CLARKSVILLE

School of fish helps learning: Wade Borne Nature Center ready to stock new aquarium

Kenya Anderson
Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

Catfish, bluegill, bass fish to Clarksville.

Montgomery County's Wade Bourne Nature Center has its tank and is now awaiting the fish.

Last December, the Rotary Park nature center announced that it received a $50,000 investment for an aquarium that would open this summer. This aquarium will give visitors a chance to get a closer look and learn about fish native to the Cumberland River.

As we approach the unofficial start of summer, WBNC has received the much-anticipated 550-gallon tank and is now waiting for the fish to arrive.

Here's what you need to know about the aquarium.

What will be in the aquarium?

The 550-gallon tank will be the home of 27 fish, coming from five different species all native to the Cumberland River. The tank will have all the filtration needed for the fish, one in a custom artificial tulip poplar that's "growing" in the middle of the aquarium.

The different fish you can expect to see are:

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Crappy
The 550-gallon aquarium arrived at the Wade Bourne Nature Center on April 24, 2023.

When can I see the aquarium?

Visitors at WBNC can already see the future home of the fish.

The tank was installed in late April, and fish are expected to be added to the aquarium in July, once plumbing and water preparation for the fish are complete.

“It was pretty remarkable to watch them maneuver this enormous fish tank into the corner of the center," said Parks and Recreation director Sally Burchett. "The WBNC Board, me and my staff are excited about finishing the tank and making it ready for the public to enjoy.”

Where can I see the aquarium?

You can see the aquarium at Rotary Park's Wade Bourne Nature Center, 2308 Rotary Park Drive, but that isn't the only place.

The 550-gallon aquarium finds its home at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, which will hold 27 fish of five species native to the Cumberland River. From left, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Director Sally Burchett is joined by Rosalind Kurita of the WBNC Foundation and Katherine Netti, Natural Resource Program Manager.

Visitors at Rotary Park will also be able to see the tank from the deck when it's open since the tank is in front of the windows, an intentional move said Burchett.

"Adding a native aquarium to the nature center is an invaluable education tool," Burchett said. "We are going to be able to provide real-life engagement and learning opportunities to visitors unlike anything else in our area."