Programs

Welcome!

Check out our calendar for an overview of upcoming activity dates, and scroll down for detailed information about our current and ongoing events.

 

Useful Forms and Resources

 

For all questions, contact us at [email protected]


2025 Spring/Summer Guide

Click here for a full seasonal guide to Montgomery County Parks and Recreation!

 

 

Merle and Waylon
Penny taking a soak
Native Aquarium
Buggie eating her weekly meal

SPRING BREAK ANIMAL WEEK

March 11-14th 

Morning Programs (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM) By Registration Only

Midday Programs (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM) Dop-In, First Come, First Served

Afternoon Drop-In Activity (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Register for the morning programs today to secure your spot! 


 

 

 

 

Earth Day Plant Swap

Bring your plants to the Nature Center for Earth Day, 2025! This is the fourth year for our 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! This registration is only for those who are reserving a table for all their plant giveaways. Space is limited. Those who have a handful of plants or who would like to attend only do not need register and can drop in to the event.

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!
Table reservation: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM0Njg4NzQ=

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!

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

First-time Participant Info: Plant swaps are a fun and social way for gardeners to diversify their plant collections, connect with other enthusiasts, and contribute to sustainable gardening practices by sharing resources within the community.

Preparing Plants for Exchange: Before the swap, participants prepare the plants they wish to exchange. This may involve potting up plants, taking cuttings, dividing plants, or gathering seeds. It's important to ensure that the plants are healthy and pest-free.

Arrival and Check-In: On the day of the swap, participants bring their plants to the designated location and check-in.

Browsing and Trading: Once everyone has arrived and checked in, participants are free to browse the available plants. They can chat with other attendees, ask questions about the plants on offer, and decide which ones they'd like to exchange for their own.

Trading and Negotiating: Participants negotiate trades with each other based on mutual interest and the value they place on different plants. Trades can be one-for-one, or participants may agree on different arrangements depending on the rarity or desirability of the plants involved.

Enjoying the Community: Plant swaps are not just about exchanging plants; they're also about building community among gardeners. Participants often share tips, experiences, and stories about gardening during the event.

Cleanup and Thank You: Once the swapping is done, participants tidy up the area. Any leftover plants may be donated, taken home by the organizer, or disposed of responsibly.

Tea and Trees: Arbor Day Celebration

Discover something new at our "Tea and Trees" event!
Enjoy:
-Tree identification with a guided map
-Mix-your-own tea blends, sip and stroll
-Special herb garden tours led by APSU Public Health students

Don’t miss these relaxing and educational experiences that connect you to the natural world, join us in celebrating the green things that make our world grow!

This event is Free and Open to all ages! It will take place outside int he Community Gardens and the Nature Adventure Trails Area. 

Art Exhibition & Reception

We’re thrilled to host this captivating art exhibit at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, featuring unique perspectives and styles in celebrating local native species. This promises to be a truly stunning showcase! The show is open Jan 20 through March 8th during open hours of the Nature Center.

  • Open Reception, Feb 15th, 1-3PM

About the Artists:

Lisa Harden: Bringing the beauty of nature to life with photo emulsion prints, Lisa’s work combines striking imagery with delicate textures and a truly unique process.
Madison Wright: Madison’s contemporary approach to photography blends realism with urban elements, offering fresh interpretations of the wildlife we cherish here at Rotary Park.
Jackie Lewis: Jackie’s wood burning creations celebrate the textures and colors of nature, using sustainable materials to craft one-of-a-kind pieces.

2025 Exhibiting Artists

Artist interested in showing at the Nature Center, Apply here for 2026

“In the Wild: Film & Fire” Show runs Jan 20-March 8, Artist Reception: February 15

Lisa Harden, Madison Wright, Jackie Lewis

Nature Alla-Prima” Joe Mclain, Show runs March 24-May 24 

Joe Mclain

“Fairy and Troll Houses & Midsummer Magic”  Show runs June 1-28

Alex Wight

“Residents of Rotary”: Show runs July 7-Aug 30

Savannah Layne

Cumberland River Artist: Show runs Sept 15-Nov 8

Larry Richardson

 

 

DIY Garden Series

Join us as we prepare for the 2025 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.

2025 Garden Series Schedule:
Feb 5 – Garden Planning and Design, Register here for Feb 5th 
Feb 26 –  Starting Seeds Early & Extending the Growing Season, Register here for Feb 26th
March 5 – Veggie Garden Basics, Register here for March 5th
March 8 (Sat) – Outdoor Action Day 🌿
March 26 – All About Soil
April 2 – Hardening Off Your Seedlings
April 23 – Transplanting Seedlings & Direct Sowing
May 7 – What’s Going Right? Fixing What’s Not
May 10 (Sat) – Outdoor Herbs: Cut & Come Again + Hydroponics
May 28 – Supports and Trellis

Outdoor Action Days are your chance to put into practice what you’ve learned in our community garden. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and bring your knowledge to life!

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

Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM0NzYxNTg=

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. 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. 

  • March: T and TH @ 4 PM
  • April: T and TH @ 4 PM
  • May: 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 1-6 and the special needs community. The program runs from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, snacks provided. 

  • April 19
  • May 17
  • July 19

Register here: 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 and let the puzzle madness begin! Only 1 person will register for the entire team. For all ages.

  • March 7, 5-7:30PM
    • *OFF SITE: South Guthrie Community Center 5025 Guthrie Rd, Clarksville, TN

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

Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM0NjQ2MDQ=

Herb Drying and Tea Blending

This workshop will include a presentation on herb drying and tea blending. Participants will select plant varieties for their personalized tea blend based upon flavors and/or plant properties. A live version of several plants will also be available for participants to learn identification techniques. The many herbs used in this workshop will be harvested from the Rotary Park Community Gardens!

March 29, 11AM-12:30 PM

All participants will be provided with the tools needed to make their own tea blend during the workshop. Each person will take home a unique tea blend in a provided jar, individual tea bags, and recipes.

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

 

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

  • Jan 15, Red Tailed Hawk completion
  • Feb 19,
  • March 19,
  • April 16,
  • May 21

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) 

 

 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

  • March 7
  • April 4
  • May 2

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

Guided Hikes with TN Trails Association

Join us for a hike in Clarksville’s wonderful Rotary Park that will suit both beginner and experienced hikers. We will have a two guides from Tennessee Trails Association, a leader and sweep (back marker) to ensure everyone has a great hike. The trail is shaded with mostly natural turf and some short inclines. Wear good walking or hiking shoes. Items to bring include, water, snacks, clothing to suit the weather, a rain jacket, extra layers and sun screen, bug spray as needed. Trekking poles are helpful if you have them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome if on a leash. The hike is not be suitable for Strollers due to terrain. 

  • April 5
  • May 3
  • June 7
  • July 5

Hike will commence at 8am CT at Rotary Park - Plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to departure. Meet at the Wade Bourne Center Parking Lot. There are bathrooms at the trailhead.

Please register

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!  

The Wade Bourne Nature Center 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: 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)

 

Animal Care, Volunteer

The second Friday of the month is our dedicated animal care day, from 8:30am to 10am.  Join our Animal Care Specialist, Jenna, while she cleans and performs routine maintenance on our animal enclosures.  Jobs vary from sanitizing, plant watering/change outs, refilling substrate, cleaning algae from the aquarium, feeding the animals, ect.  We currently house 2 green tree frogs, a green anole, a corn snake, an eastern box turtle and a variety of freshwater fish. We also care for plants that live inside the tanks.

Bird Care, Volunteer

The second Friday of the month is our dedicated bird feeder care day, from 8:30am to 9:30am.  Join our Programming Specialist, Nicole, while she cleans and performs routine maintenance on our outdoor bird feeders.  Jobs consist of taking down the feeders, emptying seed, sanitizing the feeders, refilling seed and re-hanging.   We currently maintain 4 large hopper feeders, 2 finch tube feeders, one woodpecker suet feeder and a bird bath. This maintenance is conducted behind the nature center on the concrete benches.  Please use the side walk to the right of the center and take the path down around the back. 

This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in learning how to care for animals as well as anyone who needs service hours.  Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age and able to perform tasks with great care and detail, as our animals lives depend on it!

Seed Sorting, Volunteer

New Volunteer Opportunity!  We are starting a "Seed Library" at the Nature Center!  This is what it sounds like, an inventory of different types of seeds of native plants from around the park and nearby areas.  We often collect seeds from our gardens, community members do them same in their home gardens, and then donate the seeds to us.  Some seeds need to be separated from leaves, or pods in order to be stored properly.  This activity will go over how to separate and sort the seed parts as well as how to label and store them for distribution.  I bet there will be extras for the volunteers to take home!

 

 

Event and Program Assistance, Volunteer

We have several activities throughout the year that would not be possible without assistance from the community, Montgomery County Thanks you!  The most important factor is being punctual and committed to the date you sign up for, we will be counting on your help! If you are tracking service hours, please being any relevant paperwork with you.  

All volunteer assignments and details will be sent the week prior to your scheduled date, and you will always have a staff member available on site for directions and questions!

 

For all questions, contact us at [email protected]