Lichterman Nature Center
Encyclopedia
Arboretum
An arboretum in a narrow sense is a collection of trees only. Related collections include a fruticetum , and a viticetum, a collection of vines. More commonly, today, an arboretum is a botanical garden containing living collections of woody plants intended at least partly for scientific study...
, and a nature center
Nature center
A nature center is an organization with a visitor center or interpretive center designed to educate people about nature and the environment. Usually located within a protected open space, nature centers often have trails through their property. Some are located within a state or city park, and...
, is located in East Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
. It has many outdoor and indoor exhibits, activities, and events. The Lichterman Nature Center is one of the facilities within the Pink Palace Family of Museums
Pink Palace Family of Museums
The Pink Palace Family of Museums is a group of museums maintained by the City of Memphis and Memphis Museums, Inc. The Pink Palace Family of Museums display collections of historic, educational and technological significance....
.
Introduction
Through environmental education and interpretation of native wildlife, Lichterman Nature Center fosters a sense of stewardship for the earth by heightening the visitor's appreciation and understanding of the natural world. The nature center places an emphasis on nature related education, including hands-on explorations, microscopic discoveries, a forest boardwalkBoardwalk
A boardwalk, in the conventional sense, is a wooden walkway for pedestrians and sometimes vehicles, often found along beaches, but they are also common as paths through wetlands, coastal dunes, and other sensitive environments....
three stories high, and an underwater viewing area.
Among the many attractions are the Visitor Center which showcases interactive exhibits, preserved specimen animal exhibits with hands on petting patches of fur of the featured animals, a lake cam, the Nature Store offering nature oriented gifts, toys, books and other educational materials. The Backyard Wildlife Center provides a variety of living and interactive exhibits about the three distinct habitats represented at the Nature Center: Lake, Meadow and Forest.
The 65 acres (263,045.9 m²) wildlife observation area includes a three mile (5 km) nature path which is home to a wide variety of native plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. The Nature Center no longer accepts wounded or abandoned wild animals and no longer has veterinarian staff on site.
Events
Also included on the property are a Special Events Pavilion providing a sheltered place for meetings, family reunions, receptions and overnight youth programs. The Amphitheatre features an intimate staging area for outdoor programs.Throughout the year, Lichterman Nature Center hosts several events open to the public including Plant Sales, Earthfest, Discovery Days, Privet Pulls and specialized programs for school age children as well as adults. Lichterman Nature Center is a unique and ideal setting for business meetings, weddings, receptions, family reunions and other special events that can be arranged through their Special Events Coordinator.
Access
The center is located off Ridgeway at 5992 Quince Road in East Memphis. Family memberships for the Pink Palace Family of MuseumsPink Palace Family of Museums
The Pink Palace Family of Museums is a group of museums maintained by the City of Memphis and Memphis Museums, Inc. The Pink Palace Family of Museums display collections of historic, educational and technological significance....
are honored at Lichterman Nature Center.
The center offers free maps of the property but accepts and depends upon public donations and volunteers for support.