Conservation Days

May 15-20, 2023

Where We Live:

The Plants, Animals, and Geology of Middle Tennessee's Central Basin

Activities, presentations, and exhibits focused on engaging with the natural world

Main Event, May 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Wilderness Station, Barfield Crescent Park (map)

Naturalist-led Hikes and Stewardship Events, May 15-19 at various times and places around Murfreesboro.

Come learn about Central Basin ecology, take part in naturalist-led hikes and hands-on activities, hear first-hand from natural resource professionals about the work that they do, explore local environmental issues, shop for native plants for your garden, and discover citizen science projects and volunteer stewardship opportunities in and around Murfreesboro. Hikes, activities, and information geared towards ages 10 and up. This is a free public event.

Check back for updates!

Volunteer to help out with Conservation Days! A variety of times and tasks will be available.

(2022 Conservation Days Agenda)

North Murfreesboro Greenway, Central Valley Loop: Nature Walk

Monday, May 15, 9-11 a.m.with Sheila Kirk, Fisheries Biologist/Natural Resource Specialist Ranger, US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District; L.A. Rawlings, Naturalist/Park Ranger, Long Hunter State Park; and Jason Allen, Naturalist/filmmaker with a long history on this stretch of river

Explore the newest segment of the North Murfreesboro Greenway and enjoy stunning views of the East Fork Stones River as you learn about the plants and animals you see along the way. Approximately 3 miles.

Comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, and water are recommended.

Meet at the Central Valley Trailhead map

Register now!

Stones River National Battlefield: Wildflower Walk and Resource Management Talk

Tuesday, May 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m.with John McKay, Park Ranger/Education Coordinator, and Philip Knecht, Biological Science Technician, Stones River National Battlefield

The Best of Both Worlds: Preserving Nature and History at Stones River National Battlefield: Discover the spring-blooming wildflowers and other native plants in the Battlefield's cedar glades, native grass fields, & forests, and learn how park personnel manage the Battlefield’s natural resources as part of a cultural landscape.

Long pants, close-toed shoes, bug spray, and water are recommended.

Meet by the flagpole in front of the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center map

Register now!

Siegel Natural Area: Birding Walk
(at Richard Siegel Park)

Thursday, May 18, 6:30-8:30 am with Susan Lanier, Wildlife Biologist, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (retired)/Member, Tennessee Ornithological Society

See the birds that inhabit the glades, barrens, and wetlands tucked away behind the soccer fields at Siegel Park. This early morning hike takes place when many birds are more active. Get I.D. tips and learn about the habits and habitats of the birds you see.

Close-toed shoes, long pants, binoculars*, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended.

*We will have several pairs of binoculars available for those who don't have their own.

Meet at Richard Siegel Park (Soccer Field #12)

Register now!

Overbridge State Natural Area: Wildflower Habitat Restoration Walk

Friday, May 19, 2:00-4:00 p.m.with Murray Gheesling, Middle Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist, Division of Natural Areas, TN Department of Environment and Conservation

Hike through this 70-acre natural area located approximately eight miles east of Murfreesboro and learn how the TN Division of Natural Areas is restoring the land, formerly owned by a cattle company, to ecological health. Overbridge State Natural Area contains a globally rare limestone glade ecosystem providing habitat for various rare plant species. Managed through prescribed fire and mechanical techniques, invasive species have been reduced and ecosystem health has increased. Join us for a short off-trail hike (about 2 miles total) for a "tour and talk" about cedar glade flora and the work being done to manage this and other Central Basin State Natural Area sites.

Parking is limited: Group max: 15
Please carpool if possible.

Meet at Overbridge Natural Area (map)

Register now!

Person at water's edge planting vegetation in water

Volunteer Stewardship Activities

New this year: Roll up your sleeves and join the Outdoor Murfreesboro team and our partners on projects that will both get your hands dirty and make a difference for our natural surroundings.

Pre -registration required: Check back for information on how to register for Conservation Days volunteer opportunities. (If you just can't wait, you can visit our volunteer signup page now to check out our regularly scheduled volunteer events.)

Walter Hill Trailhead: Kudzu Wrangle

Tuesday, May 16, 8-11 amWith Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District and Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural Resources Staff

Kudzu, an exotic invasive vine (A.K.A. "the vine that ate the South"), is rapidly covering the hillside, engulfing trees, and choking out native plants at Walter Hill trailhead and along Highway 231 at the East Fork Stones River bridge. We will join forces to begin to remove it and recover this area. Wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring work gloves, insect repellent, and water. A hat and safety glasses are also recommended!

Meet at Walter Hill Trailhead.

Register now!

Nickajack Wetlands Natural Area: Turtle Search

Friday, May 19, 9:00-11:30 am with Rachel Singer, Outdoor Murfreesboro /Assistant Director, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation

Participate in a long-running eastern box turtle research project at Nickajack Wetlands Natural Area. Become part of our research team as we collect data on these resident reptiles to determine their population and health. Learn cool turtle facts, why they are listed as a species of concern in Tennessee, and how to use field equipment to take weights, measurements, and environmental readings.

The turtle search will take you off-trail in the woods: long pants, close-toed shoes, bug spray, and water are recommended.

Murfree Spring Wetlands at 9am to catch the van.

map to meeting place

Register now!

Main Event: Saturday, May 20

9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Wilderness Station at Barfield Park

Speakers, Activities, Exhibits throughout the day.
Native Plant Sale until 1 pm,
Nature Walks in the morning and afternoon
Food trucks

Exhibits (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), Plant Sale (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.), and food trucks (lunchtime) are in the Wilderness Station parking lot. This area is closed to vehicles from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

See 2022 Conservation Days Speakers, Presentation Titles, Activities, and Exhibits

Speakers:

Presentations take place in the Wilderness Station meeting room. Speakers will be added to the agenda as they are confirmed.

	9:30-9:45 Outdoor Murfreesboro’s Vision - Rachel Singer, Outdoor Murfreesboro /Assistant Director, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation: Protecting and connecting to nature in the city.
	9:45-10:30 Central Basin Geology - Greg Upham, Town of Smyrna Storm Water Program Coordinator/Geologist: Underneath it all, the highly erodible karst limestone that is characteristic of the Central Basin has for eons shaped the life and ecosystems of the region.
	11:00-11:15 Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural Resources Division - What We Do - Kristin Hopkins, Natural Resource Manager, Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural Resources Division: Surveying, restoring, and caring for Murfreesboro's natural spaces.
	11:15-12:00 Central Basin Flora - Speaker TBA: Famous for its diversity, the native vegetation in Middle Tennessee also includes an unusually high number of rare plant species and some globally rare plant communities.
	12:30-12:45 Outdoor Murfreesboro Education & Adventure Recreation Programming - Dawn Thomas, Outdoor Murfreesboro, Wilderness Station Coordinator: Connecting citizens with the natural world around them.
	12:45-1:30 Central Basin Fauna - Kristen Garrison, Naturalist/National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide: Adapted to the climate and geology of the region, the Central Basin is home to some globally unique or rare animal species.
	2:00-2:15 Living in Murfreesboro, the heart of the Central Basin - Angela Jackson, Executive Director of Community Services, City of Murfreesboro: - Murfreesboro's natural setting and natural spaces contribute to quality of life in the city.
	2:15-3:00 *Central Basin Ecology* - Brian T. Miller, Professor of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University: Significant habitats in the Central Basin: their fragility, significant occupants, and distribution

Intro to iNaturalist: CitSci in Your Pocket

Times TBALauren May, Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural Resources Division

It's not only a great way to learn more about the natural world you see around you - you can also contribute to biodiversity science as a Citizen Scientist using iNaturalist! Help Outdoor Murfreesboro's Natural Resource team inventory the native plants and animals in our area by recording your observations online. (Observations in Murfreesboro)

*You don't need the iNat app to use iNaturalist, but if you plan to use it during this workshop, please install it on your smartphone before you arrive. WiFi is not available at the Wilderness Station.

Meet in front of the Wilderness Station.

ADA Buggy Trail Rides

Times TBAwith Outdoor Murfreesboro Staff

Introducing Outdoor Murfreesboro’s brand new wheelchair accessible golf cart! Get away from the crowd and take a naturalist-guided spin down the trail in the Barfield Backcountry. Our buggy accommodates three passengers in regular seating and one passenger in a wheelchair (with safety tie-downs). Wheelchair-bound individuals and their caretakers get dibs on these rides during this event.

Please contact us for more information.

Registration opens soon

Working for Wildlife

Join the Wilderness Station crew for an up-close look at some of the reptiles, birds, and mammals that are in decline here in Tennessee. We will have activities, games, and knowledge to share about Eastern Box Turtles, birds of prey, and native bat species. Enjoy live animal presentations scattered throughout the day, and engage with working professionals dedicated to wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, education, and research. Learn the tricks-of-the-trade, and practice using some of the equipment they use in their respective fields.