Vertical gardening is a new trend that is certainly on the rise. Whether you are space-challenged, or just looking for a little height, vertical gardens can be a great way to maximize your space and get great results; image courtesy of Ijams

If you’re looking for fun things to learn or do while you’re at home, Ijams Nature Center can help.

While the Ijams Visitor Center has closed and all programs have been canceled in response to COVID-19, the staff continues to share educational resources and information to educate, inform and inspire.

The nature center has launched a new Ijams E-Learning Station on its website. The new page features a variety of scavenger hunts for kids, tips on composting or creating pollinator gardens, and more.

“A lot of things are uncertain right now, but Ijams Nature Center is here for you,” Ijams Executive Director Amber Parker said. “While we can’t be together in person, we still can connect as a community and share the wonders of the natural world.”

The staff also is sharing ways to engage with and learn about nature on Ijams’ Facebook (@ijamsnaturecenter) and Instagram (@ijamsnaturecenter) pages.

Hummingbirds love the colors red and pink, are especially attracted to tubular flowers; Image courtesy of Ijams

“Nature is amazing, and technology is a great way to share it,” Parker said. “The staff has been working on short videos to teach people about invasive species removal, share river cleanup triumphs, and inspire the artist in everyone.

“You’ll find posts about fungi, frogs and flowers, and we hope followers will share what they discover too,” she said. “Inspiration awaits us in the nature of this moment. Let’s experience it together.”

With no program or event revenue for the foreseeable future, Parker said the nature center would appreciate donations of any amount to help bridge the gap.

“Several people already have donated to help during this pandemic, and that means the world,” Parker said. “The staff is working remotely to the extent possible, and the natural resource and river teams continue to maintain the grounds and clean up the river. Supporting Ijams now can help sustain the nature center until Ijams is able to resume regular operations.”

Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit, 315-acre educational nature center for all ages, abilities and walks of life. Ijams’ mission is to encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban greenspace for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences. Located just three miles from downtown Knoxville, Ijams features 12 miles of hiking and mixed-use trails, a public access river dock, swimming, boating, biking and more. The center offers hundreds of educational programs annually, from school field trips and off-site programs to on-site outdoor and classroom education programs that focus on topics from birding and wildflowers to yoga hikes, cooking classes and art programs. The Ijams grounds and trails are open every day from 8 a.m. until dusk. For more information, visit Ijams.org.