Nature Centers
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Podcasts!
These podcasts were made possible through a partnership with the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach and funded by the AT&T Foundation. They were developed and produced by Loren Vanags, Virtual Naturalist and Host of Nashville Green Scene and Volunteer Naturalist at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. Visit again soon for another great Nashville Green Scene experience in Shelby Bottoms!
The 810-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park is located in East Nashville adjacent to Shelby Park. With approximately three miles of Cumberland River frontage and twelve miles of trail, this area features bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, wetlands and streams and excellent habitat for birds, amphibians and more.
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, which opened 1 December 2007, is a great place to begin your visit to the Park. Pick up a map, talk to a naturalist, learn about the natural history and history of the area, get a view of the Cumberland River, or get a program schedule of upcoming events. Learn about a “green roof”, see how a “waterless urinal” works and view other sustainable features of this new facility. Programs are offered year-round on a variety of topics.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 noon to 4:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday and Monday, Closed
Shelby Bottoms is open 7 days a week from daylight until dusk.
Directions: To the Nature Center and Main Entrance of Shelby Bottoms
Take I-24/65 to Shelby Avenue (Exit#49)
Go east on Shelby (away from city) to 5th Street
Take a right on 5th Ave to Davidson Street
Take a left on Davidson and continue to Shelby Park
Follow the park road along the river to the train trestle
Shelby Bottoms entrance is located under the train trestle
To the Forrest Green Entrance of Shelby Bottoms
Take I-24/65 to Shelby Avenue (Exit # 49)
Go east on Shelby Ave to 5th Street
Take a left on 5th Street and go to Main Street
Take a right on Main and go to Eastland Avenue
Take a right on Eastland and go to Rosebank Ave
Right on Rosebank Ave
Right on Welcome Lane
Left on Forrest Green Drive and follow into Shelby Bottoms Parking Lot
Contact Information:
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
1900 Davidson Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615-862-8539 or Denise Weyer Director, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center