Where Nature Comes To Life
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 set in the midst of 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, 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.
Discovery Forest
Discovery Forest is an unstructured play area at Lichterman Nature Center with guided trails, picnic tables, and natural materials designed for creative play and interaction with nature. Discover outdoor fun with your family!
Backyard Wildlife Center
When you enter the Backyard Wildlife Center, you’re entering an often-unseen wild world of Tennessee. The BWC is home to over 50 different species of wildlife native to the Memphis and nearby areas, from mammals and birds all the way down to insects! Come meet and learn about the animals that you might find on the Lichterman Nature Center trails or in your own neighborhood!
An Urban Wildlife Oasis
Explore more than three miles of hiking trails through pristine wilderness teaming with wildlife from herons, hawks and geese to raccoons, red-eared sliders and more.
Get a closer look at native animals and plants.
Get face-to-face with over 50 different species of native mid-south native wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish! Learn all about the wildlife and native plants living in your own wild backyard and those you will find out on our trails.
A Natural Experience
Step into the Visitor Center for a walk on the wild side. Explore dioramas, interactive exhibits and take in some of the wildest views in Memphis.
Meet Some Wild Locals
When you come to the Lictherman Nature Center, you never know who you’ll meet. Keep your eyes and ears open. There’s always something wild to see and hear.
Daily wildlife experiences at noon!
Join us daily to meet some of the animals that live at the BWC, like snakes, turtles, opossums, and more! Our program varies from day-to-day, so you never know who you’ll meet!
Explore what lies below the lake surface!
Be sure to head down to our lake viewing area to see native Tennessee fish and our massive alligator snapping turtle! Our lake replica is a great way to get a peak at what’s going on underwater at LNC’s much larger lake.
Meander through the meadow!
Passing through the BWC, you’ll find a doorway to a meadow full of color and life! Our native plant meadow will show you all the fantastic native plants we have in our region and may even give you some inspiration for your own home landscaping! In the meadow you’ll see plenty of birds, butterflies, and bees which all benefit from planting native plant species.
Spend a moment in our Nature Nook!
Take a quiet break from your LNC adventure in our Nature Nook, where the kids can explore some wildlife artifacts, puzzles, and books, and the parents can take a moment to sit and relax.
Love the Backyard
Wildlife Center?
Help us care for our native wildlife ambassadors by visiting our wish list!
We’re always in need of the following items which can be dropped off at LNC during our operating hours:
- Newspaper
- Towels (bath, hand, washcloth sizes)
- Sheets and pillowcases (no fitted sheets please!)
Have any of these hanging around that you might be interested in donating?
- Chest freezer
- Outdoor storage shed
- Power tools
- Gently used aquariums and reptile tanks
- Gently used reptile supplies
- Metal storage shelves
If you’re interested in dropping off donations, please email Sydney Calderon
Found an injured/orphaned animal?
Lichterman Nature Center does not maintain state or federal rehabilitation permits. As a result, the Nature Center cannot accept any live or injured animals.
Tennessee state law prohibits individuals from keeping or caring for wild animals without a permit. This is done for the wellbeing of the animal and you. The best thing for orphaned wildlife is to reunite them with their parents.
For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators visit:
Tennessee residents: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators (tn.gov)
Mississippi residents: Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.
http://www.mswildliferehab.com/
Arkansas residents: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission list of rehabilitators:
https://www.agfc.com/en/wildlife-management/wildlife-rehabilitation/
Lichterman Nature Center
5992 Quince Road
Memphis, TN 38119
901.636.2211
Winter Hours
Wednesday through Sunday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Field trips are available to book Wednesday – Sunday.
Book your field trip here.