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.; (March-October) 2 pm; 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. (March-Oct.); 10 am-4 pm; Free

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
March 10: Frogs
April 14: Rabbits
May 12: Beavers
June 9: Oceans
July 14: Sharks
Aug. 11: Pirates 

Homeschool Discovery Series

March 5: Map and Compass
Try your hand at learning symbols of a map and their features. We will work on how to use a compass and follow a course.

April 2: Unnatural Hike
Join a park ranger as we explore the Bear Trail and look for new plants and animals along the trail and see if you can figure out the riddles and puzzles along the way.

May 7: NC State Symbols
See how many NC state symbols you know as we test your knowledge. We will have some specimens and models of our different symbols.    

Park Ranger Chat at Senior Center East

This lecture series will focus on a new topic each month. Program is held at Senior Center East. Please call Clark Park Nature Center (910-433-1579) or Senior Center East (910-433-1574) to register.
55+; Wed.; 1-2 pm; Free
March 18: North Carolina State Emblems
May 20: Snakes
July 15: Mystery of the Sand Mound People

Park Ranger Chat 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 Lake Rim Park (910-433-1018) or Bill Crisp Senior Center (910-433-1248) to register.
55+; Wed.; 1-2 pm; Free
April 1: The Weird and Wonderful of North Carolina
June 3: Marvels of Moths
Aug. 5: North Carolina’s Pottery Heritage

Wildflower Walk: Spring Ephemerals

After the cold, short days of winter, wildflowers burst forth from the earth in the Cape Fear River Valley. These beautiful, delicate, and often short-lived blooms are known as spring ephemerals (meaning their blooming periods and life cycles are brief). Take a guided walk through the woods as you search for these seasonal species.
All ages; Fri., March 20; 4-5:30 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. 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 March 19.
8+; Sun., March 22; 1-4 pm; $5

Horseshoe Lake Kayak Tour

Horseshoe Lake at Suggs Mill Pond Game Land is rich with plant and animal life in the spring and is best viewed by boat. All kayaking equipment will be provided but you must provide transportation to the lake in Bladen County. Bring water, snacks, and a sack lunch. Trips are dependent on weather. Register early, space is limited. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Registration deadline is April 3.
10+; Tues., April 7; 11 am-3 pm; $15

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.
Registration deadline is April 5. 5-7 yrs; Wed., April 8; noon-2 pm; $5

Clark Park Guided Hike: Cape Fear River Trail

Join a Park Ranger on a guided hike down the Cape Fear River Trail as you learn about the plants, animals, history, and natural history of J. Bayard Clark Park. View the old canal, cross the boardwalk, and learn about the forest of the Cape Fear River Valley on this easy 1-2 mile walk. The Cape Fear River Trail is paved and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Meet at the Nature Center.
All ages; Fri., April 10; 2-3:30 pm; Free

Trees and Teas ID Hike

Discover the common trees we have in the park and maybe in your backyard as we travel through the trails. You will learn about what makes each tree unique and its characteristics. Then we will come back to the Nature Center and try some teas made from trees. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by April 14.
All ages; Fri., April 17; 4-5 pm; Free

Kayaking along the Haw River

Join us as we paddle along the lower Haw River near Pittsboro depending on river level. This section of the river has class 1 and 2, which is good for beginner paddlers. This is a 4-to-5-mile paddle. This scenic section is filled with islands, rock formations and wildlife. Bring some money to eat out afterward nearby. Space is limited.
Pre-register by calling 910-433-1579.
10+; Sun., April 19; $5/take your own kayak; $10/person

Butterflies

With their large, colorful wings, butterflies are some of the most beautiful and eye-catching insects in our world. Find out about the fascinating life cycle of butterflies from egg to adult. Learn of their importance to the environment as both pollinators and food for other animals. North Carolina has many species of butterflies, and you’ll learn how to identify them. We will make a butterfly craft afterwards.
All ages; Thurs., April 30; 3-4:30 pm; Free

Night Hike and S’mores or Banana Boats!

Explore the park at night. Listen for the sounds of early summer animals such as frogs, owls, and bats. We will make our way to the campfire pit to listen to folktales and enjoy some s’mores. Space is limited, call or register online. Registration deadline is May 14.
5+; Fri., May 15; 8-9:30 pm; $5

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. Registration deadline is May 26.
8+; Tues., May 28; 9 am-noon; $5/resident; $10/non-resident

Clark Park Guided Hike: Bear Trail

Join a Park Ranger on a guided hike down the Bear Trail as you learn about the plants, animals, history, and natural history of J. Bayard Clark Park. View the waterfall, search for mushrooms, observe the Cape Fear River, and listen to wild birds on this moderate three-quarter-mile hike. This is a natural dirt trail with some hills and roots. Some sections may not be stroller-friendly. Meet at the Nature Center.
All ages; Fri., May 29; 1-2:30 pm; Free

Exploration Nature Journal Walk

As we get into summer let’s explore the Cape Fear River Valley. Take a guided walk along our bear trail and through our woods as we search for flora and fauna. Learn about some techniques of keeping a nature journal. Pre-registration is required by June 1.
All ages; Thurs., June 4; 10-11:30 am; $5/journal

Edible and Medicinal Plants

Before the age of modern medicine, people had to know how to use different plants to treat their ailments. Native plants also served as a source of food for those who knew how to properly collect and prepare them. Learn about the edible and medicinal plants of NC on this ranger-led hike.
8+; Fri., June 5; 3-4:30 pm; Free

Summer Morning Bike Hike

Bring your own bike decorated with a patriotic theme and follow a ranger as we point out the different summer plants and creatures along the Cape Fear River Trail. Space is limited. Pre-register online or call 910-433-1579.
All ages; Thurs., July 2; 8-10 am; Free

Marvels of Moths 

Clark Park’s woods yield stunning moths. Learn how moths differ from butterflies and how to attract them, learn about some of the 3,000 different kinds that call North Carolina home. Part of National Moth Week and Moth Night.
All ages; Sat., July 25; 7:30-8:30 pm; Free

Moth Night

Explore the animals that come out after dark at Clark Park. After a presentation on moths, view displays and specimens of moths. Light stations will be set up around the Nature Center for participants to attract, catch, photograph, identify, and record the different species of moths that we find. A Park Ranger will be on hand to assist in identification. Part of National Moth Week and Moth Night.
All ages; Sat., July 25; 8:30-10 pm; Free

Fun with Fungi 

Toadstools, morels, fairy rings, puffballs, truffles, mold, and lichens. Learn about the fascinating world of fungi as well as their importance to the forest. View preserved specimens before heading down the trail to find living fungi.
All ages; Thurs., Aug. 20; 4-5:30 pm; Free

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration

Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and bring your favorite stuffed animal as we read some Dr. Seuss books followed by a craft and snacks. Pre-register by February 26.
All ages; Mon., March 2; 1-2:30 pm; Free

Clay Play

Try your hand and sculpting using clay. Children will learn simple techniques to mold clay and learn how to make basic shapes. Take home your creations. Have fun, make a mess and be creative!
All ages; Tues., March 3; 3:30-5 pm; Free

Dissect a Salad

Bring your own salad. Come out to the visitor center as we take a deep dive into what is in our salad. We will look through the microscopes and she what different parts there are in some of our favorite fruits and vegetables. Call to register.
All ages; Sat., March 7; noon-1:30 pm; Free

St Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Hunt

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by going on a leprechaun hunt. Go to the park office to get your first clue. Everyone who catches the leprechauns will get part of their treasure! Show up anytime during park office hours.
All ages; Tues.-Fri.; March 16-March 21; 10 am-4 pm; Free

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.)