Riverfront Plan
"Report" GraffitiWPNC Program Schedule Spring 2008
Eclipsing the Moon
Wednesday,
February 20
7:30-9 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Brave the cold of a February night to view this opportunity of a lifetime: A total eclipse of the moon!
Leaders: Vera Vollbrecht and Heather Gallagher
In Pursuit of Play
Tuesday, February 19
6:30-8 p.m.
Age level: Adults, 18+
Call to register
The power of play and the benefits of leisure are often lost as adults. Come “play” and learn about Nashville’s wealth of recreational resources.
Leader: Traci Bennett-Hobek, CTRS, Metro Parks Outdoor Recreation Program
Tracking Wildlife
Friday, February 22
9-11 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
We will go off-trail and search for the many clues that animals leave behind as they wander through the Parks.
Leader: Deb Beazley
“I Spy…” Nature Hike
Saturday, February 23
11 a.m.-Noon
Age level: All ages
Registration opens February 8
Let’s put a spin on this childhood classic game by playing it here at Warner Park Nature Center!
Leader: Christie Wiser
Webelos Geology Badge
Saturday, February 23
2-3:30 p.m.
Age level: Webelos Scouts
Registration opens February 8
Webelos, check off some of your Geology badge requirements during this fun-filled workshop. This program is open to individual scouts or troops.
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Afternoon Outing
Tuesday, February 26
3:30- 4:30 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens February 12
If winter has you feeling all cooped up, come with me on an afternoon outing in the park!
Leader: Christie Wiser
Waiting for Woodcocks
Thursday, February 28
5-6:30 p.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Registration opens February 14
The incredible courtship flight of the American Woodcock is a sign of spring you won’t want to miss!
Leader: Vera Vollbrecht
Leap Day
Friday, February 29
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Age level: 3-5 years
Registration opens February 14
Frogs, grasshoppers, and even years leap. Come to the Nature Center to learn about things that leap.
Leader: Melissa Donahue
Signs of Spring
Saturday, March 1
1-2 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens February 16
Buds on the trees, flowers in the forest—signs of spring are everywhere! Join the naturalist for this hike through the woods and field and to the pond as nature wakes up to the season.
Leader: Nature Center staff
Storytime Under the Beech Tree
Friday, March 7
10:30-11 a.m.
Age level: Pre-K
Registration opens February 21
Enjoy books and stories about nature under the branches of our giant beech tree.
Leader: Nature Center Volunteers
Mace Bluff Hike
Saturday, March 8
10-11:30 a.m.
Age level: 12 years and up
Registration opens February 22
Learn more about the Mississipean Culture, view Mound Bottom, visit a burial mound, and see a fascinating petroglyph along this 1 mile moderately strenuous Mace Bluff ranger lead hike. Leader: Harpeth River State Park Ranger
A Tennessee History in Song
Friday, March 14
7-8 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens February 28
Explore our rich musical heritage, singing the campfire songs of Natchez Trace travelers, the work songs of Vaughn’s Gap farmers and the folk ballads of Tennessee’s historic troubadours. Presented in the outdoor amphitheater…nature’s ultimate “listening room!”
Leaders: Micki Milom and Friends
Cemeteries of Warner Parks
Saturday, March 15
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: Adults
Registration opens February 29
History comes alive on this tour of old home sites and cemeteries of the Parks. Learn of Warner Parks’ First Families, and see what staff is doing today to preserve the past.
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Watch Out!
Saturday, March 15
9-10 a.m.
Age Level: All ages
Call to register
Join us for a brief orientation of the easiest way to volunteer in the Warner Parks. Park Watch helps preserve and protect the Park in a safe and fun way. Join me in a short walk and hear all about it.
Leader: Jon Martin, Friends of Warner Parks
Green Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, March 15
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration not required
Pick up a green scavenger hunt at the Nature Center front desk. Complete and take it to the front desk and receive a green prize!
Leader: Nature Center Staff
Saturday, March 15 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Age Level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Celebrate being….or not being…..Irish by pulling up the foreign, non-native, and always-green privet growing in the Park. We’ll work along a section of the new Greenway Trail.
Leader: Jon Martin
Northern Cache Dash
Saturday, March 15
1-3 p.m.
Age level: All ages (parents must accompany child)
Registration opens February 29
Learn the basics of GPS use and geocaching. Bring a friend or come on your own and put this technology to the test as we explore the North Reserve. GPS units will be available.
Leader: Paul Fowler
Junior Naturalist Kickoff: Insects!
Tuesday, March 18
10 a.m.-noon
Age level: 6-12 years
Registration opens March 4
Do you wish insects would “bug off”? Then you need to come learn more about these amazing 6-legged critters! Join us for games, crafts and more while getting a head start on this year’s junior naturalist patch featuring a butterfly.
Leaders: Nature Center Staff
Kinship with Animals
Tuesday, March 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Bring the family for this heartwarming slide show by Ann Southcombe, a woman who has spent the last 30 years bonding with animals as varied as gorillas and otters, river dolphins and bush babies. Hear fascinating stories from her life as an ape sign language instructor, wildlife rehabilitator and zookeeper.
Leader: Ann Southcombe
Animal Friends
Wednesday, March 19
10 a.m.-noon
Age level: 6-12 years
Registration opens March 4
Ann Southcombe has shared life with a menagerie of animals. Ann’s entertaining stories, highlighted by video clips and slides, will bring a smile to your child’s face. We’ll conclude with fun activities to reinforce our kinship with animals.
Leaders: Ann Southcombe and Nature Center Staff
Mission “Insectible”
Thursday, March 20
10 a.m.-noon
Age level: 6-12 years
Registration opens March 4
Should you decide to accept it, your mission is to work with teammates and recyclable materials to solve an environmental challenge. Bring your imagination!
Leader: Susan Bradfield
Run and Jump and Play
Friday, March 21
10 a.m.-noon
Age level: 6-12 years
Registration opens March 4
“Hawks, Mice and Grass”, “Zap!” and “Oh, Deer!” are just a few of the games we’ll play before going on a hike!
Leader: Nature Center Staff
Family Movie Night: A Bug’s Life
Friday, March 21
6:30-8 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens March 6
Come to the Nature Center to enjoy a movie and popcorn, and work on your Junior Naturalist patch!
Leaders: Nature Center Staff
Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22
10-11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens March 7
Bring your basket to search for bird, reptile and amphibian eggs at the Nature Center!
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Spring Wildflower Walk
Thursday, March 27
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Enjoy a walk in the woods among masses of gorgeous flowers; a springtime must!
Leader: Deb Beazley
Spring Wildflower Walk
Saturday, March 29
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Enjoy a walk in the woods among masses of gorgeous flowers; a springtime must!
Leader: Deb Beazley
Warner Parks Bike Tour
Saturday, March 29
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Bring your bike and cycle this Saturday with the annual 25/50 mile Bike Tour. Friends of Warner Parks will feature a scenic bike tour through rolling hills, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and beautiful neighborhoods. For information, fees, registration, or to volunteer, go to www.friendsofwarnerparks.com or call 370-8053.
Leaders: Maggie Odle and Jon Martin
Warner Woods Wildflowers
Saturday, March 29
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens March 14
Join the naturalist at Deep Well in Percy Warner Park for a wildflower hike through the forest.
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Wildflower Hike at The Hermitage
Sunday, March 30
2-3:30 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Experience Andrew Jackson’s home The Hermitage through the eyes of a naturalist, and enjoy the spring wildflowers at their peak. Call or email Robbie Jones at 889.2941 x201 or rjones@thehermitage.com to register.
Leaders: Heather Gallagher and Robbie Jones, Director of Preservation at The Hermitage
Bob Hike
Tuesday, April 1
9-11 a.m.
Age level: Adults
Call to register
Back by popular demand... this year's "Bob Hike" will honor Bob Brown, a founder of this April 1st tradition. Bobs, Bobby's, Roberts, Robs, and Bob-wannabees all invited to register and enjoy the park in a way that only Bobs can understand.
Leaders: Bob Parrish and other “Bobs”
April Fool
Tuesday, April 1
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Age level: 6-12 years
Registration opens March 11
Some plants and animals use tricks to survive. Let’s learn about these tricky plans and animals!
Leader: Melissa Donahue
Spring Wildflower Walk
Thursday, April 3
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Enjoy a walk in the woods among masses of gorgeous flowers; a springtime must!
Leader: Deb Beazley
Storytime Under the Beech Tree
Friday, April 4
10:30-11 a.m.
Age level: Pre-K
Registration opens March 20
Enjoy books and stories about nature under the branches of our giant beech tree.
Leader: Nature Center Volunteers
Wildflowers a la Cart
Saturday, April 5
Hourly, beginning at 9 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Spring Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 5
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Enjoy a walk in the woods among masses of gorgeous flowers; a springtime must!
Leader: Deb Beazley
Teacher Workshop: Project WET
Thursday, April 10
4-8 p.m.
Age level: Teachers
Call to Register
Project WET is Water Education for Teachers and full of hands-on activities for students grades K-12. Developed by the Council for Environmental Education & The Watercourse, Project WET promotes awareness, knowledge and stewardship of water resources. Teachers will receive a Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide.
Leaders: Kim Bailey and Heather Gallagher
Spring at the North Reserve
Friday, April 11
9-11 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Another opportunity to enjoy the spring woods among gorgeous flowers.
Leader: Deb Beazley
Wildflowers a la Cart
Friday, April 11
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Mound Bottoms History Hike
Saturday, April 12
9 a.m.-noon
Age level: 12 years and up
Registration opens March 28
Enjoy a 4-hour guided walking tour of Mound Bottom. Learn about this pristine ancient Mississippean period site and the people who inhabited it.
Leader: Harpeth River State Park Ranger
The Children’s Picnic
Saturday, April 12
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Celebrate spring at the Nature Center with the annual Children’s Picnic. Friends of Warner Parks and Bread & Co. will provide games, puppet shows, arts & crafts, music, and plenty of family FUN! Call Friends of Warner Parks at 370-8053 for information, reservations or to volunteer.
Leaders: Friends of Warner Parks, Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Spring Star Party
Saturday, April 12
8-10 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Saturn will be high in the sky and Mars will be visible for this evening under the stars.
Coordinators: Heather Gallagher, Kris McCall of Sudekum Planetarium and Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society
Wildflowers a la Cart
Friday, April 18
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Hide-n-Seek
Friday, April 18
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Age level: 3-5 years
Registration opens April 3
Seek out who or what is hiding in the woods! Join us as we discover the secrets of camouflage and mimicry used to conceal our forest friends.
Leader: Paul Fowler
Wildflowers a la Cart
Saturday, April 12
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Springtime Serenade
Thursday, April 24
8-9:30 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+.
Call to register
Spring not only brings us the eye-catching colors of migrating birds but their songs as well. Join us for a leisurely walk in Edwin Warner Park focusing on birdsongs, while looking for the new arrivals from Central and South America. Binoculars recommended.
Leader: Ed Gleaves, Volunteer Naturalist
Sustainability “Happy Hour” – 10 Ways to Green Your Home
Thursday, April 24
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Age level: Adults
Call to register
Come after work for a presentation based on principles of the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program. Learn 10 ways to green your home during this dynamic presentation designed for the general public.
Presenter: Mark West, licensed Architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and founder, eXoterra Solutions
TN Outdoor Classroom Symposium
Friday, April 25
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Age level: Teachers
Learn how to create, maintain and utilize outdoor classrooms to enhance instruction in all subjects. This workshop will be held at the Ellington Agricultural Center. For more information or to register visit www.eeintennessee.org.
Sponsored by: Project CENTS and TEEA
Wildflowers a la Cart
Friday, April 25
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Nectar Collectors
Friday, April 25
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Age level: 3-5 years
Registration opens April 10
Come learn about animals who have a sweet tooth!
Leader: Kim Bailey
Wildflowers a la cart
Saturday, April 26
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting spring wildflowers along the way.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Solar System Hike
Saturday, April 26
10-11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens April 11
Visit all nine planets and the Sun on this one mile hike through the solar system.
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Vaughn’s Cave Crawl
Saturday, April 26
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Age level: Adults, 18+
Registration opens April 11
Did you know that Tennessee has more caves than any other state? Come along to find out why and discover more about these subterranean realms.
Leaders: Paul Fowler and Melissa Donahue
Nature Tours a la Cart
Friday, May 2
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Storytime Under the Beech Tree
Friday, May 2
10:30-11 a.m.
Age level: Pre-K
Registration opens April 17
Enjoy books and stories about nature under the branches of our giant beech tree.
Leader: Nature Center Volunteers
Flying WILD Bird Festival
Saturday, May 3
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
In recognition of International Migratory Bird Day, the Nature Center is celebrating all things avian! We’ll play games, create crafts, learn some fun bird facts, and enjoy some tasty “tweets”. Bird banding will be ongoing, so spend some time observing the banders at work – if we’re lucky, some exciting spring migrants might make an appearance!
Leaders: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Marvelous Mushrooms
Friday, May 9
9-11 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
All we need are some wet, rotting logs and poof, mushrooms appear! We will explore a nice shady hollow and discover the cool and weird world of mushrooms.
Leader: Deb Beazley
Nature Tours a la Cart
Friday, May 9
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Worms!
Friday, May 9
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Age level: 3-5 years
Registration opens April 24
They wiggle and dig! Let’s learn about earthworms and how they help us.
Leader: Melissa Donahue
Bird Walk to the North Reserve
Saturday, May 10
8-9:30 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+. Call to register.
The 111 acres comprising the North Reserve is destined to be a major addition to the Warner Parks. Come explore this new area while appreciating its rich bird life. Binoculars recommended.
Leader: Ed Gleaves, Volunteer Naturalist
Nature Tours a la Cart
Saturday, May 10
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Migration Celebration
Saturday, May 10
10-11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens April 25
Join the naturalist in welcoming our warblers, swallows and other summer resident birds back to Nashville on this bird hike!
Leader: Heather Gallagher
Basic and Advanced Skywarn Storm Spotting
Saturday, May 10
Noon-3 p.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
Learn how to identify and report tornadoes and severe weather. Become a severe storm spotter for the National Weather Service. There are no prerequisites in order to take this free spotter class, and there is no obligation to become a storm spotter. The NWS encourages that Spotters should always seek shelter and get to a safe place first. Spotters should relay their weather reports to the NWS after the storm passes.
Leader: Jerry Orchanian, National Weather Service Warning and Coordination Meteorologist
Clean House and Healthy Garden
Thursday, May 15
9-10:30 a.m.
Age level: Adults, 13+
Call to register
You do not need harmful, synthetic, expensive, commercial chemicals to clean your house or grow a delicious and healthy garden. Learn how easy it really is.
Leader: Deb Beazley
Nature Tours a la Cart
Friday, May 16
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Storytime Under the Beech Tree
Friday, May 16
10:30-11 a.m.
Age level: Pre-K
Registration opens May 1
Enjoy books and stories about nature under the branches of our giant beech tree.
Leader: Nature Center Volunteers
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
Friday, May 16
7-11 p.m.
Age level: All ages
Call 370-8053 for information or reservations
Come to the Equestrian Center to join musicians and music fans for this fabulous bluegrass event under the full moon. Proceeds protect & preserve the Parks.
Leader: Maggie Odle
Canoe the Harpeth
Saturday, May 17
8 a.m.-noon
Age level: 6 years and up
Registration opens May 2
Canoe enthusiasts, join us for a relaxing and informative 4 hr. float along a stretch of the Harpeth River including a history of "The Iron Master" and a beautiful waterfall from one of the oldest man-made tunnels in existence today.
Leader: Harpeth River State Park Ranger
Nature Tours a la Cart
Saturday, May 17
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
3 R’s Revisited
Saturday, May 17
11 a.m.-noon
Age level: All ages
Registration opens May 2
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! We’ll play some games and look at some of nature’s recyclers.
Leader: Melissa Donahue
Sustainability “Happy Hour” – Water Conservation by “Building Outside the Box”
Thursday, May 22
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Age level: Adults
Call to register
Conserving water resources saves money and benefits the community, the climate, and the critters in the streams. Let's learn about low cost and easy to ways to save water in your house and on your lawn.
Presenter: Dr. Gwen Griffith, Program Director, Building Outside the Box, Cumberland River Compact
Nature Tours a la Cart
Friday, May 23
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Name that Tune!
Friday, May 23
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Age Level: 3-5 years
Registration opens May 8
Little ones are surprisingly in tune to the sounds of nature. We’ll learn to find birds and other wildlife by their “song”.
Leader: Susan Bradfield
Sunset at the Summit
Friday, May 23
7-8:30 p.m.
Age level: 6 years and up
Registration opens May 8
Explore the park under the light of the setting sun. Join us for a hike to one of the best overlooks in all of Nashville.
Leader: Paul Fowler
Nature Tours a la Cart
Saturday, May 24
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteers
Growing in the Garden
Saturday, May 24
10-11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Registration opens May 9
Tour the Organic Garden with the Naturalist and learn tips for growing the organic way in Nashville.
Leader: Nature Center Staff
Nature Tours a la Cart
Friday, May 30
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer
Nature Tours a la Cart
Saturday, May 31
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Age level: All ages
Call to register
Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway highlighting nature in springtime.
Leader: Nature Center Staff and Volunteer