Wildlife Photograph

Ijams Nature Center Achievements, 2006

Friday December 01, 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.

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.  Key highlights include:                                                                                                        Living Clean & Green!: Major grants were received from Knox County Air Quality Management and Alcoa Foundation to continue this urban environmental initiative that has reached 11,000 participants since October 2002. The air quality initiative, The Air We Breathe, previously funded by Knox County, was incorporated into Living Clean & Green! to reach a broader audience.  
    Earth Flag Program: Knox County Solid Waste continued to underwrite this program that works with 35,000 students and teachers in over 80 area schools. The program’s impact is huge; 200 tons of paper and cardboard and 13 tons of food have been diverted from landfills this year.
    16th Annual River Rescue: The Tennessee River is always there and so is the trash, but Ijams is getting better at cleaning it up! 13 tons of trash (including 89 tires) from 36 sites were removed this year. Thanks to all the 600+ volunteers who gave their time.                                                                                                 11th Annual WaterFest: 820 students participated in the largest ever WaterFest. 15 water-related activities were staged for students to discover the importance of clean water and learn key environmental concepts behind recycling and air quality.           Lost Species Exhibit: Ijams opened a new permanent exhibit entitled Lost Species showcasing the story of the long lost ivory-billed woodpecker and the extinct passenger pigeon. Ijams’ first full-color exhibit guide and multi-media kiosk accompany the exhibit. The exhibits have been a much needed makeover to the visitor center atrium.
    Media Exposure: In addition to extensive coverage by the News Sentinel and WBIR TV-10, Ijams was supported by two new media sponsorships from ETPTV and WUOT 91.9 FM. Ijams was also featured in the statewide Tennessee Conservationist magazine.                                                                                                  21st Annual Symphony in the Park: A hardworking auction committee led by Ijams’ Board members, coupled with the magnetic charm of special guest artist UT men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, resulted in Ijams’ most successful fundraising event ever. Symphony netted $75,000 for Ijams this year, twice the amount raised in 2005, and entertained a record 470 guests.                                                                             
    New Vehicles: Through generous grants, Ijams was able to purchase two vehicles, a Nissan pickup truck and a Toyota Prius hybrid. Special thanks to the City of Knoxville and Knox County Air Quality Management.

Finally, thank you to all our members and Board Members. Your generous support is vital to our success and provides the solid foundation on which to achieve all the above successes and much more.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the new year!

 

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