Who We Are
We are four students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville raising funds to support Ijams Nature Center. As residents of the Knoxville community, we recognize the need for continual awareness of the nature surrounding us. Our mission is to raise money for Ijams, so they can combat the overgrowth of invasive species with the purchase of native plants.
The four of us exploring the beauty of Ijams
Ijams is a 315-acre nature center located in Knoxville, dating back to the early twentieth century. This non-profit organization focuses on connecting our community with the natural world. Ijams offers a variety of ways for visitors to discover nature and all that it has to offer. They provide environmental education programs, hiking trails, paddle boarding, and rock climbing for any individual searching for an outdoor adventure.
A nature trail at Ijams Nature Center
What We Need
We have set a fundraising goal of $1,500 for Ijams to expand their efforts in protecting their nature center against invasive, non-native plants and ivies such as Kudzu. The money our campaign aims to raise will enable Ijams to replant one acre of land with healthy, local vegetation.
Your tax-deductible donation will help Ijams thrive with native species, providing wildlife with safe food sources and habitats. The focus will be on purchasing seed producing plants and berry producing shrubs, which will act as continual nourishment for birds and deer in the area. The purchase of these plants will not only help restore Ijams, but also to prevent further harm the invasive species have caused.
What You Get
We greatly appreciate any and all donations and have a variety of perks included for contributors. For a $10 donation, you can claim a social media shoutout on our Facebook page. When you donate $25, you can choose between two colors of a t-shirt. For a $100 donation, we will make a professional and personalized video for you or your company to share on its social media pages!
How It Helps
The purchase of native vegetation will not only directly effect Ijams and the wildlife who inhabit it, but the community as a whole. Ijams is a staple in Knoxville, and provides a refuge for individuals of all ages searching for an outdoor retreat. The flourishing of native plants will help to revitalize Ijams Nature Center, keeping it safe as Knoxville’s local treasure.
The Ijams' Quarry on a Sunny day
How Else You Can Help
If you are interested in contributing to our campaign but cannot currently donate, there are many other ways you can support Ijams!
Spread the word by sharing our campaign to your friends and family by liking and sharing our Facebook Page and Indiegogo page. Become an Ijams Nature Center member or sign up to volunteer today! Ijams can be reached via email, at chassil@ijams.org, or via phone, at (865) 577-4717. We greatly appreciate all donations towards the Vols For Ijams campaign.
“It’s a place where living with the earth and caring for the earth become one and the same.” -Ijams