By Meghan E. Gattignolo
Since 2020, the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park has added a little something extra to Clarksville and Montgomery County’s educational offerings. Not only does this little nature center offer fun, informative and interactive exhibits for kids and families, but they also regularly offer free programming that helps participants interact with nature in new ways. The nature center also works with existing organizations and nonprofits present in the community to offer many of their programs.
Rotary Park Fall Festival 2024. Courtesy of Montgomery County Parks & Recreation.
Guided Hikes
Like hiking, but tired of going at it alone? Tennessee Trails Association in tandem with Montgomery County Parks and Recreation hosts guided hikes around Rotary Park on a monthly basis. These hikes are meant for both experienced and newbie hikers, and welcome ages 10 and up with adult present.
This fall, two cool hikes led by Rotary Park’s experienced guide are also available. The Lemonade Hike offers participants the reward of a refreshing cup of lemonade following their valiant hiking efforts. The Lantern Hike in October is another alternative hiking experience. When the sun goes down, hikes offer a different experience with a chance to see night creatures. All hikes are free but require registration.
Image Courtesy of Shana Thornton.
DIY Projects
Interested in making your own terrarium? Bring your own glass container in August to the Nature Center’s DIY Tiny Terrarium Workshop. The park provides all the necessary ingredients: soil, fairy garden objects, plants, and a space you don’t have to clean up. There will also be an artist on hand to assist in making personalized sculptures to add to your magical terrarium. Everyone ages 11 and up will enjoy this activity. It’s free, but registration is required and opens July 22nd.
If you do like getting your hands on some plants, Rotary Park offers lots of gardening programs for all new and seasoned gardeners. Learning how to grow plants effectively is a life-long journey and full of new discoveries around every turn.
July 2nd is all about Growing Herbs in Hot Weather. Most herbs do grow in all kinds of weather, but some are a little sensitive to heat. This workshop helps you keep your herbs from bolting, how to expand your garden for free, and the best methods for preserving them so they’re handy for cooking. On July 16th, go back for more with Planting Now for the Fall Garden. In this session, learn how to set up your garden for peak productivity in fall, plus you get a free pack of seeds! These gardening workshops are great for all ages and are free but do require prior registration.
Rotary Park Trail Map. Courtesy of Montgomery County Parks & Rec.
Birding Opportunities
One of the best things about the Wade Bourne Nature Center is its sweet observation porch out back. A relaxing way to spend the afternoon, it’s also a wonderful place to introduce kids to the fun of birdwatching. Park staff monitor hummingbird feeders and are happy to answer questions about birds. Even better, anyone can borrow a pair of binoculars from the help desk to get a closer look.
Curious potential birders can join a Bird Watching program coming up in August and October. During one of these sessions, participants can learn the basics of bird watching, learn helpful tips, learn how to use a set of binoculars – either one of the center’s or bring your own, as well as best practices for a good birding session. This program is best for ages 8 and up. Make sure to register beforehand!
Programs for the Littles in Your Life
Kids, ages 1-6, will love We Grow Wednesdays, an opportunity for little ones to explore nature concepts. Every week is a different theme and includes hands-on activities and provided materials. These programs are free and are first-come, first-serve.
Story Tales promotes child literacy every 3rd Saturday of the month with two to three story books about the wonders of the natural world, an experience enhanced by songs, games, and activities.
Every first Friday of the month brings Reading Roundup. Kids can participate in different activities paired with a book reading, and then they even get to take a book home at the end of the program. This program is supported by Blue Star Families and Arts for Hearts nonprofit organizations.
More Fun
Even if you don’t like nature, you can still have fun at Rotary Park’s Nature Center, believe it or not. Clarksville Arts and Heritage Council’s Arts for Hearts program has several upcoming art workshops at the Wade Bourne Nature Center. The topics can range from crafts to painting and are suitable for a variety of age groups. Register ahead of time for the one you’re interested in. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for July 12th, August 2nd, and August 9th.
Is your family or friend group good at puzzles? Then, prove it and sign-up as a team and compete at Puzzle Palooza. Once a month, teams have 2.5 hours to complete a puzzle. The first one to finish wins a prize! Registration required.
For all programs and events hosted at the Wade Bourne Nature Center and Rotary Park, check out Montgomery County Parks and Recreation’s full list of programs to plan your visit. Some require registration, so make sure you’re prepared before you head out.
The Wade Bourne Nature Center is named in honor of the prolific writer, award-winning fisherman, outdoors-person, and Clarksville native Wade Bourne, who passed away in 2016. Panels inside the center fill out his life story and legacy if you find that you’re curious to learn more about Mr. Bourne while at the nature center.
Meghan E. Gattignolo is a freelance writer and longtime Clarksville, TN resident. She loves to obsess about historical subjects and annoy her family daily with unsolicited random facts. Meghan holds a History B.A. from Austin Peay State University and lives in town with her husband and two children.