Programs

Earth Day Plant Swap

Bring your plants to the Nature Center for Earth Day, 2026! This is the Wade Bourne Nature Center's annual plant swap, a friendly get together for trading and giving away cuttings, plants, cacti, seeds, etc. If you don't have plants to trade but want to meet plant people and talk about green thumbs, that's ok to! 

Pre-registration is only required if you want a designated table space to set up your plants. Table space is limited. This is an outdoor event, in the McGregor and Holleman Pavilion (pavilion at the end of the parking lot across from the Nature Center). Please dress for the weather. Refreshments will be served. 

Before the Plant Swap:

Its a good idea to start generating cuttings now, if possible, or, you can bring them in plastic bags, straight out of the ground! No fancy potting necessary. If you have extra pots or gardening containers, we can use them as well. 

When it's plant swapping time:

Bring plants or cuttings to trade/share to the McGregor and Holeman Pavilion. Seeds, succulents, cacti & bulbs are all welcome. Arrive as early as 9:30 am, (event is from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm) tables will be available for setting out plants. If you reserved a space, you are free to set up on 1/2 of a picnic table. If you are new to the plant world and don't have cuttings to share, please join us to learn and take home a new plant!

Label your plants with the scientific (if you know it) and common names & general care instructions. We will have paper and pens onsite. 

Be prepared to chat and mingle!

(No bugs or diseases, please.) 

This program is FREE to all. All ages welcome, refreshments will be served. 

Register to reserve a picnic table for your plants. We will have carts available to borrow to transport plants from your vehicle to the McGregor Holleman pavilion and volunteers to assist. Please arrive 15 minutes early (9:45am) to set up your table before the plant swap begins. Attendees not bringing large amounts of plants do not need to register as this is a drop-in program.

Tails on the Trails

Join us for Tails on the Trails, a partnership with Montgomery County Animal Care and Control and Parks & Recreation! Participants will meet Parks & Rec staff and MCACC staff at Rotary Park, where they will be paired with a shelter dog for the day. After a guided group hike, participants will keep their dog with them until returning them to MCACC at the end of the day. Families are encouraged to join; participants must be 18+ and approved by MCACC for the Check Me Out program prior to attending the hike.To fill out an application for MCACC Check Me Out program, please visit Montgomery County Animal Care and Control during operating hours or email Christy J. Bollinger-Bastin @ cjbollinger-bastin@montgomerytn.gov 

Meet at the Nature Center, Program is scheduled for Wednesdays from 12-1:30PM. 

• April 1
• May 13
• August 5

Register here

DIY Garden Series

Join us as we prepare for the 2026 growing season! This garden series is your step-by-step guide to achieving a successful harvest. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned gardener, you can participate in the full series or drop in for specific topics that interest you.

Wednesday classes combine indoor informational sessions with outdoor, hands-on experiences to provide practical reference and implementation for each topic in the Community Garden.

Come grow with us and cultivate your gardening skills!

This program is after hours in the Hand Family Community Room at the Wade Bourne Nature Center. Please enter through the back door on the deck, around the corner of the right side of the building.

Register here

Nature Camps at RichEllen Park!

-Camps at Rotary Park Fill up fast!  So we have opened a second location at RichEllen Park!  

The Banquet Hall will turn into a Nature Camp for the summer, equip with specimen, aquariums, plants, critters and outside has trails, woods, a creek and wildflowers to explore!  Inside is air conditioned and has restrooms.  

Just 15 minutes from Rotary, and all of the same fun!

• This 5-day camp offers an opportunity for your child to live out a day in the life of a zoologist, botanist, geologist, entomologist, and ichthyologist. Participants will learn and participate in a new nature adventure each day. Ages 6-8, 8-11, and 12-15.

Register here

Snakes of Tennessee

Discover the fascinating world of snakes native to Tennessee in this fun and educational program for all ages! Learn about their habitats, behaviors, and important role in the ecosystem, see a live snake up close, and gain a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.

This program is held at the the South Guthrie Community Center 5025 Guthrie Rd, Clarksville, TN. 

Register here

Pond & Beyond

A healthy pond starts with a strong filtration system, balanced ecosystem, and regular maintenance. In this program, we’ll explore the different parts of a pond filter and how they work together to keep your water clear and your fish thriving. This is a drop-in program, no registration necessary! Meets at the pond outside the Nature Center (by the restrooms).

Every Tuesday from 2-2:30PM

2026 Artist Exhibit Series

Through years of camping, hiking, kayaking, and exploration, artist and photographer Carolanne Nadeau has traveled across Tennessee, capturing the quiet beauty of its state parks and natural areas. This exhibit is a celebration of those special places—highlighting the diverse landscapes, waterways, and wild spaces that define Tennessee from border to border.

Each image reflects a personal journey into nature, inviting viewers to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the remarkable natural heritage found throughout the state. From peaceful trails to scenic waterways, this collection honors the landscapes that inspire exploration, stewardship, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

Summer Solstice Show: “Moments in Nature”  March 31-June 20, 2026 

• Artist Reception: April 18th, 1-3PM
• Jess Lines and Ashley Campbell
• *SPECIAL WORKSHOP! Beaded Insects! Register here!

Fall Equinox: TBD

Winter Solstice Show:  “Painting Clarksville En Plein Air 2026” Sept 1-Nov 7, 2026 

• Artist Reception: TBD
• Kay Drew, Jane Olson, Leah Foote, Paula Edwards, Kris Lee, Betty Liles, Lori Gilmore

APPLY HERE FOR 2027 Exhibit Proposals!

Wildflower Walks

Come once, come twice, come to all walks, each one is wildly different!  Wildflowers pop up and dissapear just as fast all through the summer!  Join a Naturalist who will point out all things native and interesting.  Remember, we take pictures, not flowers:)

Afterwards, enjoy blooming tea and recieve a field guide to help you on your identification journey!

Register Here

The Pollinator Project

A collaboration between APSU Healthy Yards Program, The Wade Bourne Nature Center & The Native Garden and Habitat Club, check here for all programs related to plants and pollinators!

• April 11, 11:30-1:30PM, Bumble Bee Atlas Workshop: Register Here
• May 17, Pollinator and Native Plant Summit, 10AM-2PM
  • Native Garden & Habitat Club tent with native plant seedling giveaways
  • Healthy Yards Ask-the-Experts tent – for all your native plant and pollinator questions
  • Southeastern Grasslands Institute
  • Native bees education from APSU
  • Xerces Society – Save the Bees
  • Native plant walks through Rotary Park
  • Choosing the right native plants for you
  • Growing natives in containers
  • Butterflies, caterpillars and host plant education

Roots of Knowledge, Trivia Nights!

Join us for Tennessee Wildlife Nature Trivia and put your knowledge of the state’s animals, plants, and habitats to the test! Teams of up to four are welcome, and only one team member needs to register. Challenge your friends, learn fascinating facts, and explore the amazing natural world of Tennessee. This program is indended for families, all ages, and has prizes!

• Tennessee Wildlife Trivia for Families, April 17, 5-6:30, RichEllen Banquet Hall

Register your team here!

Fawn and Games

Get ready for an evening of friendly, nature-themed competition! At Fawn & Games, teams of 1–4 adults will compete in a series of fun challenges surrounding our favorite game shows—all inspired by the natural world. Whether you're guessing animal tracks, racing to name native plants, or figuring out what the survey says, there's something for everyone! No science degree required—just bring your competitive spirit and sense of humor! Register your team and join the fun!

• May 15, Register here

Only one member from the team needs to sign up. 

Natures Escape Game

Join us for Nature’s Escape Game, a unique twist on the classic escape room experience! Teams of 1–4 participants will take on the challenge of unlocking a nature-themed escape box, packed with a series of puzzles, physical locks, and ecological challenges. Each task is designed to test your knowledge of the natural world while encouraging teamwork and creative thinking.

• April 17, 6-7:30PM, Register here
• July 2, 6-7:30PM, Register here

Snake Snacks!

 Snake Feeding Demonstration: Watch Buggie in Action! 

Join us for an exciting look at Buggie the Corn Snake's feeding time! Snakes have fascinating eating habits, and you’ll get to see it firsthand.

• When: Every first Saturday of the month at 2 PM
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Where: Wade Bourne Nature Center Lobby

Parents, please use your discretion to decide if this educational experience is suitable for your little ones.

Don’t miss this slithery spectacle!

Turtle Time!

Our new Eastern Box Turtle, Penny, will be outside for exercise today in the field in front of the Nature Center every Tuesday and Thursday during warm months, she hibernates in the winter. . She is a fast tiny turtle and will certainly put on a show! Sometimes our animals hide while inside of their enclosures, but Penny will 100% be out and running around. 

• April: T and TH @4 PM

This is a drop-in, free, event. No registration required.  If the weather is undesirable, we will move her exercise pen inside the Nature Center. 

Story Tails

Every 3rd Saturday of the month the Nature Center will hold "Story Tails," a program promoting literacy to children by creating a wonder for the natural world. Each session will include the reading of 2-3 nature books, songs, games and, activities! Sessions will be held inside and/or outside, depending on the weather. This program is for children ages 6 months to 6years old, and the special needs community. The program runs from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, snacks provided. 

• May 9
• June 13

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/msr6ct3y

Puzzle Palooza

Get ready to dive into the ultimate puzzle challenge at Puzzle Palooza! Grab your puzzle-loving pals and form teams of 1-4 players to tackle a 500 piece puzzle. Each team will receive the same puzzle and will have 2.5 hours to complete it. The first team to finish will earn a prize! Don't miss out on the puzzle showdown of the year! Register your team and let the puzzle madness begin! Only 1 person will register for the entire team. For all ages. 

This is a family-friendly, free event, we supply all materials. 

• April 24, 5:30-7:30pm
• May 16, 10:30AM-1:00PM

Register here:  https://tinyurl.com/3uj7cjax 

From FIRES to FETCH

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Take retired firehose and give it a new life while also providing enrichment to our local pets and shelters. In this program, participants will learn about reducing waste by finding new ways to repurpose old materials. They will also be utilizing cognitive creative skills to build toys from scratch. Younger participants may come with an adult. Please have the adult register. 

All materials are provided, each participant will take home a new enrichment toy for their pet!

• April 4, 12:30-1:30 PM
• April 25, 12:30-1:30PM
• May 8, 5-6PM, 2.0 Advanced Version, must attend in April first!
• July 18, 11PM-1PM, 3.0 Advanced Version, must attend in April first!

Register here

Binocular Check-Out

The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation is generously sponsoring the new binocular checkout program.  Simply fill out a request with your preferred time and day and you can pick them up from the Nature Center reception desk.  There is no cost for this program, we simply ask you return the set before 4 pm T-F and by 2 pm on Saturdays. 

To reserve a pair, please click here: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI1ODA4MDg=  

Live Taxidermy Demonstrations

Every 3rd Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 PM, Drop-in Program

• November 19, Male Cardinal
• Dec 17, Great Horned Owl Part 2
• Jan 21, Barred Owl
• Feb 18, Yellow Rumped Warbler
• April 15, Great Blue Heron
• May 20

A taxidermist will walk participants step by step through the process of skinning a bird to the final stuffing/mounting. The chosen specimen will be the Yellow Billed Cuckoo. This bird was found deceased on the park property. 

Bird mounts are unique in that they do not require harmful chemicals for preservation. No eating or drinking will be allowed in the room for the duration of the process. Participants will not be permitted to touch the specimen.

*Passed in 1918, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal for an individual to collect eggs, feathers and/or nests. 99% of birds are protected by this law, typically not covered by the MBTA include house sparrow, European starling, and rock pigeons.*

 Reading Round-Up

Join us on the first Friday of the month to enjoy a group reading for your little ones! This program is sponsored by The Blue Star Families of Tennessee in an effort to build home libraries. Each child who attends gets to pick out a free book to take home! Snacks are also provided. After the reading, feel free to stay in our Community Room or go outside on the deck to enjoy your goodies. Arts for Hearts will lead a related art activity afterwards as well! This Program is suitable for children age 2-5 and. Parents are expected to stay with their children for the duration of the event.

Dates

• May 1

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4cj45tdw

Guided Hikes with TN Trails Association

🌟 Kick Off the New Year with a Guided Hike! 🌟

Start 2026 on the right foot—literally! Join us and the Tennessee Trails Association for a refreshing guided hike at Rotary Park to welcome the new year.

🌳 About the Hike: Enjoy a scenic 2.5-mile walk through Clarksville’s beautiful Rotary Park. This hike is great for both beginners and experienced hikers. Two guides—a leader and a sweep—will make sure everyone has a fun, safe experience. Expect a shaded natural surface trail with a few short inclines.

Start Time: 8:00 AM (arrive 10 minutes early!)

Meeting Spot: Wade Bourne Nature Center parking lot at Rotary Park, Restrooms available at the trailhead, Duration: 60–75 minutes, Dogs welcome on leash, Not suitable for strollers. 

What to Bring: Water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, rain jacket, extra layers, sunscreen, bug spray, and trekking poles if you have them.

Bring your family, bring a friend, bring your dog—or come solo and meet fellow local hikers. Let’s make 2026 the year we hit the trail together! 🌲✨

• April 4
• May 2
• June 6
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3
• November 7
• December 5

👉 Register your free spot here:  https://tinyurl.com/3myk6twc

Field Trip Offerings

If you are bringing a group to any of our parks for a trip, PLEASE notify us in advance.  

Field trips are available to any group with 25 or more participants, FREE!  

The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation offers Bus Transportation Support for schools needing assistance.  Please indicate your interest in this funding option in the comments section during the reservation process. Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  Teachers may only apply ONCE in a calendar year. 

Spring Trips: March, April and May

Fall Trips: September, October and November

Click Here for a full list of activity options

Register for Field Trip programs here: 

Volunteer Information

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation offers volunteer opportunities for all ages year-round! From event assistance and trail maintenance to garden work and animal care, our programs provide hands-on ways to learn about nature while giving back to the environment and community.

Example positions include: Host Volunteer, Exhibit Interpreter, Trail Guide, Trail Monitor, Special Event Assistant, Field Trip Program Facilitator, Field Trip Support, Volunteer Coordinator, and Program Assistant

Individuals can make an account on CivicRec and sign up for opportunities that interest you through this link: https://tinyurl.com/5cebjnuu 

Groups Interested in special service projects visit here: https://tinyurl.com/ytwux456 

Project Feederwatch, Volunteer Opportunity

Project FeederWatch is back at the Nature Center!

Love birds? Come join us on the back deck of the Wade Bourne Nature Center and help count the feathered friends visiting our feeders!

Grab a tally sheet and record what you see. When you're done, turn in your sheet and we'll submit your observations to a national database-helping scientists track winter bird populations across the country.

It's easy, fun, and perfect for all ages. No registration needed, stop on in!

Come be a part of real community science!

*This volunteer Opportunity is approved for TNP Hours, please submit an image of the tally sheet to your Chapter Coordinator with the estimated amount of time spent counting. You can also download the APP and count digitally! 

WBNC Naturalist Chapter est. 2025

Courses are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026. Click here for the tennative schedule of classes. 

What is a Tennessee Naturalist?

Tennessee Naturalists are trained volunteers. They:

• receive 40 hours of instruction combined with hands-on fieldwork on various aspects of the state's natural history -- geology, flora, wildlife, watersheds -- as well as exposure to ecological concepts and conservation issues.
• complete 40 hours of volunteer service to earn certification.
• help monitor and maintain the quality of our native ecosystems through a variety of citizen science projects.
• work with nonprofit organizations in preserving and maintaining our natural heritage.
• serve as environmental ambassadors in their communities assisting with public interpretive programs reaching school children and others across the state.

What is the role of a Tennessee Naturalist?

After training, Tennessee Naturalists are encouraged to engage in different types of nature-based volunteer activities, such as helping with a nature outreach program at a park, nature center or school; assisting with the collection of scientific data for a bird census, water quality assessment, or rare plant monitoring;  working on trail building/maintenance projects; and helping with habitat restoration projects.

How Do I Become a certified Tennessee Naturalist?

To become a certified Tennessee Naturalist, you must complete the series of (10) TNP training courses offered by one of several chapters throughout the state AND perform a minimum of 40 hours volunteer service. Program costs include all classes, study guides and course handouts. Please be aware that the fieldwork portion of the course can be physically demanding at times with hiking steep hills, rough terrain and night activities. 
 

For a list of chapters and more information, visit the Tennessee Naturalist website