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 East Tennessee landscapes to helping with special events or providing assistance at the Volunteer Information Desk, there are so many ways to get involved at Ijams!

Volunteer Opportunities

Ijams simply would not be Ijams without the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time and talents to this nonprofit nature center. If you are looking to be a habitual volunteer here at Ijams, the following volunteer opportunities are broken into 4 main positions.  

Volunteer

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Education

Teach others about nature! Volunteers lead school group hikes, assist public programs, set up touch tables and information booths, and more. You don’t have to know every rock, tree, and bird. You just need to be enthusiastic and want to share your love of the outdoors with others.

Natural Resource

Wrangle some weeds! With more than 315 acres to care for, Ijams needs folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get dirty! Trail volunteers maintain more than 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 East Tennessee. From the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival and Ijams River Rescue to the nature center's largest fundraiser, Ijams' Symphony in the Park, volunteers assist in every aspect of Ijams events. Every month has opportunities to help with events, big and small.

Behind the Scenes

Get in on the action! In every nonprofit organization, “behind the scenes” volunteers are the 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.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

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July 11 | Trail Maintenance Workday | 10 am-Noon

Help keep Ijams' beautiful trails clean!  

This will largely be an introductory workday for those who have yet to experience light trail maintenance; seasoned trail volunteers are welcome to help share skills and experience. Sign up to Volunteer

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July 18 | Weed Warriors Workday | 10 am-Noon

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Come see what it means to be a Weed Warrior!
 

Ijams will be hosting a Weed Warrior invasive removal in Universal Pond in the Visitor Center Plaza. A short training will be given at the beginning; all equipment will be provided. Sign up to Volunteer

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July 25 | Pop-Up Cleanup | 10 am-4 pm 

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Lend a hand while you walk the trails! 
 

This pop-up event is for people who are at Ijams on July 25. Ijams will provide grabbers and bags at the Visitor Center. This is a Good Samaritan opportunity, so there is no online registration required for this cleanup. However, there will be a sign-in list at the tent that can be used to track hours.

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July 29 | Weedin' Wednesday | 9:30 am-Noon 

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Please join Ijams on the last Wednesday of the month for some garden work!

There are several spaces throughout Ijams that need a little TLC.  The work will vary from month to month, but will always have plenty to do for all skill levels, so don't feel like you have to be a botanist! Sign up to Volunteer

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July 29 | Volunteer Orientation | 2-3 pm and 6-7 pm 

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Come hear why Ijams Nature Center is a wonderful place to do volunteer work! 
 

During this orientation, you'll learn about the history of Ijams, as well as the various ways volunteers give back to Ijams and how you can get involved.

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Register for 2 pm Session | Register for 6 pm Session

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QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

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Please email Ijams' Volunteer Coordinator, Madelyn Collins, for more information at mcollins@ijams.org. 

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Looking for Online Volunteer Orientation? [Please do not take unless you've been in contact with Madelyn]  Download slides here.