All About Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood, Tennessee
Located near the northwestern corner of Williamson County, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary preserves 300 acres of Tennessee wildlife and natural history, from limestone fossils and ancient trees to wetlands and wildflowers. The sanctuary actively ensures the survival of native flora and fauna. In fact, almost all mammal species that are native to Middle Tennessee call Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary home. The invaluable protection and conservation of the property has kept the beautiful wilderness intact while providing the community of Williamson County with natural education programs and flourishing green space. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary staff, volunteers, board members, and donors fight to protect Tennessee wildlife, while giving visitors a chance to connect and interact with the great outdoors. Through these important efforts, the resounding truth remains: Nature Matters!
A Brief History
The origins of Owl’s Hills Nature Sanctuary begin with Cheekwood, Nashville’s notable estate and botanical gardens. In 1959, Huldah (Cheek) Sharp gifted the estate to a newly created, private nonprofit corporation called Tennessee Botanical Gardens and Fine Arts Center. From there, Huldah and her husband, Walter Sharp, found home elsewhere, purchasing farmland from the Roy Elam family and breaking ground on the property that would become Owl’s Hill.
The name Owl’s Hill came to be shortly after construction was completed. Enjoying a night on their new porch, which sat atop the hill overlooking the land, Walter and Huldah heard the peaceful call of a Great Horned Owl from over the ridge. From then on, they called their home Owl’s Hill Farm.
Huldah wanted to ensure that her beautiful land would never succumb to industrial development, so she placed restrictive covenants on the property to prevent it from such a fate. In 1972, she sold the land to the University of Tennessee, Nashville, for the purpose of ecological research and nature preservation. In 1983 the property was transferred to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art (as it was called then). It was Huldah’s dream that the land would someday be used as a full time nature preserve. This dream began to come to fruition in 1988, when Cheekwood hired a full-time naturalist for Owl’s Hill, Jean Griffith. Griffith oversaw the creation of the wildlife habitat preserve by establishing education programs, initiating conservation projects, fixing land erosion issues, and making research opportunities readily available. These initiatives laid the groundwork for Owl’s Hill Nature Center.
Owl’s Hill Nature Center progressed slowly yet steadily; though connected by administrative efforts, Cheekwood could not provide monetary support for the nature center. Maintenance had to be outsourced. Beginning in the early 90s, local Eagle Scouts began restorative work on the property. Since then, over 130 Eagle Scout projects have transformed the farmland into its current glory: Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Today, the sanctuary spans over 300 acres and is home to thousands of native species. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary has been a completely independent non-profit since 2007, boasting accolades such as Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Organization of the Year (2016) and the Brentwood Environment Stewardship Award (2019).
A Noble Mission
The overarching mission of Owl’s Hill is rooted in the crucial preservation of Tennessee wildlife, but extends beyond that “to provide a sanctuary for nature that inspires exploration and lifelong environmental conservation.”
This mission is accomplished through a variety of initiatives aimed to protect and restore delicate habitats and nature trails, eradicate invasive plant species, provide food and care for native wildlife, and support national aviary and monarch butterfly research. While first-and-foremost a home to native species of flora and fauna, the sanctuary is also a place dedicated to those who love nature. Owl’s Hill provides low-cost field trips and public programming in order to better educate students and visitors on the natural landscape that makes up Williamson County. These education opportunities support the sanctuary’s vision of a world that values and protects nature.
Education
One of the primary goals of the sanctuary is to provide the community with access to environmental education, in order to foster greater awareness and curiosity about our region and its special landscape. Nature is the classroom, and students have abundant opportunity to engage with its beauty and wonder. School field trips are available and provide popular programs, taking classes on guided hikes through the various habitats that make up Owl’s Hill. Students can also meet and learn more about the non-releasable owls who reside on the property. All of the nature programs align with state education standards and are relevant to the flourishing of students of all ages, with specific programs covering a range of topics including forest ecology, mammal anatomy, and indigenous people. Pricing and availability varies, depending on the season. Inquiries can be made at fieldtrips@owlshill.org.
In addition to school resources, Owl’s Hill offers specific program days for homeschool families and co-ops, including specific sessions in topics such as birding, reptiles & amphibians, and advanced outdoor survival, among others. The cost for families or co-ops is $10/person, with kids aged 2 and under free. Registration is required in advance. Visit the Owl’s Hill website to learn more about specific homeschool programs and registration guidelines.
Other education opportunities include spring and summer camps at Owl’s Hill, Knee-High Naturalist children’s programs, and programs designed specifically for scouts and other youth groups. For the little ones, Owl’s Hill also has Wild Explorer Packs, which are themed, interactive backpacks to help budding explorers learn more about the plants and animals they encounter throughout the preserve.
Nature Comes Calling
The Nature Comes Calling program through Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is an interactive and educational outreach program that caters to all ages. The program visits schools, libraries, day cares, scout meetings, senior centers, and other community organizations. The program offers educational content, interaction with live animals, and biofacts. Specific programs that may strike interests include Animal Autographs, Nature Detective Workshop, Reptile & Amphibian Discovery, and the Meet an Owl Workshop. Programs vary on price, availability, and necessary materials. Virtual options are also available.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Owl’s Hill is not equipped or licensed for full wildlife rehabilitation; however, the sanctuary does house a small number of owls and other animals that are non-releasable due to injury or captive upbringing. The owls and wildlife in the care of the sanctuary receive the best general and medical care possible.
Although the sanctuary cannot admit, house, or transport injured or orphaned animals, Owl’s Hill provides information and resources in order to support proper care of wildlife in need of rehabilitation. Animals that may be in need of rehabilitation include those who have been bitten by a cat or dog, those with open wounds or obvious physical trauma, a lethargic animal that does not try to escape from people or predators, a baby animal found with a deceased mother, or a baby animal that approaches humans and/or excessively cries for help.
When Dealing with an Injured or Orphaned Animal Keep in Mind . . .
Giving the animal wrong, or improperly administered food will cause more harm than good. Especially if an animal is injured, a special diet and feeding technique may be required to support recovery. Those unaccustomed to the specific needs of the animal should avoid feeding it unless otherwise guided by a licensed rehabilitator.
Your touch and scent can cause undue harm and stress to a wild animal, even if they appear calm. Handling an animal improperly can also lead to disease or injury of the handler. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary contact, keeping the animal in a pet carrier or box lined with a towel or blanket. Until it can be placed in the proper care, it’s advised that you keep the animal in a quiet, dark place away from domestic activity, both for your safety and the safety of the animal.
Not all baby animals that are found on their own are orphaned. Many species of mammals and birds have specific rituals in order to prepare their young for life on their own. Interrupting natural evolutionary processes can harm a young animal’s chance at survival.
You can learn more about the proclivities of Tennessee wildlife and find licensed animal rehabilitation centers in Middle Tennessee through the Owl’s Hill website.
Visit Owl’s Hill
Due to its primary purpose of protecting natural habitats, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary has limited public access. Beyond events, public programs, and field trips, however, they do offer a limited number of Hiking Day Passes. Day Passes must be purchased online on the day of your visit; advanced reservations are not permitted. Passes are $5. The small fee aids in the day-t0-day operations of the sanctuary and its wildlife care. If you choose to visit, keep in mind that pets are not allowed—with the exception of service animals—in order to protect the fragile habitats. Additionally, portrait and commercial photography or videography at the sanctuary requires proper licensure. The park is open to guests from Monday-Saturday from 8:30-3:00 p.m. Parking is free. Private tours are available upon request and can host up to 12 people.
If you’re an avid hiker, Owl’s Hill offers a special Rambler Pass, which costs $250 and provides year-long day access to the sanctuary from the date of purchase for the recipient and the recipient’s immediate family. This pass does not include full access to public programs, as additional fees may be required.
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary Programs and Events
Owl’s Hill hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year, from naturalist workshops to guided hikes. Specialty themed hikes include lantern hikes, wildflower hikes, fall color hikes, and marshmallow hikes. Most programs and seasonal hikes do require a small fee.
Annual sponsored events included Dinner in the Forest at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, which is an exclusive, outdoor dinner and Music in the Meadow, a serene concert series. These spectacular fundraisers help to raise critical operating funds for the sanctuary, while allowing patrons to enjoy the natural beauty of the preserve.
Owl’s Hill can also host Private events and birthday parties upon request.
How to Get Involved
Owl’s Hill depends upon the help of volunteers, who generously give their time to help look after and maintain 300 acres of land. Volunteers can serve as trail guides, gardeners & weed warriors, trail keepers, administrators, special event assistants, and citizen research assistants. Whether you want to serve regularly or can only commit to lending a hand once in a while, the sanctuary could use your help! By volunteering, you have the chance to spend time in nature, learn more about Tennessee’s rich natural history, and meet others who share in your passion for environmental preservation. To get started, you can fill out a volunteer application or coordinate a group service day. Owl’s Hill also offers a Counselor-in-Training program for youth ages 12-17. Counselors-in-Training volunteer to assist camp counselors during summer camp programs at Owl’s Hill; fill out the application and wavier here.
Alongside sanctuary volunteers and community partners, individual donors also play a huge role in the preservation of the Owl’s Hill. The Great Horned Owl Society is a group of people who each contribute $1,000 or more each year toward the core mission. In thanks, members receive early access to summer camp registration, complimentary admission to select programs, and an invitation to the annual, exclusive Sunset at the Sanctuary gathering. Any donation, however, is greatly appreciated. Due to ongoing support, Owl’s Hill was recently able to complete their master plan, which rejuvenated the entry way and visitor center and adding a new trail sequence that will aide in the flourishing of the sanctuary.
Preservation Matters
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful piece in the larger goal of widespread natural preservation and conservation that is more important than ever before. Middle Tennessee, abounding in natural habitats and diverse wildlife, needs our protection. In order to keep enjoying the wonderful natural spaces in our region, paying attention to and supporting entities that protect our land from over-development and exploitation is crucial. There is still so much to discover about the natural landscape that makes up our home. Local preserves like Owl’s Hill foster community education and exploration that ensures we never stop learning!
There are several Williamson County preserves and widespread sustainability efforts that are currently helping to shape our community for the better. Engaging with these efforts not only gives local wildlife the chance to thrive for years to come, it also helps us stay inspired and aware of the intricacies of our world, with its biodiversity and natural cycles of life. There is incredible wonder present in the place that we call home, and Williamson County is a home we share with a number of local species in constant need of care and protection. Environmental preservation is an inexhaustible cause. You can participate by visiting, volunteering, or donating to community spaces that further this mission. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary’s core values of stewardship, curiosity, understanding, and integrity ring true, no matter how you choose to enjoy and support your local wildlife.
