June Is Great Outdoors Month
Nashville, TN --- June is “Great Outdoors Month.” The United States Senate granted the official designation last year, although cities and states throughout the country have been celebrating the great outdoors since 2008. There are several nationally recognized days during the month that emphasize getting outside. Metro Parks offers a full slate of suggested activities that fit neatly into the national days that will help area residents get outdoors, explore local parks and reap the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle.
June 6: National Trails Day, the first Saturday in June brings together outdoor enthusiasts to participate in a variety of trail hikes and projects. Take a Live Virtual Hike with Chris Guerin though Bells Bend Park. The virtual hike goes live at noon on Bells Bend Park Facebook page here. Also, visit downtown Nashville for a free unique hike that features not only the history of the people of Tennessee, but also the plants and animals found in this urban environment. Registration is required. More info can be found here.
Metro Parks’ Outdoor Recreation Division offers a variety of activities including canoeing, kayaking, guided hikes, and mountain hiking. Registration is required. Some events have a small fee. Call our Recreation Division at 615.862.8400 or click here for more information.
The department also manages four Nature Centers which offer year-round programs. Warner Park Nature Center, for example, is open and visitors are encouraged to explore trails, visit the pond, organic garden, and nature play areas, all while remembering to practice social distancing. The Learning Center lobby is open and folks are welcome to stop by pick up a map or ask a question in person, just as long as they wear a mask while in the building. Follow their daily nature-focused posts on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website (wpnc.nashville.gov). For more information on Nature Centers click here.
June 6 – 14: National Fishing and Boating Week. Fishing is permitted on Metro Park property as long as you have the required state fishing license. Tennessee has one of the most diverse inventories of fish in North America, with over 315 different species. Local anglers can fish at numerous locations throughout the Metro Parks system - Percy Warner Park, Lake Watauga in Centennial Park, Cedar Hill Park Pond at Cedar Hill Park, and Lake Sevier in Shelby Park. Fish from your boat in the Cumberland River and area lakes utilizing boat ramps or canoe and kayak access points found in multiple Metro Parks locations. You will need a license. More information can be found here.
June 20: 7th Annual Day of Service from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bells Bend and Beaman Parks. Stop by those Nature Centers, pick up a trash bag and help us clean the park! Call 615-862-8580 or 615-862-4187.
COVID-19 safety tips -stay home if sick, wash hands often, and stay 6 feet away from other people – apply to all the events listed above.