Volunteer
Looking for a fun way to give back and make a difference? Join Ijams' team of dedicated volunteers! From removing invasive species and restoring native landscapes to helping with special events or assisting visitors, there are many ways to get involved at Ijams!
Volunteer Opportunities
Ijams would not be Ijams without the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time and talents to this nonprofit nature center. If you're looking to be a habitual volunteer at Ijams, volunteer opportunities are broken into four main areas:
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Wrangle weeds! With more than 318 acres to care for, Ijams needs folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get dirty! Trail volunteers help maintain 12+ miles of trails throughout the grounds by mulching, weeding, and removing invasive species.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Host a great party! Volunteers are essential in helping Ijams with some of the biggest and best events in the region. From the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival and Ijams River Rescue to the nature center's largest fundraiser, Twilight at Ijams, volunteers assist in every aspect of Ijams events. View Upcoming Events
BEHIND THE SCENES
Get in on the action! In every nonprofit organization, “behind the scenes” volunteers are unsung heroes. They answer phones, help visitors navigate the trails, assist with office work, take care of the bird feeders, and generally keep the place running smoothly!
LITTER PICKUP
If you love nature and hate litter, you can anytime during the Visitor Center's regular business hours to help with litter pickup. Ijams has seven parking lots and 12+ miles of trails. Just check in at the front desk, and staff will supply you with tools and help you choose a location. Stay as long as you like, and when you finish, just return your supplies to the front desk and check out.
Want to Volunteer?
To get started, please fill out this simple online survey. Once you have completed the survey, the Ijams Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about open volunteer positions.
For details, email the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ijams.org or call 865-577-4717.
Upcoming Special Events
Upcoming Volunteer Workdays
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WEED WARRIOR WORKDAY ON THARP TRACE
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 9:30 am-12 pm
November's Weed Warriors Workday focuses on the behavior, characteristics, and history of one of Ijams' top four problematic invasive plants, winter creeper. Learn More and Register
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY ON DUNN STREET HILL
Saturday, Nov. 26 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team at the main overflow parking lot by 9:30 am then hike the newly created trail to Dunn Street hill, where you'll help tackle English ivy. Learn More and Register
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY AT GRAYSON SUBARU PRESERVE
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team and then hike to Grayson Subaru Preserve, where you'll help tackle Chinese privet, one of Ijams' top four invasive plant species. Learn More and Register
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY ON IMERYS TRAIL
Saturday, Dec. 10 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team and then hike to Imerys Trail, where you'll help tackle winter creeper, one of Ijams' top four invasive plant species. Learn More and Register
WEED WARRIOR WORKDAY, CHINESE PRIVET AND BUSH HONEYSUCKLE
Saturday, Dec. 17 | 9:30 am-12 pm
December's Weed Warriors Workday focuses on the behavior, characteristics, and history of two of Ijams' top four problematic invasive plants, Chinese privet and bush honeysuckle. Learn More and Register
Get Involved!
QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
Please email Volunteer Coordinator Sammy Shorey for more information at volunteer@ijams.org.
Looking for Online Volunteer Orientation? (Please do not take the orientation quiz unless you've been in contact with Sammy, but feel free to read.) Download Slides
Can you think of other creative uses for your talents? Let Ijams put your skills to work to make the world a better place!
To learn more about volunteering, please contact Ijams Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ijams.org.