Clark Park

J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center
631 Sherman Drive [ map]
910-433-1579

March-Oct. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, Sat. 8-noon
Nov.-Feb. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm

Clark Park is the city’s second largest regional park and is considered a gem by those who frequent it. It was designed,and remains a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. Three trails wind through the park and along the Cape Fear River. The Nature Center showcases bothstatic displays and live animals. Park rangers educate visitors at the center, along the park trails and through school visits. Rangers conduct events at the park such as nature fairs, basic astronomy and animal print tracking and much more.

A visit to the Nature Center can include a picnic at one of the eight tables on the back deck overlooking the woods and waterfall. For those interested in walking, jogging or bicycling, use the main parking lot to start a visit to the Cape Fear River Trail, a four mile paved linear trail running between the park and the Jordan Soccer Complex. A sign at the corner of the parking lot directs patrons to the trailhead.

PARK PROGRAMS

Educational Field Trips
The rangers at Clark Park Nature Center offer a variety of ranger-guided environmental interpretative programs dealing with natural history, flora and wildlife for organized groups. A ranger will guide you through nature center as you discover the many exhibits and live animals. Your group will also learn about the native plants, animal signs, habitats and more as we traverse the park’s trails. These programs are free and by reservation only.
Outreach Programs A ranger can come to your location and lead a nature program for your class on a variety of topics. Reservation in advance required. Cumberland County Schools - Free. Other groups $25 per 1-1.5 hour program

Meet the Animals: using live and mounted animals, skulls and skeletons, this program explores the five vertebrate classes of animals, their adaptations and habitats. Length 1.5 hours; $25/program. (Cumberland County Schools - Free)

Snakes Alive: This interactive program explores the biology and benefits of snakes. A live snake will be presented. Limited to 30 students per program. Length 1 hour; $25/program. (Cumberland County Schools – Free)

Environmental Mobile Unit (EMU)
Clark Park utilizes a twenty-four foot mobile educational trailer that enables rangers to provide outreach programs for schools and community groups and events within Cumberland County. The EMU houses wildlife pelts, skulls, and reptile and amphibian models, along with other exhibits. Some restrictions apply. Call the Nature Center for information and reservations.

Preschool Programming - Growing Up Wild Field Trips
Growing up Wild is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, these programs provide an early foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. These programs meet Head Start Domains and NAEYC Accreditation Criteria. Call for reservations and details. Fee: $1/student
Wiggling Worms: H.S. Domains – 1A3, 1B1, 1B2, 1B3, 2A3, 3A5, 4A4, 4B2, 5B2, 5D1, 6E3, 7C2, 8C3
Looking at Leaves: H.S. Domains – 1A2, 1A3; 1B1; 1B2; 1B3; 2A3; 3B3; 3C2; 4A1, 4A2, 4B2, 6C1
Tracks: H.S. Domains: 1A2, 1A3, 1A4, 1B1, 1B3, 1B5, 2A3, 3C4, 4A2, 4B1, 5B2, 8A1
Terrific Turkeys: H.S. Domains – 1A3, 1B1, 1B3, 1C2, 2A3, 3A6, 3C4, 4B2, 4A5, 5A1, 5B1, 5D1, 6C3, 8C2
Who Lives in a Tree: H.S. Domains – 1A3, 1B1, 1B3, 1B5, 2E1, 2E2, 3A2, 3A6, 4A3, 4A5, 4B1, 4B2, 5C1, 5D1, 7A3, 8A1
Oh Deer: H.S. Domains – 1A1, 1A4, 1B1, 1B3, 3A3, 4B1, 5B1, 6C1, 6D3, 6E4, 7B1

For NAEYC Accreditation Criteria, please call. They are too numerous to list.

Nature Totes
The Nature Center now offers Nature Totes available forcheck out. Each tote is designed for children Pre-K-4th grade. Nature totes contain books, games, lesson and hands-on activities, art and more. Totes can be kept for 1 week from the date of check out. Subjects include birds, trees, mammals, wildlife gardening, spiders/insects and amphibians/reptiles.

Cape Fear River Trail Golf Cart Tours ***SENIORS***
For seniors and persons of limited physical ability, interpretive golf cart tours along the Cape Fear River Trail are available for individuals or groups of to five people. Riders must be able to grasp and hold safety handles. Reservations are required. Free

Camping
Camping can be an added part of your adventure by staying overnight at Clark Park. A semi-primitive campground is available for rent that includes a fire-ring and outdoor restrooms with a cold shower. There is no electricity. An advance reservation with payment is necessary.
Rates: Family - $10/day Groups up to 25 individuals - $25/day ($1 each additional person over 25)

Growing Up Wild Early Childhood Nature Exploration
Growing up Wild is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, these programs provide an early foundatio for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. These programs are hands-on and include a craft. Call Clark Park to pre-register.

Who Lives in a Tree?
Join a park ranger as we identify common trees in the parkand some of the animals that call them home. Learn how these animals build their nest.
3-7 yrs; Tues., Sept. 6; 10-11 am; Thurs., Sept. 22; 1-2 pm; $1 (cash only)

Looking at Leaves
We will traverse the trails at Clark Park and learn to compare the different leaves.
3-7 yrs; Tues., Oct. 4; 10-11 am; $1 (cash only)

Terrific Turkeys
Have you ever wondered what turkeys eat? Learn where turkeys live, and what they eat as we explore these animals.
3-7 yrs; Tues., Nov. 1; 10-11 am; Thurs., Nov. 17; 1-2 pm; $1 (cash only)

Wiggling Worms
Discover what earthworms like to eat, how they move, what they feel like and other fun facts as we explore live worms through an hands-on experience.
3-7 yrs; Tues., Dec. 6; 10-11 am; Thurs., Dec. 15; 1-2 pm; $1 (cash only)

Tracks!
We will explore animal tracks and make and compare tracks of your own through this hands-on experience. 3-7 yrs; Tues., Jan. 3; 10-11 am; Thurs., Jan. 26; 1-2 pm; $1 (cash only)

Oh, Deer!
Join a ranger as we explore what deer need to stay alive in this physical activity.
3-7 yrs; Tues., Feb. 7; 10-11 am; Thurs., Feb. 23; 1-2 pm; $1 (cash only)

Pontoon Boat Tour of the Cape Fear River
Start your Fourth Friday Fayetteville Downtown Festival with an evening on a pontoon boat tour of the Cape Fear River. Bring your friends, food and laughter as you enjoy the beauty of Fayetteville’s greatest natural resource. Pre-registration in person at Clark Park is required and
seating is limited.
12+; Fri., Sept. 23; 6-8 pm; $20/person

Afterschool Archery
These archery classes are designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners through a series of one hour classes. Participants will use state of the art compound bows as they learn the basics of archery. Safety, proper stance and follow through will be taught. You will be hitting the bull’s
eye in no time! Pre-registration required.
8+; Mon.-Thurs.; Oct. 3-6; Nov. 7-10; 3:30-4:30 pm; $25/4-day session

Evening Campfire Program
Gather around the campfire for an evening of marshmallow roasting, storytelling, skits, songs, and games. Fun for the whole family. Dress for the outdoors. Bring water and flashlight with red lens. We will meet at the Nature Center and take a short walk to the campground. Promptness is essential. Pre-registration is required.
5+ accompanied by an adult; Fri., Oct. 14; 6:30-8 pm; $3/participant at the door

Bats
Learn the truth about nature’s nightshift and find out why you should appreciate these fascinating mammals instead of fearing them. Pre-registration required.
All ages; Wed., Oct. 19; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Snakes Alive
Snakes live relatively quiet, obscure, and secretive lives. At a glance, they look different from familiar animals. Add to our unfamiliarity, the myths and folklore of culture, and we have nature’s most misunderstood animals. The Snakes Alive experience will provide a “get acquainted” opportunity to these fascinating, unique animals. Pre-registration required.
All ages; Wed., Nov. 23; 10-11 am; Free

Nature Story Time
Everyone is invited to Clark Park for a nature story and craft time with a different theme each month. This program is held the third Tues. of each month. Pre-registration is required.
8-under yrs accompanied by an adult; 3rd Tues.; 1-2 pm; Free
Sept. 20: River Otter at Autumn Lane
Oct. 18: Red Bat at Sleepy Hollow Lane
Nov. 15: Raccoon at Clear Creek Road
Dec. 20: Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane
Jan. 17: Deer Mouse at Old Farm Road
Feb. 21: Groundhog at Evergreen Road

Home School Nature Program Series
Designed with the homeschooler in mind, this nature program series is presented on the second Thurs. of themonth. So that the full educational benefit is realized, only the age appropriate children indicated may participate.

Spiders
Discover the different parts of spiders and make your own spider frame to take home. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
5+; Thur., Sept. 8; 11 am-noon; $3/participant at the door

Bats
Learn how bats play an important role in our environment and make your own bat to take home. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
5+; Thur., Oct. 13; 11 am-noon; $3/participant at the door

Fall Nature Hike
Explore the forests’ fall changes and learn to identify some common trees as we traverse the trails at Clark Park. Dress for the outdoors and wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Pre-registration required.
5+; Thur., Nov. 10; 11 am-noon; Free

Animal Puppets
Create beautiful puppets while learning about interesting and endangered animals through this hands-on program. Pre-registration required.
5+; Thur., Dec. 8; 11 am-noon; $3/participant at the door

Tracking 101
Learn basic animal tracking skills at Clark Park as we traverse the trails looking for clues of animals that live here. Be prepared to walk our trails.
All ages; Thur., Jan. 12; 11 am-noon; Free

Fabulous Frogs
Learn about how frogs move, where they live, and how to recognize their call through this hands-on program followed by a frog thermometer craft. Pre-registration required.
5+; Thur., Feb. 9; 11 am-noon; $3/participant at the door

Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have partnered to bring programming to Rhodes Pond. Located in the north eastern part of Cumberland County, a few miles from Godwin, this historical, black-water, 460-acre cypress pond is equipped with a boat ramp and fishingpiers for the sportsman to enjoy. The NCWRC have plans to update their recreation facilities at this location. From Fayetteville take I-95 N to exit 65. Turn right on Godwin- Falcon Rd. then make the first left on Sherrill Baggett Rd. until it ends on Dunn Rd., turn right onto Dunn Rd and go about 1/4 mile to entrance of the parking lot.

RHODES POND ADVENTURES

Canoeing Rhodes Pond
Park rangers will lead a canoe tour on Rhodes Pond. No experience is necessary to participate in this paddling adventure, however, it is helpful. Most of our canoes have three seats with backrests for the paddlers. For those who do not wish to paddle a middle seat is provided. The calm water of this majestic pond makes it ideal for those wanting a relaxing float. Seniors are encouraged to participate. You will be captivated by the natural beauty of the one of our counties most overlooked gems. All equipment is provided. Register at Clark Park Nature Center.
8+ (Must be 12+ to paddle); Fri., Sept. 9 and Oct. 7; 6-7:30 pm; $10