Programs

2026 Hummingbird Festival

This annual festival sponsored by the Southeastern Avian Research Institute and Warioto Audubon Society is dedicated to hummingbirds and other pollinator species. Come see hummingbirds up close and personal as the Southeastern Avian Research Institute demonstrates how to band these birds to collect their data. Also featured during the festival are presentations by various pollinator speakers, booths, crafts, face painting, pollinator garden tours, food trucks, and more! Free to the public and all ages welcome.

BOOTHS:

– Bird Alliance of APSU

-Southeastern Grasslands Institute

-Montgomery County Master Gardeners

-Tennessee Naturalist Program

-CMC BeeKeepers Association

-TN Environmental Council

Warioto Audubon Society

-CMC Sierra Club

Tennessee Valley Association

-Tennessee Trails, Clarksville Chapter

-Airie Outdoor Academy

-Healthy Yards

Native Garden and Habitat Club

-Wander and Wonder Nature Program

Little Hitch-hikers

Grab your little adventurers and hit the trails with us! Little HitchHikers is a free, drop-in program designed for families with young children to explore the hiking and walking paths throughout Montgomery County Parks. Strollers and wagons are welcome, making it easy for everyone to join the adventure!
Each hike , Mandi will create a fun nature scavenger hunt along the trail to encourage exploration, discovery, and outdoor play.
Stop by the designated park anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to complete the self-guided hike at your own pace using a provided trail map and scavenger hunt. Prefer to hike with a group? Join Mandi at 10:00 a.m. as she leads one final walk of the trail for the day!
2026/27 Schedule:

• September 18 – RichEllen Park
• November 20 – Fredonia Park
• January 15 - Weakley Park at 9-10:30am (later for more sunshine!)
• February 19 – Civitan Park at 9- 10:30am (later for more sunshine!)

Come discover new trails, make new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors—one hike at a time!

Nature Studio

Where creativity meets conservation.

Nature Studio is a hands-on workshop series that blends creativity, sustainability, and nature. Each session introduces a new skill while exploring ways to reuse materials, reduce waste, and create meaningful projects inspired by the outdoors. From botanical art and natural dyes to woodworking, fiber crafts, garden projects, and wildlife-friendly creations, every workshop offers an opportunity to learn something new and take home a handmade project.

Whether you're an experienced maker or trying something for the first time, Nature Studio encourages curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection with the natural world.

• Sept 17, 5:30-7pm
• October 15, 5:30-7pm
• November 19, 5:30-7pm
• December 17, 5:30-7pm
• Jan 21, Fredonia Community Center, 5:30-7pm

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

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.

Fall Equinox: "Through the Eyes of a Naturalist" Lily Yates, June 30- August 15, 2026

• Artist Reception, July 18, 3-6PM

Winter Solstice Show:  “The Palette of Plein Air” 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!

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!

• The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Saturday, August 22, 10am-2pm
• Groups interested in taking part in the restoration, please email: naturecenter@montgomerytn.gov! All training and materials will be provided, in addition to a pretty cool habitat t-shirt, while they last!

Lantern Hikes

Join us in the dark for a special Lantern Hike through Rotary Park! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate and will be in the dark, please use your best judgment when registering. Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain. Appropriate footwear, long pants, and bug spray is recommended. The hike will last 45 min to 1 hour, each participant will carry a provided lantern through the woods. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. We will meet at the Nature Center front doors to check in up to 10 minutes before the program and to distribute lanterns.  After the hike, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa!

• October 6, 6:30-7:30pm
• October 22, 6:30-7:30pm
• November 4, 6-7pm
• November 18, 6-7pm

Register here: 

We Grow Wednesdays

Every Wednesday the Nature Center will have a special self-guided activity or craft to help our little learners explore Nature concepts! Activities are designed for 6 and below,  however all ages are welcome to participate (adults too!). Parents are expected to stay and assist their children with the activity. This program is free and does not require registration; it is a drop-in activity! Arrive at your leisure any time between 10 am - 4 pm. All supplies are provided, but materials are limited. First come, first serve. 

If you have a group larger than 10 people, please call or email ahead and let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your group and prepare extra supplies. Please have what date(s) you would like to attend and the amount of participants ready to share. 

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!

• August 7, 6-7:30PM,  This month's game show is Nature Jeopardy!

Only one member from the team needs to sign up. 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 second 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. 

• August, T & TH 3-3:30PM
• September, T & TH 3-3:30PM

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. 

• August 8
• September 12
• October 10
• November 14
• December 12
• Janurary 9
• Feb 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. 

• August 29, 10:30am-1pm
• September 25, 5:30-7:30pm
• October 31, 10am-1:30pm
• November 6, 5:30-7:30pm
• December 10, 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Jan 30, 10:30-1pm
• Feb 27, 10:30am-1pm

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

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 5-6:30pm, Drop-in Program

• August 19, 4-5:30pm
• September 23, 5-6:30pm
• October 28, 5-6:30pm
• Jan 27, 5-6:30pm
• Feb 24, 5-6:30pm

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 a migratory bird. 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

• August 7
• September 4
• October 2
• November 6
• December 4
• Feb 5

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! 🌲✨

• 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 

WBNC Naturalist Chapter est. 2025

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