Our Programs
School Field Trips
The Nature Center offers field trips designed to provide students with meaningful, enjoyable outdoor experiences enhancing their study of science and appreciation of nature. The field trip curriculum was developed in alignment with the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ science curriculum standards. For more details about field trips, download the Educator’s Guide and Educational Programs Booklet.
School groups may also visit the Nature Center on their own on Tuesdays and Fridays when naturalist-led field trips are not available. For more information about a self-guided visit, please call (615) 352-6299.
Public Programs
To help people of all ages enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Warner Parks, the Nature Center offers a variety of public programs tailored for all ages. Almost all of our programs are free of charge. Our programs are very popular and tend to fill up quickly. Pre-registration for programs is required and can be done by calling the Nature Center at (615) 352-6299.
- Preschoolers (ages 3-5) These programs are designed specifically for young children who are just beginning to develop their innate curiosity for the natural world.
- School-aged Children (ages 6-12) Through hands-on exploration and first-hand experience, children discover the intricacies, as well as the beauty, of the natural world.
- Families (all ages) These programs are fun, friendly, informal gatherings where children and adults can celebrate the wonder and beauty of nature. Topics are often very general, but there is always something of interest for everyone.
- Adults (ages 13 and up) For park visitors who are looking for programs that address natural history topics in an adult manner, these programs incorporate enjoyable outdoor experiences with meaningful interpretation.
2012 Junior Naturalist - Mammal Mania!
Are you intrigued by the tracks, scat and other animal signs you observe in the woods? Learn to identify the mammals that left those signs by becoming a Junior Naturalist! Students between the ages of 6 and 12 can print out or pick up the free brochure, complete the activities inside, and schedule an interview with a Naturalist. We may even post some of your work on our website!
Hey parents, we have FREE mammal programs!
Youth ages 6-12 can attend free programs focusing on mammal habitats, diversity, and observation at Warner Park. We also offer many all ages mammal programs the whole family can attend which will assist you and your young naturalist as you complete activities. Check out upcoming mammal programs in our program schedule, and look for the Junior Naturalist patch icon indicating programs that focus on mammals.
The Junior Naturalist program encourages learning about birds through Nature Study, Nature Exploration, and Nature Reflection. Children are not required to attend Nature Center programs to complete requirements; independent study in a library and observation in your own backyard is encouraged! Our library has many books and other resources to help you and other materials can be found in the Junior Naturalist resource box, located at the Nature Center. Just ask for it!
When you have completed the required number of activities (based on your age), contact a Naturalist and schedule an interview to show off your work. An interview takes about 30 minutes, and the new Junior Naturalist receives a free patch and certificate of completion.
Educators!
Classroom teachers and other educators are welcome to lead their students through our Junior Naturalist program in the classroom. We have teacher boxes and other materials available for free check out to assist you. Contact the Nature Center for more information.
The deadline for completing the Junior Naturalist program for 2012 and earning the Mammal patch is December 31, 2012.
Scout Programs
Many programs are offered to scout groups at the WPNC. Most programs publicized in the seasonal schedule are not available to entire troops. Those that welcome scout groups are:
- Bird Banding Days (seasonal)
- Scout Volunteer Day
- Webelos Geology/Rocks Rock! (offered in late February)
- Webelos Forester (offered in late October)
- Star Party (seasonal)
Registration is required for all public programs and space is limited.
Other programs are also offered to troops by request:
Boy Scouts
- Any Tiger, Bear, Wolf Cub Scout programs that relate to the Nature Center, Warner Parks, etc.
- Webelos Geology, Forestry, and Naturalist Badges
- Any Boy Scout programs that relate to the Nature Center, Warner Parks, etc, and especially merit badges from the Natural Sciences Group
- I Will Survive basic survival program endorsed by NASAR
- Nature Center Junior Naturalist Badge: Birds
- Basic Map and Compass, Orienteering and GPS
- Tour of the historic Hodge House
Girl Scouts
- Any Daisy or Brownie programs that relate to the Nature Center, Warner Parks, etc.
- Junior Girl Scout Hiker, Ecology, and Wildlife Badges
- Any Girl Scout programs that relate to the Nature Center, Warner Parks, etc.
- I Will Survive basic survival program endorsed by NASAR
- Nature Center Junior Naturalist Badge: Birds
- Basic Map and Compass, Orienteering and GPS
- Tour of the historic Hodge House
All programs offered at the Nature Center/by Nature Center staff are free to the public. Minimum scout group size for a requested program is 10 scouts. Scout leaders and/or parents must accompany scouts during programs. “By request” programs are offered Tuesday through Saturday at the Nature Center; programs may be scheduled to begin NO LATER than 3:30p.m. Programs may be scheduled through the Nature Center by calling 352-6299.
Picnicking is allowed in the Edwin Warner Park Picnic Areas located off Vaughn Road on the Little Harpeth River on a first-come first-served basis November – March. April – October, the picnic shelters may be reserved by calling Metro Parks at 862-8408 (8a.m.-noon). Picnicking is not allowed on the Nature Center grounds.
Scout groups and Eagle Scout candidates interested in conservation projects can call Friends of Warner Park at 370-8053. The Volunteer Coordinator, along with Warner Park staff, will work with the troop to find a suitable project in the Warner Parks.
Nature Play
Remember when you had hours of fun simply playing in a sand pit or dirt pile? Your toys were sticks, rocks, and cups. You made mud pies, truck lanes, and deep holes in the sand. You got dirty, but you had the time of your life. The Nature Center wants kids to experience this good, old fashion fun in our Nature Play area.
Designed by Tara Armistead and funded by memorial contributions for her father, Dr. William Crenshaw, this exciting play area includes a cedar wood playhouse, a stone wall in one corner, 2 dirt piles, and a huge sand pit. Plus, (and this is the most fun part) there is a spigot that funnels water into the dirt! Mud pies anyone?
Trade Station
Do you enjoy studying the world around you?
Have you every found something interesting in your yard?
Are you willing to trade what you learned about the interesting item for a prize?
If you answered “yes” to the above questions then you need to visit the Trade Station at the Warner Park Nature Center. We trade cool prizes for your knowledge. Prizes vary depending on how much you know, and include magnets, hand lenses and even posters!
So get out and learn about nature, and please be a responsible collector! Take only one of the item and you collect, always get permission, do not collect on land where natural items are protected and please be aware you cannot collect in the Warner Parks.
Trade Station hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Purple Packs
If you are planning to hike the Hungry Hawk Trail, stop by the Susanne Warner Bass Learning Center prior to your hike. We now have purple backpacks that can be checked-out to supplement your hike. In them you will find things like: binoculars, a compass, a magnifying box, a field microscope, Golden field guides, game ideas, crayons, pencils and more! Purple Packs may be checked out from the Nature Center office Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am-4:00 pm. So, if you’re looking for additional activities, check-out the Purple Packs and have some fun!