The Clayton Family Foundation is supporting Ijams with a grant of $10,000 toward the operations of this 300-acre urban green space. A member and visitor supported non-profit park, Ijams is the gateway to the South Loop of Knoxville’s renowned Urban Wilderness.
Founded by H.P. and Alice Ijams in 1910 at their homesite in
South Knoxville, the park originally began as a land conservancy and wild bird
sanctuary. The Ijams’ were involved with the planning of Knoxville’s 1913
Conservation Expo, as well as the promotion of the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. In keeping with the forward thought of its founders, Ijams
Nature Center has continued to grow to meet the needs of our changing community.
Sixteen years ago, Ijams was an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary with
just over three miles of hiking trails. With the acquisition of the Meads and
Ross Marble Quarries, in 2001 and 2007 respectively, Ijams grew to 300 acres
and has since developed over 12 miles of multi-use trails that are open and
free for public use. The modern Visitors Center, built in 1997, boasts live
animal and historical exhibits, a live raptor display, plus educational and
social programs for children, adults and families.
Thanks to the generous support of philanthropic individuals
and organizations like the Clayton Family Foundation, Ijams Nature Center is
here for everyone to discover and explore.
Ijams is a 300-acre urban green space encouraging stewardship of the natural world by providing engaging outdoor
experiences.
For more information, please
contact Mary Thom Adams at 865-577-4717, ext. 117 or email mtadams@ijams.org.
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