Knoxville TN, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a Homecoming event on November 8. The free event will include hands-on activities, guided hikes, and a silent auction, aiming to bring the community together to celebrate nature education and stewardship. Visitors can participate in various events, including a contest to name an animal ambassador homecoming queen or king, all while enjoying the center’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Knoxville will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ijams Nature Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nature education and stewardship. The Ijams Homecoming event is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be free to the public.
The event will feature a variety of hands-on activities suitable for all ages, historic materials, guided hikes, and refreshments. It will take place at the Ijams Visitor Center, located at 2915 Island Home Ave. in South Knoxville, making it accessible for local community members and families.
Amber Parker, President and CEO of Ijams, highlighted the importance of this milestone in the organization’s history, noting that it began when H.P. and Alice Ijams purchased 20 acres along the Tennessee River over a century ago. Since then, Ijams has evolved from a family homesite into a bird sanctuary and small park, ultimately growing into a leading nature education center that serves over 620,000 visitors annually.
The Ijams Nature Center spans 320 acres, featuring a lake, ponds, river access, climbing areas, hiking and mountain biking trails, and a visitor center that hosts educational programs. The Saturday event is designed to honor this rich legacy and involve the community.
A short program will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., which will include remarks from past Executive Directors Bo Townsend and Paul James, Amber Parker, and City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, providing a retrospective of Ijams’ contributions to the community over the past five decades.
The celebration will also include a unique silent auction where artwork created by the center’s animal ambassadors will be available. Winning bidders will not only receive the art but also a photo of the animal and a story card about it. Animal Program Coordinator Savannah Blackman remarked that non-toxic, water-based paint was used for this artwork, ensuring safety and ease of removal.
Among the participating animals, Trinity, a three-legged female Eastern box turtle, will engage visitors by creating artwork while wheeling across her canvas on a skateboard. Additionally, there will be a contest to name an animal ambassador homecoming queen or king, where attendees can purchase “vote” tickets for $1. The proceeds from these votes will support the care of non-releasable educators, amounting to approximately $20,000 annually.
To further mark the occasion, donations of $50 for Ijams’ 50th anniversary or new memberships will include a special Ijams Nature Center sticker. A program titled “What Children in Nature Can Teach Us,” presented by former Ijams senior naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For nature enthusiasts, guided hikes led by qualified naturalists will be available at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., offering insight into the local ecology and conservation efforts. That afternoon, the Ijams Nature Preschool will also host an alumni homecoming and picnic for students and families at the original Ijams Homesite.
While the Ijams Homecoming is free, registration is requested to aid in planning and logistics. For more information and to RSVP, interested individuals can visit the pathway provided by Ijams.
FAQ
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What is the date and time of the Ijams Homecoming event?
The Ijams Homecoming event is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Where is the Ijams Homecoming taking place?
It will take place at the Ijams Visitor Center, located at 2915 Island Home Ave. in South Knoxville.
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What activities will be featured at the event?
The event will feature hands-on activities for all ages, historic materials, guided hikes, and refreshments.
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Is there a cost to attend the Ijams Homecoming?
The event is free; however, registration is requested for planning purposes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | November 8 |
| Event Time | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Location | Ijams Visitor Center, 2915 Island Home Ave., South Knoxville |
| Cost | Free (registration requested) |
| Main Activities | Hands-on activities, historic materials, guided hikes, silent auction, refreshment |
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Times: Ijams Nature Center Celebrates 50 Years
- WATE: Ijams Nature Center Hosting Housewarming for New Bat House
- WBIR: Ijams Nature Center Reopens Boardwalk
- Knox News: South Knoxville Trail to Connect to Ijams Nature Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ijams Nature Center
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
