Staff Directory

Dial (865) 577-4717 and at the message dial 1 then the extension below:

To contact Staff by email, please click on the name below.

Paul James	Executive Director	18
Stephen Lyn Bales	Marketing Manager/Naturalist	19
Sheila Goforth	Receptionist & Shopkeeper	10
Marielle Robertson	Bookkeeper	35
Pam Petko-Seus	Wildlife Biologist	31
Peg Beute	Public Programs, Living Clean & Green	14
Sarah Brobst	Scouts, Camp Programs	24
Louise Conrad	Animal Care Assistant	32
Sabrina DeVault	Outreach/Earth Flag Coordinator	16
Kimberly Womack	Development Assistant	23
Kara East	Educator/Naturalist	15
Ed Yost	Park Manager	29
Ben Nanny	Park Manager's Assistant	22
Sally Judiscak	Development Manager	17
Emily Boves	Outreach	12
Jennifer Moore	School Trips, On-Site Programs Coordinator	30

Recent News

May 21, 2010 - Ijams celebrates milestone
We honor our roots, Ijams family legacy 1910-2010

April 24, 2010 - Spring Plant Sale: Sat. April 24
Buy native trees, shrubs, wildflwers and grasses

February 27, 2010 - Bales is luncheon keynote speaker
Rose Glen Literary Festival in Sevierville

January 30, 2010 - Paul James wins leadership award
'40 Under 40' for 2009 recently announced

January 20, 2010 - Help double our membership
Let's grow to 2010 in 2010

December 26, 2009 - WWW celebrates first 20 years
Ijams a part of the Smokies' event for 5th year

December 12, 2009 - Smokies/Ijams mark anniversaries
National park celebrates 75 years, Ijams 100

November 14, 2009 - Do holiday shopping at Ijams
Gift shop offers cards, books, nature items

October 31, 2009 - New solar exhibit to use old wood
Recycled lumber from old shed gets second life

October 17, 2009 - Symphony in the Park a big success
24th Annual Fundraiser nets $42,000

October 04, 2009 - Ijams Fall Plant Sale & Garden Fest
25th annual event set for Sunday, October 4

October 02, 2009 - Clearance art sale: Oct. - Nov.
Reception, Friday, October 2, 6 - 9 PM

September 18, 2009 - Ijams takes part in Big Read
Two programs explore 'Bless me, Ultima's natural themes

August 01, 2009 - All dinosaur products 20 percent
Good variety of toys, books left in the gift shop

May 23, 2009 - Congratulations!
Porter student wins 'Ijams Prize' at science fair

May 02, 2009 - Membership gets new look
Your support helps us maintain park/programs

August 04, 2007 - Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Ijams very thankful for all volunteers

July 28, 2007 - Ijams, UT staff visit International Crane Foundation
Crane husbandry is topic of delegation's visit

July 14, 2007 - Stars come out for Symphony in the Park
David Keith is guest artist, Sherri Lee to be honored

July 07, 2007 - Ijams' Prius gets eye-popping 'blue-sky' makeover
Education vehicle promotes the hybrid technology

June 30, 2007 - Rainforest Jewelry: New in the Ijams museum shop
A great place to shop with no hassle

June 23, 2007 - Nature Day Camp still has openings
Summer sessions run June 11 through July 27

June 23, 2007 - Annual Earth Flag Banquet celebrates school year
Awards given for a job well done

May 31, 2007 - Ijams stonework carries on rich tradition
Volunteer's build walls with native stone

May 30, 2007 - Environmental Education Internships
Internship opportunities for 2007-08

May 26, 2007 - WaterFest attracts over 900 students
Annual event hosted by Water Quality Forum and other partners

May 20, 2007 - Annual Yard Sale is Saturday, June 9.
Donations needed. Free pick up. Call Todd 577-4717, ext. 30.

May 19, 2007 - Symphony in the Park set for Sunday, September 9
Silent and live auction items needed. Call Pam 577-4717, ext. 31

May 12, 2007 - Living Clean & Green does 500th program
Sponsored by Knox County Air Quality Management and the Alcoa Foundation and WBIR Channel 10.

May 05, 2007 - River Rescue, shoreline cleanup, draws 750 volunteers
Sponsored by Sea Ray Boats, First Tennessee and T.W.R.A.

April 21, 2007 - UT Press publishes Lyn’s first book
Book signing at Ijams Saturday, May 5

April 07, 2007 - Ijams to host two free teacher workshops
Get in-service credit this June and July

March 31, 2007 - Quarry restoration continues with topsoil grant
Native warm season grasses planted

March 31, 2007 - Ijams attends crane festival in Port Aransas
Annual event draws thousands

March 24, 2007 - Notable Trees of Tennessee at Ijams
Photography Exhibit in Visitor Center through April 30

March 17, 2007 - Spring Plant Sale set for Saturday, April 14
Features native plants, crafts and live music

March 12, 2007 - Local scouts clean up Stanton Cemetery
Staff, volunteers restore historic site at Ijams Mead's Quarry

March 10, 2007 - 18th River Rescue is Saturday, March 31
Volunteers clean area shorelines along Tennessee River

March 03, 2007 - Crane champion Archibald, author Cokinos visit
Special guests welcomed at nature center

February 24, 2007 - New summer camp brochure available
New sessions offered in 2007

February 17, 2007 - Monthly newsletter gets new look for spring
Members' newsletter gets fresh, new look

January 22, 2007 - New volunteer program begins at Ijams

January 16, 2007 - Winter Blooms
Do you make a habit of visiting Ijams in the spring to see all of the beautiful blooms? Try it in the winter! Read here to learn what you might see.

January 08, 2007 - From the Ground Up: Ijams in Winter
Don't let the cold keep you cooped up. There are beautiful things to see at Ijams. Read about some of them here.

January 02, 2007 - Living Clean & Green! gets a polishing
Join us for First Friday on Market Square for the re-launch of Ijams' Living Clean & Green programs! Read about it here!

January 02, 2007 - Ijams takes a technological step forward

December 15, 2006 - Show Us Your Mussels

December 13, 2006 - Ijams Gift Shop is a Great Place to do Holiday Shopping

December 08, 2006 - From the Ground, Up: Ijams Get WHIPped Into Shape
From the Ground Up is the monthly contribution from Ijams' Park Manager. It's a look at what's really going on at the park.

December 01, 2006 - Ijams Nature Center Achievements, 2006
As the year draws to a close it is a good time to look back and reflect on Ijams Nature Center’s achievements this past calendar year.

November 14, 2006 - The Wild Turkey
Read an interesting and brief history of the bird that's become a major part of an American tradition.

November 07, 2006 - Ijams Is a Stop On the Appalachian Quilt Trail

November 06, 2006 - Good News for Volunteers!
Soon, we'll be revamping our volunteer program to improve our perks. Read all about it here.

November 01, 2006 - The Long-Term Future of Ijams Nature Center
Read what's going on at Ijams now that will help us become even better in the future!

October 23, 2006 - Job Opening: Development Officer

October 16, 2006 - Camouflage: The Natural Alternative to Being Eaten
Animals have many methods of adaptation and survival. Read about one that humans have borrowed!

October 16, 2006 - Great Deals in the Gift Shop
From October 17 until November 18 members and current volunteers will receive double the usual gift shop discount. Read on...

October 03, 2006 - From the Ground Up: The Story of the Land
As it turns out, people have been appreciating the beauty of Ijams for much longer than you might think. Read here to see for yourself.

October 02, 2006 - The Importance of Native Plants
Ijams' Fall Native Plant Sale and Garden Festival is on Sunday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read this article to learn why using native plants in your garden is so important.

October 02, 2006 - Time for School Holiday Camp at Ijams
Ijams offers School Holiday Camps on many of the days on which Knox County Schools are closed for holidays or in-service. Read here to learn more about it.

August 31, 2006 - Constellations in our Night Sky

August 25, 2006 - It's August: Pirates and Assassins - Oh My!
Read about one of the meanest looking bugs at Ijams!

August 21, 2006 - From the Ground Up: The History of Stanton Cemetery
From the Ground up is a monthly article that gets "right to the root" of Ijams Nature Center.

August 17, 2006 - Ijams Opens New Exhibits
Read all about how your Ijams experience will be even more exciting!

July 24, 2006 - Speaking of Spiders
Ever thought of a spider as cute, clever or complicated? This might help.

July 17, 2006 - From the Ground Up: How to Use Water Wisely
Read here to learn how to make the most of a rainy day.

July 10, 2006 - Humans and Wildlife Must Share Their Homes
As we encroach on green spaces in order to build our homes contact with wildlife becomes more likely. Read about it here.

June 15, 2006 - The Longest Day
The Summer Solstice is on June 21. Read all about its history and significance.

June 08, 2006 - From the Ground Up: Younglife and Ijams
From the Ground Up is a monthly contribution from Ijams' Park Manager. It provides a view behind the scenes at the nature center.

June 01, 2006 - Heres to a Clutter Free World
Ijams' Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rummage Sale (Jun 10) will benefit our environment in many ways. Here's a story about one of them.

May 19, 2006 - There is Much to Learn Through Myrmecology
More than you ever thought you'd learn about ants and their lives.

May 15, 2006 - From the Ground Up: Unplug the Kids
Read here to learn how to beat Nature Deficit Disorder!

May 11, 2006 - Self Discovery of an Ornithologist at Heart
Executive Director Paul James lends some insight into the life of an amateur ornithologist.

May 09, 2006 - Ijams Holds Another Successful River Rescue
Read what we hauled out of the muck this time!

April 24, 2006 - What's Behind a Cloud
Spring is a great time of year to lie back in the grass and enjoy some beautiful cloud formations. Read here to learn how to interpret what you see.

April 17, 2006 - The Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rummage Sale and Why We Call it That
Learn how you can do your part for your enviroment and Ijams Nature Center by taking part in the Sixth Annual Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rummage Sale.

April 03, 2006 - Artfully Ijams will Open Soon
This month Ijams will host Artfully Ijams, the first ever nature and wildlife art show at the Nature Center. Artwork by local and regional artists, which was juried by a panel of local art experts, will be on public display throughout the Visitor Center April 7-29. Read more about it here!

April 03, 2006 - From the Ground Up: Why Exotic Plants are Harmful
This monthly article, contributed by Ijams' Park Manager, lends insight into what's really going on at Ijams.

March 16, 2006 - Come Take a Walk at Ijams
If you're looking for company on your stroll or someone to tell you what you can find on a walk on our trails, read this story.

January 19, 2006 - Winter Olympic Pins Support Ijams' Bid for Cranes
This is a truly unique way you can support Ijams in our efforts to acquire non-releasable whooping cranes. Read more and download a sponsorship form...click here!

January 09, 2006 - Artfully Ijams: Spring 2006 Nature Art Show and Auction
Ijams is planning a brand new event; we want you to take part! Read here for more information or to download your Artist's Entry Form.

January 02, 2006 - Provide for the Birds and You'll Reap the Rewards
Here are some helpful tips to help you attract lots of colorful visitors to your yard.

December 30, 2005 - Another Volunteer Year Draws to a Close
Volunteer Coordinator Patti Brown thanks Ijams' devoted volunteers in this year-end article.

December 26, 2005 - From the Ground Up: Recycle Your Tree at Ijams
Whether you're considering taking your tree to the dump or just might leave it up until St. Patrick's day, read this.

December 22, 2005 - The Benefits and Beauty of Evergreens
Evergreens make beautiful Christmas trees. Read all about the benefits of planting them in your yard.

December 16, 2005 - Last Chance to Register for School Holiday Camp!
This year, give your kids something fun to do on their Winter break!

November 24, 2005 - Junior Naturalists Have a Blast and Learn a Lot at Ijams!
By taking part in Ijams' Junior Naturalist Program, kids can learn what it's like to be an Ijams naturalist.

November 17, 2005 - The Movements of Migration
You've heard that birds fly south for the winter, but there's much more to it than that. Read here to learn what migration really means.

November 10, 2005 - From the Ground Up: What Fall Brings to Ijams
Read here to learn what's really going on at Ijams.

November 03, 2005 - What's in Store for Ijams Members this Winter?
Read a little about what Ijams members have been up to...and what's planned for them in the future.

November 03, 2005 - Ijam Bird Seed for Sale!
The coming winter means hungry birds! Keep your back yard buddies well fed with Ijams seed, for sale now in the Visitor Center.

October 26, 2005 - From the Ground Up: Ijams' Energy Efficient Cooling System
Read here to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on at Ijams.

October 19, 2005 - Why the Leaves Change Color in the Fall
Ever stop to wonder what's going on around you when the weather starts to turn a little colder? Read on...

October 17, 2005 - Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut, Sometimes You Don't
There are lots of nuts at Ijams Nature Center! Read why we love 'em.

October 13, 2005 - From the Ground Up: The History of Mead's Quarry
Click here to read the real story behind Ijams Nature Center.

October 13, 2005 - Knox County Schools Fall Break Means Fun at Ijams!
Read about how your child can take advantage of Ijams' School Holiday Camps.

August 31, 2005 - Ijams has a New Outreach Coordinator
Read here to learn about our new staff member and the work he will do as Outreach Coordinator.

August 22, 2005 - Catch the Volunteer Spirit this Fall at Ijams
Read here to find out how to become an Ijams Volunteer Naturalist. Adventure awaits!

August 15, 2005 - The American Goldfinch
This article discusses some interesting facts about this colorful bird, including some tips on how to attract them to your yard.

August 08, 2005 - From the Ground Up
A monthly article by Ed Yost, Ijams' Park Manager. Read here to learn what's really going on at Ijams.

August 01, 2005 - Volunteer Opportunities at Ijams Abound
Ijams relies on its volunteers to put on events, offer programs and otherwile fulfill its mission. We can always use your help . Read about some of the things volunteers at Ijams can do.

July 12, 2005 - Social Insects
Social insects are considered humanlike in the way they work together to live. Read about several types of insects that rely on cooperation for survival.

July 01, 2005 - Be A Wild One for Ijams this Summer!
Read about fun to be had at Bug Night, plus how you can support Ijams by cooling off with a free Icee at Burger King!