By carefully adding 14 new native species of trees to its site under the guidance and supervision of Tennessee Valley Archaeological Research (TVAR), Adventure Science Center in Nashville now has more than thirty different species, thereby making them eligible for declaration as a Level 1 arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC). This new arboretum will teach about the importance of trees and also introduce visitors to the story of the historic African-American Bass Street Community that once resided partially on the site.
There are many benefits of Adventure Science Center's arboretum, including the improvement of community park space; accessible and free learning opportunities about nature and our site's history; and added structural support for St. Cloud Hill to better preserve the overall site, which extends to Fort Negley.
The science center plans to host an official unveiling in April of 2022. In the meantime, guests are invited to enjoy the trees and learn about their unique features and environmental benefits via educational content that will be available on the ASC website soon. Not long after, tree tags will be placed alongside each tree within the arboretum. By scanning the QR codes listed on the accompanying tree tags, guests will be directed to the online resource of information about the trees as well as the rich history of St. Cloud Hill.
Over the coming months, Adventure Science Center will also highlight the “story of the hill” thanks to partnerships with Fort Negley, Encore Interpretive, and TVAR. This interpretive panel placed along Bass Street in front of the former Bass Street Baptist Church will explore the Bass Street Community.
In an effort to protect the unique archeological significance of our site, ASC partnered with TVAR to evaluate the area and oversee the planting of new trees. This coordination has been an important element in ensuring that the arboretum resides in harmony with preservation. The results of the TVAR survey showed that the areas in question had been so disrupted over the last several decades that no artifacts of relevant historical significance remain. Regardless, TVAR was back on site during planting as an extra measure to ensure the goal of planting new life will not sacrifice the memories of the past.
Individuals can contribute to the "story of the hill" by emailing the Marketing & Communications department at marketing@adventuresci.org.
