Conservation in Action
Conservation in Action is demonstrated by the people in our community who engage in active stewardship of our natural resources. We appreciate all of the individuals, groups, and organizations that work with us, with each other, and independently to restore and maintain the health of the local ecosystem, including land, water, wildlife, and vegetation.
Our annual Conservation Days event celebrates these people and Murfreesboro's natural setting with hikes with naturalists, hands-on activities, knowledgeable speakers on related topics, and exhibits by community and regional natural resource stewards. The 2023 theme: Where We Live - The Plants, Animals, and Geology of Middle Tennessee's Central Basin
OMNR works with many civic groups and local government entities towards shared management goals. Their ongoing involvement and support, as well as the conservation work they do independent of our joint projects, is vital. Joint efforts include restoration projects such as the Old Fort Park Pollinator Plot, shoreline restoration at Murfree Spring Wetlands, and the Sinking Creek Wetlands, arboretum, bioretention basin, and gardens at Oaklands Park.
There are many ways to participate in natural resource conservation on your own or with a group! From incorporating native plants into your own garden, even if it's on a balcony, to monitoring bluebird nest boxes at Barfield Park, to recording your plant and wildlife sightings using a nature app, every action that supports the goal of monitoring and maintaining a thriving ecosystem in and around Murfreesboro is an important contribution!
Resources:
- MIPP Guide to locally-native plants suitable for Murfreesboro yards (a work in Progress!)
- Citizen Science nature apps
- Conservation-minded groups and organizations active locally and providing information, educational programming, networking possibilities, and/or volunteer opportunities.
OMNR Habitat Restoration Projects
Projects are underway at Old Fort Park, Murfree Spring Wetlands, and Sinking Creek Wetlands at Oaklands Park, where we are replacing exotic invasive plants with locally native (indigenous) species, providing habitat for pollinators, and working to capture trash before it washes into the wetlands.
Learn more
Volunteer with Us!
Outdoor Murfreesboro offers many volunteer activities in the great outdoors throughout the year. Come help us care for Murfreesboro's wonderful natural setting, get some fresh air, and meet others who share your enthusiasm for nature. Use our Signup Genius forms to register for specific events or to let us know your interests and join our mailing list. We'll contact you when we have an upcoming event we think you might enjoy.