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Join Ijams for a public program rooted in the restoration of East Tennessee’s native landscapes!
Once certified, participants will receive a sign to place on their property!
Join the effort!
This step-by-step, multi-level certification program is designed for individuals and organizations who want to conquer their own space and restore native landscapes. As part of this program, you’ll:
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Learn how to properly identify and remove invasives through hands-on experience.
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Discover how invasives and native plants affect local ecosystems and the watershed.
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Help educate others about the importance of native Tennessee landscapes, and create lasting, positive changes in your community.
As individual properties are restored, Ijams Weed Warriors will weave a tapestry of welcoming habitat for native wildlife that will offer increased resiliency and balance to local ecosystems.
Ijams Weed Warriors Native Landscape Certification
East Tennessee’s native landscapes are threatened. Exotic and/or invasive plant species are affecting important habitat on which plants, animals, and humans rely.
Ijams has been educating and training community members to fight these invasive foes at the nature center and other locations through the Ijams Weed Warriors Program. Now it’s time to tackle where you live and work!
Certification Levels
Each level focuses on new aspects of removal and restoration to increase knowledge and skills. Once you register for the program, simply complete the steps for each level before moving on to the next!
LEVEL 1: REMOVE & REPLANT: BASICS
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Learn four common invasive plants and how to remove them.
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Remove these species from your property.
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Replant disturbed areas with native plants.
LEVEL 2: REMOVE, REPLANT, & RESTORE: ABIOTIC
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Maintain Level 1 and learn how to keep these invasive plants from returning.
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Learn new invasive species and how to remove them.
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Remove these species from your property.
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Replant disturbed areas with native plants.
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Learn how to restore soil, water, and nutrient cycles.
LEVEL 3: REMOVE, REPLANT, & RESTORE: BIOTIC
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Maintain Levels 1 and 2, and learn how to keep these invasive plants from returning.
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Learn new invasive species and how to remove them.
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Remove these species from your property.
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Replant disturbed areas with native plants.
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Learn how to assist in restoring biodiversity.
Cost
A one-time $35 fee includes all educational courses, hands-on workdays, and guidance for all three levels. Upon completion of Level 1, you'll receive a yard sign certifying your property. Level 2 and 3 stickers will be provided upon completion of these levels. Current Ijams members receive a $5 discount on this program!
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Let's get started!
1. REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM
REGISTER HERE for the Ijams Weed Warriors Native Landscape Certification Program before registering for anything else. Remember, current Ijams members receive a discount on the program fee!
Level 1
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1. REGISTER FOR LEVEL 1
2. REGISTER FOR A WORKSHOP
Register in advance for one "Level 1 Workshop." These workshops are 1.5 hours long and will go over prominent invasive species in the area, how to remove them, and alternatives to plant in their absence. Workshops happen once a quarter. See below for dates and sign up!
Nov. 9, 2024 - 2:00 PM I Register Here
March 1, 2025 - 9:00 AM I Register Here
July 26, 2025 - 9:00 AM I Register Here
Nov. 15, 2025 - 9:00 AM I Register Here
3. ATTEND A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Workdays occur on most Saturdays, and advanced registration is required.
REGISTER HERE for a volunteer workday.
4. CONDUCT INVASIVE SPECIES INVENTORY
Conduct an inventory of the invasive species targeted in Level 1 on your property.
5. REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES
Use the knowledge you learned during the workshop and workday to begin invasive species removal. Upload photos of your work. Share your restoration journey and encourage others by posting photos of your process on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #ijamsnativelandscape.
6. PLANT NATIVE SPECIES
Time to restore! Plant native species where you removed invasive plants. Upload photos of your completed work.
Not sure what native species would do well in your area? Visit Native Plant Rescue Squad, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the rich diversity of native flora in East Tennessee.
7. COMPLETE REPORT FORM
Fill out this form to show you have completed Level 1. Ijams staff will contact you to pick up your certified native landscape yard sign, which you can proudly display. Congratulations! It's time to move on to Level 2!
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Level 2
Coming soon!
Level 3
Coming soon!
If you have questions, please contact the Public Programs Team at publicprograms@ijams.org