2017 TN Naturalists@Ijams visit the world of mammals

 The 2017 edition of TN Naturalists@Ijams held its fourth class last Saturday.  

This class was devoted to mammalogy, the study of mammals.  

Ijams' own part-time veterinarian Dr. Louise Conrad, taught the class. Dr. Louise oversees the care and well being of all the Ijams adopted and injured education animals. She has been connected to the nature center for over 20 years; first as a volunteer, then as part of the staff.

The class began indoors with a mammal class and a visit from our lame opossum then proceeded outdoors for a reconnaissance of places where mammals are generally seen especially along the river and wetland and a look for tracks. The group also had a one-on-one visit with our new adopted inquisitive gray squirrel. 

This is the fifth year the statewide program has been taught at Ijams. In all, it's 12 classes held once or twice a month until November. After students finish the 40 hours of classes and the required 40 hours of volunteer work, they become certified Tennessee Naturalists.
 
The next May class focuses on birds.

For a look back at our previous classes, click:

Trees

Wildflowers

Introduction

  

- Supplied photos by naturalist student and commercial photographer 

Kristy Keel-Blackmon. Thank you, Kristy!