TOWERING OAK trees cast cool shadows as you wander along winding trails. Breathe in the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle colliding with the earthy musk of damp soil. A warm sigh of wind rustles the leaves — each of the rustles a fleeting glimpse into a hidden realm, transforming local state parks from scenic oases into living laboratories. This is Tennessee’s natural paradise waiting to be explored at Tims Ford Lake and Barfield Crescent Park, just two of the many havens the Tennessee Naturalist Program (TNP) offers. The TNP isn’t exclusively for exploring. It’s about connecting. Learn about Tennessee’s intricate ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and the delicate balance of nature. Help us protect and preserve Tennessee’s wonders for generations to come.
The TNP is a transformative experience for volunteers like Beth Girard. She conducts hands-on classes that inspire a lifelong exploration of Tennessee’s ecological treasures. The program, a rigorous 10-month course, equips volunteers with an in-depth understanding of the state’s geology, flora, fauna, and intricate ecosystems. This profound knowledge forms the foundation of Girard’s educational programs.
Wildlife viewing is a favorite among hikers at the Murfreesboro Chapter of the Tennessee Naturalist Program at Barfield Crescent Park, reporting sightings of barred owls, deer, turkeys, or an occasional snake, bobcat, or coyote. In Girard’s case, it is also a growing favorite at Tims Ford State Park. She walks her students through the lives of invertebrates like spiders and cicadas — which we know well as of late — as well as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. She even has a personal collection of her own.
“I have a collection of reptiles that I use in programming, including several snakes (all under 6 feet long), lizard, and turtle species,” Girard said.

Girard hopes to ignite a lifelong passion for science education. After moving to a new area, she craved a way to share her enthusiasm for nature with others, particularly children. The TNP provided the perfect platform, allowing her to connect with a community of like-minded individuals while making a positive impact.
“I have volunteered and worked as a science and natural resources educator for most of my adult life,” she explained. “I couldn’t see a future where I no longer shared my time with others who want to know more about nature and the species we share our planet with.”
At the TNP, volunteers cater their programs to the specific needs of their audience. For Girard, she transforms the forest floor into a playground of discovery for children. Tiny hands explore the cool, damp dirt, discovering a wriggling earthworm or a smooth, polished stone.
“Nothing beats getting into the dirt and touching things to help us understand concepts and ideas,” she said.
Her “touch tables,” full of fossils, feathers, and animal pelts, reflect her belief that learning happens best through immersive experiences.

“We also have a turtle and a snake that love to come out for touch time.”
Girard adopts a more nuanced approach to snakes for adults. Her “Snakes for Adults Who Aren’t Sure About Snakes” program dispels fear and promotes understanding. She dispels myths, sharing fascinating facts about the vital role snakes play in the ecosystem. By the end of the program, participants no longer see these creatures as menacing predators but as elegant, ecologically important members of the park’s community.
“Citizen science” is another pillar of Girard’s philosophy. She encourages visitors to participate in projects that contribute valuable data to the scientific community. Whether it’s through platforms like iNaturalist or collaborating with park rangers, Girard empowers people to become active participants in protecting the environment.
During the summer, groups of park-goers venture through the park with smartphones and new knowledge of iNaturalist, meticulously documenting the flora and fauna they encounter. Citizen science transforms visitors into scientists, leading them through the intricacies of environmental protection.

Girard envisions a future where schools, homeschool groups, and youth organizations embrace the educational opportunities that their local Tennessee Naturalist Program offers. Educational research has shown the importance of planting a love for nature in children before they reach puberty, as their environmental values become more challenging to change at that point. When children love nature, they are more likely to protect it as adults, working to ensure that we preserve as much as we can for future generations.
“If we can build on information and concepts that students are already learning in the classroom or home, it doubles our impact,” she explained.
TNP volunteers all over Tennessee, like Girard, serve as nature whisperers, leaving everyone they meet with a sprinkle of wonder and respect for the environment. Some volunteers educate people about the power of the natural world. Others gather groups together and embark on foraging hikes, monitor streams and lakes, or create pollinator gardens in parks and help with invasive species removal. The TNP equips and provides you with the resources to help preserve our world — and that isn’t exclusive to teaching. GN