J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center

Animal Feedings

Lizards chomping, snakes swallowing and turtles snapping...come see what is for dinner at the nature center!
All ages; Wed.; 3 pm; Sat.; 2 pm; (March-October); Free

Bark Ranger Program

Bring your dog and join our Bark Ranger Program! Stop by the nature center to pick up a Bark Ranger pamphlet, then head out on one of our trails for a fun walk with your pup. As you explore, the pamphlet will guide you through simple activities that help your dog earn their honorary Bark Ranger prize. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy the park with your furry friend and celebrate your bond while discovering nature together.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-4 pm; (March-Oct.); Free

Homeschool Series

These programs are designed with homeschoolers in mind to help supplement their curriculum. 
Meet at the Nature Center.  All ages; 1^st Thurs. of each month; Sept. 3; 10-11:30 am; Free                                             

Oct. 1:  Bats  Learn what kind of bats we have in NC and then we will head out to the field and play some games.      Nov. 5:  Fall Nature Walk  Explore the trail using your different senses as we look for signs of the changing season.    Dec. 3:  Oh, Deer  Explore what makes the different species of deer unique from each other and then we will play a game or two.
Jan. 7:  NC State symbols  See how many NC state symbols you know as we test your knowledge.                          Feb. 4:  Fire-building skills  Let's walk to the campground and learn how to start a fire.  Then we can roast marshmallows after you get it started.

Nature Storytime

You and your child are invited to Clark Park for an interactive story time with the Cumberland County Public Library. The story will be followed by themed crafts and activities.
6-under yrs w/adult; Tues.; 1-2 pm; Free                                                                                                                           

Sept. 8:  Bees
Oct. 13:  Bats
Nov. 10:  Turkey
Dec. 8:  Deer
Jan. 12:  Swans
Feb. 9:  Winter Weather

Park Ranger Chat at Bill Crisp Senior Center

This lecture series will focus on a new topic each month and is held at the Bill Crisp Senior Center.  Please call Lake Rim Park (910-433-1018) or Bill Crisp Senior Center (910-433-1248) to register.
55+; 1st Wed of every other month; 1-2 pm; Free
Oct. 7:  North Carolina Ghosts and Legends 3
Dec. 2:  Discover North Carolina's State Park
Feb. 3:  North Carolina Beachcomber's Guide

Park Ranger Chat at Senior Center East

This lecture series will focus on a new topic each month. Program is held at the Senior Center East.
Please call Clark Park Nature Center (910-433-1579) or Senior Center East (910-433-1248) to register.                    55+; Wed.; 1-2 pm; Free
Sept. 16: North Carolina Insects
Nov. 18: Owls
Jan. 20: North Carolina Mammals

Basic Archery

This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics. We will teach safety, proper stance, and correct technique. You will be hitting the bull's eye in no time!  Adults welcome too.  Call or register online, space is limited. Registration deadline is September 25.
8+; Sat., Sept. 26; 10-1 pm; $5/participant residents; $10/participant for non-residents

iNaturalist Hike

The website iNaturalist allows the public to document plants, animals, and fungi that they find in the wild.   When a photograph is entered iNaturalist helps to identify what you saw. Join a Park Ranger as we hike the trails at Clark Park documenting our findings on iNaturalist. The iNaturalist app is free to download. Your discoveries are open to the public and help scientists and naturalists to study the world. This is a great example of citizen science, where the public assist scientists through their observation. Call or register online. 
All ages; Tues., Sept. 29; 4-6 pm; Free

Bird Hike

Autumn is a time of year when birds are busy migrating. Many birds follow rivers to help navigate, bringing them through the Cape Fear River Valley and Fayetteville. Bring your binoculars and join a park ranger as we hike the trails at J. Bayard Clark Park in search of birds that are just passing through. Meet at the Nature Center. Call or register online. 
All ages; Fri., Oct. 9; 8-10 am; Free

Stroll and Canoe

Join a park ranger at the nature center for a quick ride out to hidden lake along our Cape Fear River Trail. Enjoy a short hike around our mountain bike trail. After a brief safety and paddling introduction, we will mosey around the hidden lake and enjoy the natural beauty. Space is limited. Bring a lunch and water bottle. 
8+; Tues., Oct. 20; 11 am-3:30 pm; $10/person resident; $20/person non-resident

Youth Archery

This is an introductory class for younger archers. Smaller bows and a shorter class time will help beginning archers learn the basics of safety, equipment care, and proper form. Parent or guardian must stay and supervise. Register early because space is limited.
5-7 yrs; Mon., Oct. 26; 1-3 pm; $5/participant resident; $10/participant non-resident

Fall Thanksgiving Detective Scavenger Hunt

See if you can search around the nature center and solve the 18 different puzzles. After solving the clues find a ranger for a prize. This is self-guided activity.
All ages; Nov. 16-20; 23-25; 10 am-4 pm; Free

Fall Leaf Identification Sunset Walk

Join a park ranger as we walk along our trails. We will learn about leaves change their colors and some of the common trees that may be found in your backyard.
5+; Thurs., Nov. 19; 4-5:15 pm; Free

Thanksgiving Archery Shoot

Come out for this themed archery day challenge. Participants will use compound bows as they learn safety, proper stance, and correct technique. Adults and welcome too. Space is limited.
Call to register. 
8+; Tues., Nov. 24; 9 am-noon; $5/participant resident; $10/participant non-resident

Stepping Out to a New Year Geocache Walk

Join a park ranger as we learn how to use a GPS and what geocaching is as we take a 2 - 2 1/2 mile walk along our paved Cape Fear River Trail to see where the river meets the trail.
All ages; Tues., Jan. 5; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Great Backyard Bird Count

Every February, birders from around the world go out and report the birds they see over the course of four days. This is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Join a park ranger and look for birds along the trails at J. Bayard Clark Park. All bird sightings will be reported to the GBBC to help with the study and conservation of birds worldwide. Call or register online.
All ages; Fri., Feb. 12; 9-11 am; Free

NC Snakes

Snakes are one of the most feared and misunderstood animals. Find out the real story about North Carolina’s snakes. Learn about snake anatomy, behavior, and how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species. Models, skins, and live snakes will be on display.
All ages; Thurs., Feb. 25; 4:30-5:30 pm; Free

Winter Walk

It may be chilly outside, but that’s no excuse not to get out and go for a walk. Bundle up and join a park ranger on an interpretive hike as you explore the park in winter. Bring binoculars to view birds and learn about a variety of evergreen plants that bring color to the forest even in winter. Look out for early spring wildflowers.
Call or register online.
All ages; Fri., Feb. 26; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Ghosts of the Sandhills Campfire Program

North Carolina has a long and mysterious history. Learn about local lore and legends as you listen to stories of this region’s haunted past around the campfire. May not be suitable for young children. Dress for the outdoors. Bring water and a flashlight. We will meet at the nature center and take a short walk to the campground. Promptness is essential. Call or register online. Space is limited.
5+; Fri., Oct. 30; 6-8 pm; $2/person resident; $4/person non-resident

NC Seashells

North Carolina is blessed with many miles of coastline, isolated islands, and a unique combination of ocean currents. This creates perfect conditions for a diversity of sea life. Explore a collection of NC seashells, learn about the animals that made them, and the importance of certain species to the NC economy. Participants can take home a mini-NC shell collection. 
All ages; Fri., Nov. 13; 2-3:30 pm: Free

Fossil Fun

Learn about the fascinating life that lived in prehistoric times. A collection of real fossils will be used to explain the different plants and animals that lived on Earth before people. Models and images will depict their appearance and way of life. Participate in a fossil dig as you look through ancient dirt for real fossilized shark teeth to take home.        All ages; Tues., Nov. 24; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Holiday Shell Ornaments

Shells come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. Learn a little bit about the animals that make them and then try your hands at making a holiday shell craft to take home. Lots of shells and crafting supplies will be on hand.
Call or register online.
All ages; Tues., Dec. 8; 3:30-5 pm; Free

Seasonal Puzzle Race

Come out to the nature center and put your puzzle skills to the test at speed puzzling. Get together in a group and race against the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle (all puzzles are the same). Try to be the first team to win or if time runs out, the individual with the most complete pieces to take the prize. Call to sign up and join the challenge. Space is limited. 
All ages; Tues., Dec. 22; 2:30-5 pm; Free

ABC's of Nature

Learn about a wide range of nature-related topics in this fun program. Find the letters hidden around the nature center. Every letter stands for something different, but you must find them in alphabetical order. Rocks, animals, mushrooms; a random assortment of interesting items will be discussed.
All ages; Tues., Jan. 19; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Dissect An Owl Pellet

Come out to the nature center and learn about what owls can be heard in NC. Then we will explore what they like to eat by dissecting an owl pellet. After the program we will take a stroll out on our Cape Fear River Trail and listen for owls that are in our area. Pre-registration is required; call to register. Space is limited.
All ages; Thurs., Feb. 11; 5-7 pm; Free

Rocks and Minerals

Rocks and minerals are used every day for many different purposes including building materials, in industry, and as jewelry. Learn how to tell rocks and minerals apart, their characteristics, as well as their uses. Bring rocks to help with their identification and take a free rock home for your collection. Call or register online.
All ages; Mon., Feb. 15; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Greenhouse in a Jar

This activity will give you an inside look at seed growth, a process which usually happens underground. Before we make our Greenhouse in a Jar, we will look closely at the seeds and make observations together including size and color. We will start a journal that you can write in daily as you watch your seed grow. Once your seeds have sprouted, you can plant them in a pot or garden. Continue to observe their growth and make entries in your journal!
10+; Tues., Feb. 23; 3-4 pm; $5/person resident; $10/person non-resident

Nature Center Live Animals and Exhibits

Clark Park features live animals and natural history displays and exhibits. Animals are mainly native North Carolina reptiles and amphibians. Generous donations from community donors have made new exhibits possible. They are: The Fayetteville-Cumberland Arts Council, the Cape Fear River Basin Environmental Fund and Waverly C. Broadwell Family Environmental Education Fund of Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., and the Florence Rogers Charitable Trust.
Center Hours:
Mar.-Oct.: Mon.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-4 pm
Nov.-Feb.: Mon.-Fri.  10 am- 4 pm 

Free

Camping

A semi-primitive campground is available for rent from March-Oct. that includes a fire-ring and outdoor restrooms with a cold shower. There is no electricity. At least two weeks advanced reservation with payment is necessary. Campground capacity is limited to 50 people.
Rates: Family/Individual; $10/day; Groups up to 25 individuals; $25/day (Note: fees are double for out of county and Hope Mills residents)

Children’s Loblolly Garden Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE)

What ever happened to making mud pies, sorting rocks, digging, watching ladybugs and looking for four leaf clovers? Children are losing the hands-on experience with nature that they once had. Research, including that compiled by the Natural Learning Initiative at NC State, has shown that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted by daily contact with nature. Enjoy this special play area just outside the Nature Center.

Teeny Animal Sculpture Hunt

Search the Small Wonders exhibit inside the Nature Center for its 38 pint-sized subjects to earn prizes. How many are you familiar with? Have you ever heard of a tiny, harmless, snake that looks like an earthworm with eyes? See North Carolina's smallest frogs, toads, snakes, salamanders, lizards and turtles in an exhibit created by wildlife artist Joe Morgan. Take home a set of baseball-style animal fact cards about these critters along with your prizes. Available inside the nature center.

ecoEXPLORE

Clark Park is an ecoEXPLORE Hotspot! ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based citizen science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science. Check out their website to learn more: https://www.ecoexplore.net/

Kids in Parks Activity Brochures

Clark Park is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks network of trails featuring special activity stations. Goals are to encourage physical activity and build connections with nature to inspire the next generation of public land stewards. Each station has a series of brochures that turn an ordinary hike into an adventure. Pamphlets encourage children to identify plants and animals, view the forest from the perspective of creatures, and search for natural features. Children can record their adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn PRIZES and plan more adventures. The brochure station is located near the playground and yellow bicycle sculptures. Happy hiking!

StoryWalk® Clark Park

Explore reading along a stretch of paved trail near the playground. Stands tell rotating stories suitable for young readers. Storywalk® is a wonderful partnership between FCPR and the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center. It was funded by the Women’s Giving Circle of the Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.  Available daily from 8 am to sunset.

School and Group Field Trips

Are you looking for an interesting field trip for your group? Is teaching hands-on science in the classroom a challenge? Our nature center tours and life, Earth and physical science programs can correlate to DOD and North Carolina’s Essential Standards for Science. Programs can be coupled with a nature hike. Bring lunches to picnic on the grounds after your program. Choose from guided hikes, popular subjects, or just a tour of the nature center. Custom programs are available. Group size limited to 80 participants. Offered by appointment only.
Free

Pre-K Growing Up Wild Field Trips

Growing Up Wild is an early childhood education program that builds on a sense of wonder about nature and invites children to explore wildlife and the world around them. Activities and a craft provide an early foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. Programs meet Head Start Domains and NAEYC Accreditation Criteria. Call for reservations and topics. 

Outreach Programs 

A ranger can come to your location and lead a nature program for your class on a variety of topics. Advanced reservation required.
$25/program in county; $50/program out of county within 25 miles; Free for Cumberland County Public Schools, Fort Bragg Schools and affiliates.

Programs for Adult Garden and Other Clubs

A ranger can come to your location and lead a program for your group on a variety of topics. Advanced reservation required.
$25/program in county; $50/program out of county within 25 miles.

Training is provided for all roles.

Greeter: Welcome guests to the Center, orient them to trails and amenities, and answer basic questions about animals and exhibits. Wonderful for someone outgoing who enjoys conversation and is excited about sharing Fayetteville’s resources with others.

Tour Guide: Learn to give structured tours of the Center’s live animals, displays and exhibits to groups ages 4-12 years. It is hard to have a bad day when leading a tour group.

Nature Hike Guide: Learn to give structured Nature Hikes to groups ages 4-12 years. Every tour is different and fresh with discovery.

Critter Caretaker: Learn basic animal care working with reptiles and amphibians. Provide morning care including feeding, watering and misting of tanks plus associated habitat cleaning and maintenance. 18+ only.

Guest Instructor: Are you passionate about a topic and looking to share it with others? (are you a bee-keeper? bird-watcher? butterfly-gardener? spider expert? etc.)