(615) 862-8539. Redbud Denise Weyer · study the basics of birds, identify common birds of Shelby Bottoms using binoculars and field guides, and enter our observations into the citizen

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is open: Tues/Thurs/Sat — 9 am to 4 pm Wed/Fri —12 to 4 pm

Shelby Bottoms Greenway is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. Mailing Address:

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

1900 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37206

Phone: 615-862-8539 Fax: 615-262-0245 Email: [email protected]

Website: sbnc.nashville.gov

Requests for ADA accommodation should be directed to the Nature Center at (615) 862-8539.

Spring sprung early this year! Look around and you may

see or hear things you normally wouldn’t until mid-March

or so. This article tells the story of 2017’s weird spring

here in the Southeast and beyond, with maps showing its

progression marching northward about three weeks early.

Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural

phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant/

animal life. Cool citizen science projects abound and one of the best is a phenology

project, Nature’s Notebook, where regular people make easy observations of common

birds, mammals, plants, etc. You then use the app or your desktop to report what you

saw, and just like that, YOU contributed to major scientific studies about climate change

and its effect on natural phenomena! Another fun citizen science project is iNaturalist,

where you photograph plant, animal, or other species, share your photos, and then

discuss it with others. It’s a good way to get an ID on something. AND it’s a good way

to inventory the biodiversity of a site. IN FACT, it’s such a great way to do that, we are

participating in a City Nature Challenge on April 15 using YOU and iNaturalist! Check

out the schedule for both the easy training class and the City Nature Challenge date!

Bike Tour

of Shelby Bottoms

Saturday, March 4

10:30 am—12 pm

All ages

Registration required

Join us for a tour of Shelby Bottoms on two wheels. We will stop by

highlighted areas in Shelby Bottoms: wetlands, ponds, fields, woods, etc.

Helmet required.

Leaders: John Michael Cassidy and Volunteers

Exhibit Opening:

Subconscious

Musing by artist

Zac Bailey

Saturday, March 4

Open House 1—3 pm

All ages

No registration

We will be welcoming new art to our classroom walls created by local

artist, Zac Bailey. He incorporates tones of nature into his unique style of

utilizing acrylic on canvas, stating, “I see my art as abstract, free flowing,

thoughtless.” Exhibit will run until the end of March.

Host: Christie Wiser

Star Party with

Saturday, March 4

7—9 pm

All ages

No registration

Join us for an evening of exploration of the universe! The astronomers of

the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will bring telescopes and set up

in the event field outside the nature center, so bring your best astronomy

questions for the experts and be ready to view the deep sky! Event will be

cancelled for cloudy conditions or inclement weather. Check our Facebook

status for details.

Bird Friendly

Coffee Social

Saturday, March 11

8 am—12 pm

All ages

No registration

Coffee-drinkers (regulars and visitors) that enjoy Shelby Bottoms are

welcome to join us for some free, quality Certified “Bird-Friendly “coffee.

Learn about the park, wildlife, bird habitat-coffee connection, and get a cup

to fuel your morning walk on the trails.

Leader: John Michael Cassidy and Jim Hicks

The Nature Center has an Amazon Wish List! Anything from the list (or a similar item) would be much appreciated!

Just go to Amazon.com, click ‘Find a Registry,’ and type in Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. Thanks!!

Redbud-Denise Weyer

John Michael Cassidy

To register call 615/862-8539, email [email protected], or sign up online. Programs could be cancelled due to inclement weather or low participation.

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center 1900 Davidson St Nashville, TN 37206 615/862-8539 sbnc.nashville.gov

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sbnc.nashville.gov

http://www.sciencealert.com/this-map-shows-how-crazy-early-spring-is-coming-to-your-neighbourhood-this-year

https://www.zooniverse.org/

https://scistarter.com/finder

https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook

http://www.inaturalist.org/

http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2017-nashville

https://www.facebook.com/shelbybottomsnature

https://plus.google.com/+ShelbyBottomsNashville

https://twitter.com/ShelbyBottoms

http://instagram.com/shelbybottoms

https://www.pinterest.com/shelbybottomsnc/

http://www.bsasnashville.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/?ie=UTF8&cid=A3B7R2RHDB8PMWC:/Users/dmweyer/Documents/5Ks,%20Marathons,%20etc

http://www.bsasnashville.com/


https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Shelby-Bottoms-Nature-Center.aspx

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Spring 2017 ProgramsSpring 2017 Programs

Beaver Woods

Saturday, March 11

10:30—11:30 am

All ages


We will learn all about beavers, explore wetlands, see a beaver dam, and

find signs of beaver near the nature center.

Leader: John Michael Cassidy

Moonlight Mosey

Tuesday, March 14

7—8 pm

All ages


March with us through the moonlit Bottoms while we say farewell to the

winter season and begin to welcome the coming of spring!

Leader: Christie Wiser

Storytime!

Wednesday, March 15

2—3 pm

All ages


Join us for an after-nap story time and outside activity. We will focus on

things that live in the park. After our story, we will explore around the

nature center campus.

Leader: Nature Center Staff & Volunteers

“Pre-K” Saint

Patty’s Day!!!

Friday, March 17

10—11 am

Ages 3-5


Bring your little lucky leprechauns to this fun program that will highlight

the theme of St. Patrick’s Day, but mostly will focus on the many “green”

things to be found in nature and especially during the spring season!

Stories, crafts, a nature hike will be included in this event.


Body Works

Saturday, March 18

10—11 am

Ages 18+


This mat class focuses on lengthening, stretching, and strengthening the

body. Combining core training, yoga, Pilates, balance and flexibility, this

will be especially helpful for cyclists and runners.

Instructor: Carol Buckley Frazier, a NSCA-certified Personal Trainer,

fitness instructor, IIN Holistic Health Coach and founder/CEO of

BestUWellness.com

Puppet Show Party

and Picnic

Saturday, March 18

1—2 pm

All ages


Puppet shows and puppet making will kick off this fun event! We will

begin with a puppet show performance from our very own puppet show

stage, then teach you how to create your very own DIY puppets to take

home!! We encourage everyone to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the

nature center grounds. We will provide the lemonade and fun!

Leader: Christie Wiser and SBNC staff

Beginning

Birding

Tuesday—Friday,

March 21—24

8—9:30 am

Ages 13+


Studying birds allows us an easy access point to gain an appreciation and

understanding of Earth's biodiversity. In this 4-session program, we will

study the basics of birds, identify common birds of Shelby Bottoms using

binoculars and field guides, and enter our observations into the citizen

science project eBird.org in order for scientists to use our valuable data. All

materials will be provided. Come to one or all days. Build on your skills if

you come every day!

Leader: Andy Lantz, 4-H GROW County Extension Agent

Exploring

Climate Change

Tuesday, March 21

7—8:30 pm

Ages 13+


Award-winning Nashville eco-educator and Climate Reality Leader, Lanny

Smith, will engage people who want to understand climate change and the

solutions. Lanny, who was trained by former Vice President Al Gore, will

use part of Gore's slide presentation to share the effects of a fast heating

planet and answer questions about renewable energy advances and the

carbon tax and dividend.

Leader: Lanny Smith, Planet Earth Project



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http://www.BestUWellness.com

http://ebird.org/content/ebird/



Spring Scavenger

Hunt

Wednesday, March 22

12—1:30 pm

All ages


Spring is here and we will start our scavenger hunt at the

nature center and venture out on the campus to explore!


Nature PLAY!

Thursday, March 23

11am—12:30 pm

All ages


Pack a picnic lunch and meet at Nature Play where we will build,

investigate, imagine, and have fun!


“Marsh Madness”

Hike & Picnic

Friday, March 24

12—1:30 pm

All ages


Is it a marsh, wetland, swamp, bottomland or what?!? Learn more about

the various bodies of water, and how important they are to humans,

wildlife, and the planet. We will take a hike around Shelby Bottoms to

explore our aqua-areas and then stop off at the observation deck for a

picnic lunch. Wear shoes that can get wet and pack a lunch if you plan to

picnic with us!


Bird Friendly

Coffee Social

Saturday, March 25

8 am—12 pm

All ages

No registration

Coffee-drinkers (regulars and visitors) who enjoy Shelby Bottoms are


Learn about the park, wildlife, bird habitat-coffee connection, and get a

cup to fuel your morning walk on the trails.


Mr. Bond and

The Science

Guys

Saturday, March 25

10—11 am

All ages


Join us for East Nashville's Mr. Bond and the Science Guys’ 4th annual

“Science Spectacular” to benefit Shelby Bottoms Nature Center!! This

team of “edutainers” - teachers and entertainers—make it their mission to

show kids that science is fun, cool and exciting. They perform hands-on

science shows where everyone in the audience has the opportunity to do

an experiment. These interactive S.T.E.M. events are always a crowd

favorite because of their high energy and playful nature. The Shelby

Bottoms shows are The Science Guy’s opportunity to "give-back" to the

East Nashville community (their home base) by raising money for Shelby

Bottoms Nature Center. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to

make a donation to the nature center.

Trees and History

of Shelby Park

Saturday, March 25

10:30 am—12:00 pm

Ages 8+


Randy Allen, Inglewood native, has been documenting and working with

trees for the last 50 years. Join us for a walk through Shelby Park where

we will discuss trees of yesteryear, current trees, and some of the people

and places of Shelby Park's 100+ year history.

Leader: Randy Allen and John Michael Cassidy

New Moon Bike Ride

Tuesday, March 28

7—8:30 pm

Ages 12+


Join us for a tour of Shelby Bottoms on two wheels by the light of the

stars. We will stop by highlighted areas in Shelby Bottoms: wetlands,

ponds, fields, woods, etc. Helmet required


HELP!!

I found

a baby____!

Friday, March 31

6:30—7:30 pm

All ages


It's baby season! Come meet some local wildlife, find out what you can do

to help wild babies thrive, and what to do if you find one in trouble.

Join our guest - Walden’s Puddle staff member, Nashville Wildlife

Conservation Center founder, and nature center volunteer naturalist,

Debbie Sykes - to learn how to be prepared BEFORE it happens!

Spring 2017 ProgramsSpring 2017 Programs Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Shelby Bottoms Nature Center



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James Fullerton

Birding and

Brunch

Saturday, April 1

8—10 am

All ages


We will begin with a mile long hike through the Bottoms to explore what

birds are in the park this time of year, then convene on the back porch of

the nature center for a small brunch that will be provided. Feel free to bring

a dish to share if you wish!


Paddle the

Cumberland -

Shelby Park to

Downtown

Riverfront

Saturday, April 1

Morning Float: 10 am

Afternoon Float: 2 pm

Cost: $15 - (includes all

gear, trip leaders, and

shuttle if needed)

Ages 8+

Registration Required - 10

max for each float

Help us kick-off the start to our paddling season at Metro Parks by joining

us for an urban float on the Cumberland River. This is a short, scenic float

with great cityscapes. We offer numerous public paddling trips, community

center youth-outings, skills clinics, and private group trips. The

Cumberland River has excellent birdwatching opportunities and borders

some of the largest greenspaces in Nashville. Learn about the local

landscape or other local paddling destinations. Our trip leaders are

experienced and certified paddling instructors.

Leaders: John Michael Cassidy, Neel Deshpande, and Volunteers

Bird Friendly

Coffee Social

Saturday, April 8

8 am—12 pm

All ages

No registration




to fuel your morning walk on the trails.


Be an

iNaturalist!

Saturday, April 8

10—11 am

Ages 13+


Bring your smartphone and learn how to use the iNaturalist app to

contribute to the Park’s species database. Learn how to record your

observations, get feedback from other naturalists, and engage with the park

as a citizen scientist. This is the training for next week’s City Nature

Challenge!! Leader: Denise Weyer

Sights from Shelby Bottoms Captured in Linoleum by artist Julie Solsa

Saturday, April 8

6—8 pm

All ages

No registration

Join us for an opening reception to welcome this exciting new exhibit that

will grace our classroom walls until the end of June 2017. “Birds and

architectural details are what I focused on for this show using linoleum and

oil pastels,” shares Solsa. Refreshments will be served.

Host: Christie Wiser

Full “Pink”

Moon Hike

Tuesday, April 11

8—9 pm

All ages


Spring has arrived and there is no better time to sign up for one of our

popular full moon night hikes. We will talk a little bit as to why some

referred to this moon as the “Pink Moon” and then take a moonlit hike

around the park to explore and moon gaze. Cancelled if weather is

inclement. No flashlights. Leader: Christie Wiser

City Nature

Challenge 2017:

Nashville

Saturday, April 15

9 am—12 pm

All ages



projects/city-nature-

challenge-2017-nashville

Biodiversity is everywhere, even in thriving urban areas like Nashville.

Imagine how long it would take one or two scientists to explore Nashville

and catalogue all the plants and animals! Instead, we need YOU to be a

citizen scientist and document the flora or fauna you see in your backyard,

schoolyard, or local park. During the Nashville City Nature Challenge

from April 14th to 18th, snap a photo and upload your observations to

iNaturalist. You will be helping us understand what plants, animals, fungi

and more call Nashville home. We can’t wait to discover Nashville’s wild

(life) side with you!

Coordinators: Cumberland River Compact and Metro Parks Nature Centers




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Seedy Saturday

Saturday, April 15

11 am—1 pm open house

All ages

No registration

The season to grow is here! If you are in need of some seeds, feel free to

swing by the nature center to take some that we gathered from our very own

teaching garden. And if you have some to spare, you can leave them here to

share. Host: Christie Wiser and SBNC staff

Wetlands:

Investigation and

Exploration

Saturday, April 15

12—2 pm

Ages 12+


Brian Chomiki, a local Environmental Scientist, will be leading us out into

the wet areas of the park to focus on soil and investigate flora and fauna

that make Shelby Bottoms so unique.

Leaders: Brian Chomiki and John Michael Cassidy

Spring

Wildflower Hike

Saturday, April 15

2—3 pm

All ages


Flower…Power!!! This time brings us a symphony of buds, blooms, and

blossoms. Join us for a short stroll through the park to explore the

arrangement of flowers than can be found this time of year.


Storytime!

Wednesday, April 19

2—3 pm

All Ages

Registration Required

Join us for an after-nap story time and outside activity. We will focus on


nature center campus.

Leader: Nature Center Staff & Volunteers

Froggy

Friday Night

Friday, April 21

7:30—8:30 pm

All ages


Let’s take a sunset hike on Earth Day Eve and greet the evening chorus!

We’ll learn a bit about the various species of frogs that call Shelby Bottoms

home and then head out to explore the pools, ponds, and wetlands to find

some of these extraordinary environmental indicators!

Leader: Denise Weyer

Bird Friendly

Coffee Social

Saturday, April 22

8 am—12 pm

All ages

No registration




to fuel your walk on the trails.


Join us at Centennial Park for Nashville’s Earth Day Festival

from 11 am—6 pm! Food, fun, and music!

And check out Mayor Barry’s Citywide Spring Clean! ——>

Take part or organize a clean up in your neighborhood!

Mr. Bond &

The Science

Guys

Saturday, April 22

10—11 am

All ages


This team of “edutainers” - teachers and entertainers—make it their mission

to show kids that science is fun, cool and exciting. They perform hands-on

science shows where everyone in the audience has the opportunity to do an

experiment. The Shelby Bottoms shows are The Science Guy’s opportunity

to "give-back" to the East Nashville community (their home base) by

raising money for Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. Attendees are encouraged

(but not required) to make a donation to the nature center.

Explore

Southeast Park

Saturday, April 29

9—11 am and 1—3pm

Ages 10+


The newly acquired greenspace in the Cane Ridge community of SE

Davidson county is home to 500+ acres of fields and wooded hillsides.

We will hike on the property and discuss history and flora/fauna.

Leaders: John Michael Cassidy and Neel Deshpande



April 29, 2017—Shelby Bottoms Nature Center will be closed. All roads in Shelby Park/Bottoms will be closed

until 2-3 pm for the St Jude’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Good luck, participants!

Page 5



John Michael Cassidy

Body Works

Saturday, May 6

10—11 am

Ages 18+


This mat class focuses on lengthening, stretching, and strengthening the

body. Combining core training, yoga, Pilates, balance and flexibility, this

will be especially helpful for cyclists and runners. Instructor: Carol

Buckley Frazier, a NSCA-certified Personal Trainer, fitness instructor, IIN

Holistic Health Coach and founder/CEO of BestUWellness.com

“Make a Change”

May Fest

Saturday, May 6

2—6 pm

All ages

No registration

Our planet is changing and it’s time we all stop and pay attention. Join us

for a fun, uplifting event that will cover climate change and more. Special

performances by local performer and Climate Reality Leader, Lanny Smith

a.k.a. Earth Man! There will be many activities throughout the event:

games, crafts, a puppet show, naturalist led hike through the park and more!

Full “Flower”

Moon Hike

Wednesday, May 10

8:30—9:30 pm

All ages; registration req’d

Learn about the “Flower Moon” on this 1 mile long hike where we will

observe the flora along the trail by moonlight! Hike may be canceled if

weather is inclement. No flashlights. Leader: Christie Wiser

Bike Ride -

Full Moon

Thursday, May 11

8—9:30 pm

Ages 12+


Join us for a tour of Shelby Bottoms on two wheels by the light of the

moon. We will stop by highlighted areas in Shelby Bottoms: wetlands,

ponds, fields, woods, etc. Helmet required.


Bird Friendly

Coffee Social

Saturday, May 13 AND

Saturday, May 27

8 am—12 pm

All ages & No registration

Coffee-drinkers who enjoy Shelby Bottoms are welcome to join us for

some free, Certified “Bird-Friendly” coffee. Learn about the bird habitat-

coffee connection and get a cup to fuel your walk on the trails.


Mr. Bond &

The Science

Guys

Saturday, May 13

10—11 am

All ages


This team of “edutainers” - teachers and entertainers—make it their mission

to show kids that science is fun, cool and exciting. They perform hands-on

science shows where everyone in the audience has the opportunity to do an

experiment. The Shelby Bottoms shows are The Science Guy’s opportunity

to "give-back" to the East Nashville community (their home base) by

raising money for Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. Attendees are encouraged

(but not required) to make a donation to the nature center.

Build Habitat and

Help Pollinators!

Saturday, May 13

1—2:30 pm

All ages


Come learn about the National Wildlife Federation's "Garden For Wildlife"

program and how to make your greenspace more earth-friendly, attract

wildlife, and get a take-away gift to improve your backyard!


Storytime

Wednesday, May 17

2—3 pm

All ages; registration req’d

Join us for an after-nap story time and outside activity. We’ll focus on


nature center campus. Leader: Nature Center Staff/Volunteers

It’s a Bird Day!

Saturday, May 20

9 am—12 pm

All ages; no registration

Join us for a morning of all things bird: games, crafts, hikes, vulture

viewing, The Messenger Documentary film, a Q&A session with

ornithologists, bird banding, and so much more!

The Eclipse is

coming!

Saturday, May 27

2—3 pm

All ages


On August 21st, 2017, Nashville and many other areas of the United States

are in store for a spectacular event…. A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE!!!!

Learn more about the upcoming event, the best way to watch it safely, and

more. Leader: Christie Wiser




Page 6

