J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center

Animal Feedings

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

Nature Storytime

You and your child are invited to Clark Park for an interactive storytime 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
Dec. 9: Evergreen/Pine Trees
Jan. 6: Hibernation
Feb. 10: Archery      

Stepping Out to a New Year

Join a park ranger for a 2 to 2 ½ mile walk along our paved Cape Fear River Trail to see where the river meets the trail. Discover what winter birds reside in our area as well as some evergreen plants.
All ages; Mon., Jan. 5; 9-11:30 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. You will have a chance to pet a live snake after the presentation.
All ages; Fri., Jan. 23; 3-4:30 pm; Free             

Spiders

With their 8 legs, multiple eyes and web-making abilities, spiders are recognized by people the world over. Learn about these creepy little bugs and why they are important to the natural world. Find out about some of the many species of spiders that call North Carolina home. Make a spider craft to take home.
All ages; Fri., Feb. 13; 3-4:30 pm; Free

Basic Archery

This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics of archery. We will teach safety, proper stance and correct technique. You will be hitting the bull’s eye in no time! Adults welcome too. Space is limited. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance.         
11+; Fri., Jan. 9; Mon., Feb. 16; 11 am-2 pm; $5/residents; $10/non-residents

Youth Archery Clinic

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. 
Space is limited.
5-10 yrs; Fri., Dec. 19; Mon., Jan. 19; 11 am-1 pm; $5/residents; $10/non-residents

Archery Challenge Course

Have a little fun with archery as you test your skills shooting a variety of targets, playing archery games and taking on archery challenges. Participants will also get an introduction to field archery and 3-D archery. Some experience is helpful but not required. Register early, space is limited.
8+; Wed., Nov. 26; 11 am-2 pm; $5/residents; $10/residents

Christmas Archery

Join us for a holiday themed spin on our classic Basic Archery class! This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics. We will teach safety, proper stance and correct technique. We will play some reindeer games. Adults welcome too. Register early, space is limited.
8+; Tues., Dec. 23; 10 am-noon; $5/residents; $10/non-resident

Adaptive Archery

The Adaptive Archery program offers the opportunity to learn, practice and enjoy camaraderie with the other participants. Pre-registration is required. Call 910-433-1395 for more information or to register.
8+; Fri., Feb. 6; 9-11 am; Free

Teen Adventure Series

Are you ready to level up your outdoor skills and take on new challenges? This six-month adventure series is designed for teens who love the outdoors and want to build real-world skills while having a blast. Each month, we’ll meet for hands-on sessions that explore navigation, survival basics, outdoor leadership and adventure-based activities. Each session is packed with movement, problem-solving, and opportunities to connect with new friends. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or already love nature, this program will boost your confidence, skills and connection to the wild world around you.
14+; Fri.; Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb. 20; 3-4:30 pm; Free

Homeschool Discovery Series

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

Dec. 4: Evergreen Wreath
Learn about some of the evergreen trees in the park as we make wreaths out of wisteria vines. Space is limited and registration is required.
Jan. 8: Animal Track Orienteering
Bring your own notepad for this adventure. We will learn how to use a compass to navigate the trail, while identifying animal tracks.
Feb. 5: Hibernation
Discover where our local animals sleep during the winter and which ones are true hibernators.

Park Ranger Chats at Bill Crisp Senior Center

This lecture series will focus on a new topic each month.
Program is held at the Bill Crisp Senior Center. Please call Clark Park (910-433-1579) or the Bill Crisp Senior Center (910-433-1248) to register.
55+; Wed.; 1-2 pm; Free

Dec. 3: Atmospheric Phenomena
Jan. 7: Unusual Rocks and Minerals
Feb. 4: North Carolina Venomous Snakes

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:
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, $1 each additional person over 25 (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.)