Discovery Forest Is Opening April 12 at Lichterman Nature Center During The Annual Plant Sale

The Museum of Science & History (MoSH) is pleased to announce the opening of the Discovery Forest on the grounds of its Lichterman Nature Center, an interactive and unstructured children’s play area created with natural materials, water, and objects that shape the local landscape.

“This project was designed to foster deeper connections between our community and the wonders of nature,” says Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of MoSH. “We’re excited to provide a common gathering area for families to relax and enjoy nature together away from the distractions of the city.”

The Discovery Forest provides a winding trail through the existing woodland landscape and creates a variety of different play and exploration zones along the trail. Children will have the opportunity to play in forest and garden areas, powered by their imaginations. A day at Lichterman Nature Center and Discovery Forest will complement many of the STEM subjects covered in schools, but in a fun, playful way that will help children develop a lifelong connection to nature.

Its opening, on April 12, 2024, coincides with the kickoff of the Lichterman Nature Center’s Annual Plant Sale, which will take place Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. All plants are grown by volunteers, using environmentally sustainable horticulture practices. The focus of the sale is on native and wildlife friendly plants, including important butterfly larval host plants and colorful pollinator favorites.

The Discovery Forest has created an even richer opportunity for the Memphis community to build memories and develop a lifelong appreciation of the great outdoors.  This project was sponsored by the City of Memphis, International Paper, Sylvamo, and the Lichterman-Loewenberg Foundation.

About Lichterman Nature Center

Tucked away in the heart of metropolitan Memphis, Lichterman Nature Center brings nature to life with exciting exhibits, native wildflowers and trees, and a tradition of excellence in environmental education amid 65 acres of lake, meadow, and forest. Home to a wide variety of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, Lichterman is an urban wildlife oasis.

Lichterman features nearly three miles of hiking trails, the Davidson Pavilion, Visitor Center with exhibits, and a Backyard Wildlife Center teaming with snakes, turtles, and other creatures. The Center also is home to a greenhouse/nursery where plants are grown for an annual plant sale in spring.