Ijams talk

On Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m., I will be speaking at the next meeting of TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning) in the Craft Room, Oak Ridge Civic Center.

My talk is about the history of Ijams Nature Center, tracing its roots back to 1910 when Alice and H.P. Ijams built their home (pictured above) on 20-acres of land on the Tennessee River in South Knoxville.

Alice and H.P. (Harry Pearl) were more comfortable outside than in. They created gardens, trails and ponds but the young couple left most of their property wooded and wild, establishing a wildlife sanctuary they shared with the public. The couple also taught classes in bird identification and gardening while championing conservation issues. Their property became the cornerstone of the 175-acre nature park that honors their legacy today. In many ways, Alice, H.P. and their four daughters—Elizabeth, Jo, Mary and Martha—were this area's original "green" family.

TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning) is dedicated to achieving and perpetuating protection of natural lands and waters by means of public ownership, legislation or cooperation of the private sector. While their first focus is on the Cumberland and Appalachian regions of East Tennessee, their efforts may extend to the rest of the state and the nation.

- Photo: Original Ijams' home became the first Visitor Center for the park

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