NEW! Creature Club

A 6 week program dedicated to native animal topics, designed to provide social interaction and educate youth. 

4:00-4:30pm: drop-off and snack time

4:30-5:30pm: activities (a document containing the detailed schedule may be found on our website at https://mcgtn.org/parks/events-and-programs 

5:30-6:00pm: social time and pick-up 

*All activities take place at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, 2308 Rotary Park Drive, Clarksville, TN.  This program will occur inside and outside, please dress appropriately for the weather. Please also bring a re-fillable water bottle. 

*In order for the program to achieve its goals of education and socialization, participants must commit to attend all 6 dates.  If there are last minute cancelations, please email [email protected].  Failure to cancel or attend (no call/no show) may result in a $5 fee automatically charged to your CivicRec account.  You will not be eligible to register for future programming until this fee is paid. 

Detailed information about each session here: https://mcgtn.org/storage/departments/parks/events/Creature%20Club%20(3)_compressed%20(2).pdf

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com) 

Cocoa Hikes

• December 15, 3-4 PM & 5-6 PM
• December 29, 3-4 PM & 5-6 PM
• January 12, 5-6 PM
• January 26, 5-6 PM

Join us for a guided hike through Rotary Park as the sun goes down. Your guide will point out the seasonal plants and animals we see along the way.  Afterwards, stick round for a cup of Hot Cocoa! Lanterns will be provided as it gets dark. 

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com) 

Lantern Hike

• Nov 3, 6-7pm
• Nov 17, 6-7pm
• Feb 16, 5-6 PM

Join us in the dark for a special Lantern Hike through Rotary Park! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate, please use your best judgment when registering. The hike will begin at 6:30 pm and last 45 min to 1 hour, each participant will carry a provided lantern through the woods.  Children 5 and older are welcome with an adult supervisor. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. We will meet at the Nature Center to check in (6:00-6:30) and distribute lanterns.  Afterwards, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa:)

This hike will end at the creekside parking lot.  For those with mobility issues, please note we will have to hike up a hill to get back to the Nature Center, or, someone in your party can also retrieve the vehicle and pick you up creekside afterwards.  Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain.  

Registration Required:  Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com)

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 on CivicRec, and let the puzzle madness begin!

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

• December 30, 10:30 AM - 1 PM
• March 9, 10:30-1 PM

Register your team here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com) 

Winter Craft Drop-in-Days

• December 15, Ornament Making
• December 29, Snowy Jars

Drop in any time between 10 AM and 4PM to make a winter themed craft, or two! We will have all of the materials supplies, no need to register.  This is family friendly and for all ages.  Parents are expected to stay with their participants.  

Christmas Card Making for Veterans

• December 2, 10 AM to 2 PM
• December 8, 10 AM to 4 PM
• December 9, 10 AM to 2 PM
• December 16, 10 AM to 2 PM

This season we will be making Holiday cards for veterans, stop in and use all of the fun glitter, ribbon, stickers, ect, to make a card for someone who needs a smile this Christmas :)

We will have all of the materials supplies, no need to register.  This is family friendly and for all ages. Parents are expected to stay with their participants.  

Turtle Time!

• November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 28, 30, 2:00-2:30 PM
• December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 28, 4-4:30 PM
• January 4, 9, 11, 18, 25, 30, 2-2:30 PM
• February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29 2-2:30 PM
• March 5, 7, 19, 21, 26, 28 1:30-2 PM
• April 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, 1:30-2 PM

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. 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. 

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.

Survival Skills for Families

This new 90 minute program is designed to empower families with the skills needed to survive wilderness emergency situations.  Whether you are going on vacation to the woods, beach or a backyard, the skills will teach you to save yourself and show you how rescue teams operate.  This is most beneficial when the whole family can attend.  Children under 4 are welcome, however, the content and timeframe may not be sustainable, please use your best judgment.  This program will take place inside the Nature Center using simulated situational tools and supplies. 

• February 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• March 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• April 6, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• May 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• August 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• September 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• October 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• November 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com)

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 1-6 and the special needs community. The program runs from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, snacks provided. 

• December 16
• January 20
• February 17
• March 16
• April 20
• May 18
• June 15
• July 20

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com) 

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

• January 17
• February 21
• March 20
• April 17
• May 15
• August 21
• September 18
• October 16
• November 20
• December 18

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.*

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com) 

2024 Art Exhibits

Artists will be announced in December of 2023

*Artists wishing to exhibit in the Nature Center can fill out this form: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI0OTcwMDk=

Creature Features

Over time, animals develop adaptations that allow them to better survive within their environment. This fun, interactive class allows children and families to recognize the reasoning behind these adaptations.  The participants will have access to a wide variety of animal "parts" such as beaks, eyes, furs, ext. to choose from, dress-up style! Their imaginations are then encouraged to “run wild” and create their own animal, then present that animal to the group!

• November 18, 1-2 PM
• February 24, 11 AM- 12 PM

Register here: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com)

DIY Workshops with Arts for Hearts

Feeling creative? Join ARTS FOR HEARTS for a reading of THE DOT followed by an opportunity to paint your own dot picture inspired by the book.

This program includes a reading and art activity. 

• December 9th, 12:30pm-2pm, Wrapped Bracelets

This event is free and registration is required: https://secure.rec1.com/.../montgomery-county.../catalog

 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 5 and under. Parents are expected to stay with their children for the duration of the event.

Dates

• December 1

Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog 

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 10 or more participants, FREE!  

Click Here for a full list of activity options:

https://mcgtn.org/storage/departments/Field%20Trip%20Offerings%20(20)_compressed%20(1).pdf

Register for Field Trip programs here: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog 

Volunteer Information

Whether you need service hours for an organization or want to serve your local park, we have many opportunities for you to get involved!  

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

Please make an account on CivicRec and indicate what your interests are.  We will reach out for an orientation meeting to decide where you will be a good fit.  

Visit this link: Catalog - Montgomery County Parks & Recreation (rec1.com)