Ijams Nature Center invites the public to participate in future planning for the nonprofit nature center at an open house this Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1-3 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

“If you’ve got some great ideas about the future of Ijams or want to know more about the new Nature Preschool and other programs, we hope you’ll attend,” said Ijams Executive Director Amber Parker. “This event is part of the public information-gathering stage for the nature center’s strategic planning process and the feedback we receive will help Ijams develop comprehensive goals and objectives for the next five to seven years.”

People who attend the open house will be able to discuss all aspects of Ijams, including plans to open a new nature preschool in 2018, trail use, volunteering, membership, family and adult programs, events, recreation and rentals.

Ijams also is conducting a brief public survey to gather information about how people view and use the nature center. To participate in the survey, visit www.Ijams.org and select the link on the nature center’s home page.

Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit, 315-acre educational nature center for all ages, abilities, and walks of life. 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 Ijams grounds and trails are open every day from 8:00 a.m. until dusk. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.Ijams.org or call 865-577-4717.