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
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Friday, August 12 | 5:30-11 pm
Movies Under the Stars continues with Shawshank Redemption! Help with setup, guest registration, trash, recycling, and breakdown. Learn More and Register
IJAMS HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 13 | Multiple Shifts
This month is the annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival: A Celebration of Wings, and Ijams needs you! There are 35 open volunteer spots for this event. Volunteers will do everything from direct traffic to assist the bird banders. Learn More and Register
PICKIN' ON NATURE
Thursday, August 25 | 4:30-9 pm
Listen to cool tunes while you help with setup, registration, trash, recycling, and breakdown. Learn More and Register
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: GHOSTBUSTERS
Friday, August 26 | 5:30-11 pm
Movies Under the Stars continues with Ghostbusters! Help with setup, guest registration, trash, recycling, and breakdown. Learn More and Register
TWILIGHT AT IJAMS: SET UP CREW
Sunday, September 11 | 10:00 am-2 pm
Help set up for Twilight at Ijams. Email volunteer@ijams.org to sign up.
Upcoming Volunteer Workdays
VOLUNTEER TRAIL WORKDAY ON THARP TRACE
Saturday, Aug. 6 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team at Mead's Quarry Adventure Camp by 9:30 am and then hike to Tharp Trace to continue work on a new section of trail. Learn More and Register
VOLUNTEER TRAIL WORKDAY AT KEYHOLE
Saturday, Aug. 20 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team at Mead's Quarry Adventure Camp by 9:30 am and then hike to the Keyhole to remove non-native, invasive plants. Learn More and Register
VOLUNTEER TRAIL WORKDAY ON PINK MARBLE TRAIL
Saturday, Aug. 27 | 9:30 am-12 pm
Meet the Ijams Natural Resource Management team at Mead's Quarry Adventure Camp by 9:30 am and then hike to Pink Marble Trail to remove non-native, invasive plants. 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
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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.