Ijams offers ways to beat boredom by exploring the surrounding world.
Throughout the summer, Ijams will present programs to both entertain and inform. The summer series kicks off with a relaxing evening walk on June 7 at 8.
“There will be a short program on different topics,” Todd Witcher, earth’s flag coordinator, said. “The group will then go on trails to look for night time animals such as owls, bats and opossum. It’s a very leisurely walk through the park.”
Bargain hunters should go by the nature center on June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as they host the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Rummage Sale.”
“It’s basically a giant rummage sale to benefit our education program,” Witcher said. “We encourage people to come by; we usually have a variety of items from boats to books and art to tools.”
Ijams also asks for donations for the sale through the week of June 9.
“People are encouraged to donate,” said Sharon Beach, office assistant. “We’re not selling clothes or computers, but we’ll take books, housewares and some furniture.”
Introduce a child to nature by taking them to the “Nature Preschool” on June 19 or June 21.
“The program is for ages 3 to 5 years,” Witcher said. “The program is designed to introduce little ones to the natural world through game, crafts and walks.”
On both days classes begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.; children must be accompanied by an adult.
KUB and WBIR Channel 10 are sponsoring “Living Clean and Green Workshop-Air Quality and Green Energy” on June 20 at 7 p.m.
“The workshop is one of our major programs held throughout the year,” Witcher said. “We will talk about reducing energy consumption and then tour the solar plant.”
Unravel the mystery of the lightening bug on June 21 at 8 p.m. A short tell-all session about the bug will be followed by a walk to see the insect in its natural surroundings.
Water lovers can join Ijams in a canoe trip on the Tennessee River.
“We just go up the river looking at whatever we might see.” Witcher said.
The canoe trip is scheduled to last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Learn more about pesky bugs on July 12. “Bug Night” beginning at 8 p.m.
“The program focuses on insects,” said Beach. “We’ll have stations set up where people can temporarily catch an insect and have it identified. People can also bring one in.”
If music suits more than bugs, Ijams is hosting a summer concert. Righteous Groove, a funk band with a horn section, will be the featured act. Attendees can either bring food or enjoy treats from Backyard Burgers and Marble Slab. The show is set to start at 6 p.m. on July 19.
The summer fun will end with a bang on August 16. Nattie Love Joy will perform reggae with AKA Rudy opening.
Prices for an event are determined by membership status as well as the event itself. Call 577-4717 for more information.
