at Ijams?Ijams is fortunate to have a strong base of volunteers who help us with a diverse array of needs from
park maintenance, to leading nature walks, to helping with special events to office and administrative duties.
- How many volunteer hours are logged annually?Approximately 6,000. Almost 1,500 hours are kindly provided from local scout troops alone.
- How many and what type of positions does your staff encompass?Ijams
employs 13 people. These full and part-time positions incorporate park
maintenance, education, marketing & development and administration.
- Why should I become a member?Ijams
is a unique facility in Knoxville, offering quality educational
experiences for the whole family, particularly school-aged children in
low-income areas. The park grounds are also open to the general public
free of charge, and your membership funds can keep it that way.
- What are the membership levels?
Student/Senior Citizen - $20
Individual - $30
Family - $50
Donor - $100
Supporter - $200
Patron - $300
Benefactor - $500
Associate - $1,000
Grand Benefactor - $1,500
Ambassador - $2,500
- What are the potential benefits to my company and employees from a corporate membership?Higher-level
membership benefits include a free nature program for a number of
employees and free facility rental opportunities for your company.
Ijams is available to rent for staff retreats, board meetings or
employee picnics.
- What are your short-term future plans?To maintain the quality of our environmental education programs and the
wildlife sanctuary which is our park, increase public and private support and diversify our funding base. Also, we are currently enhancing our exhibit hall and visitor center plaza as well as
developing new interpretive signage.
- What are your long-term plans?To increase public awareness of our park and programs,increase membership numbers and revenue, improve and expand visitor services
around the park and maintain and expand
educational programs.
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