Jan. 12, 2008. Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Enjoy these guided hikes to some of Kentucky's well-known arches as well as some of its lesser-known destinations.
Jan. 19, 2008. Winter Tree Identification at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EST. Join Preserve Manager Beverly James for a hike to Elk Lick Creek and learn how to identify trees by their distinctive characteristics along the way.
Jan. 26, 2008. Owl Prowl at Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County) at 6 p.m. EST. Learn about Kentucky's native owls during this live demonstration and then be led on a night hike in search of owls living within the preserve.
Feb. 2, 2008. Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 9 a.m. EST. Help stop the invasion of non-native/exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling up and cutting down some of the worst invaders. Preregistration is encouraged.
Feb. 2, 2008. Volunteer Day at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 10 a.m. EST. Help protect and showcase the beauty of Floracliff by removing exotic and invasive plant species from the preserve. Other activities may involve trail work or general maintenance. Tools and snacks will be provided.
Feb. 8-9, 2008. Arches Hiking Weekend at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to the hundreds of natural arches and bridges within the park and preserve, including Kentucky's infamous Natural Bridge. Hikes will range from short, easy walks to long treks in the backcountry. Evening speakers will focus on the geology and history of the area.
Feb. 9, 2008. Winter hike. Hike to White’s Branch Arch at Natural Bridge SPNP. Join KSNPC Eastern Preserve Manager Zeb Weese on this five-mile round-trip hike as a part of Natural Arches Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Powell County). Hike starts at 9 a.m. EST and is moderate in difficulty.
Feb. 9, 2008. Cabin Fever Hike at Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County) at 10 a.m. EST. Bundle up and enjoy a guided hike along the 1.5 mile White Oak Nature Trail to see parts of the preserve that are hidden by foliage the rest of the year. The morning will start with a live raptor demonstration and end with some warm refreshments.
Feb. 15-18, 2008. The Great Backyard Bird Count. This annual four-day event involves bird watchers of all ages participating in bird counts to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes and is free, fun and easy. Help the birds by participating this Presidents’ Day weekend.
Feb. 16, 2008. Geo-scavenger Hunt at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EST. Bring your own GPS and join KSNPC staff member Byron Brooks for a fun-filled activity similar to virtual geocache. Prizes will be awarded!
Feb. 23, 2008. "Greenspace Invaders” at Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County) at 10 a.m. EST. Preserve manager Zeb Weese will discuss the management of Kentucky’s invasive plants at the Louisville Nature Center.
Feb. 23, 2008. Owl Prowl at Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County) at 6 p.m. EST. Learn about Kentucky's native owls during this live demonstration and then be led on a night hike in search of owls living within the preserve.
March 1, 2008. Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 9 a.m. EST. Help stop the invasion of non-native/exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling up and cutting down some of the worst invaders. Preregistration is encouraged.
March 1, 2008. "How Do Plants Dress for the Winter?" at Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County) at 10 a.m. EST. Learn how trees and shrubs form buds for the coming year and how resident birds survive our Kentucky winters.
March 1, 2008. Hike to the West Fork of Lower Howard's Creek at Lower Howard's Creek SNP (Clark County) at 10 a.m. EST.
March 12, 2008. Quarterly Meeting. The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission will conduct its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. EDT in the conference room of our Frankfort office on 801 Schenkel Lane.
March 15, 2008. Spring Hike at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Join Preserve Manager Beverly James in search of the season’s earliest wildflowers. Registration required for this event.
March 20, 2008. Thompson Ridge Settlement Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Join us as we explore this small settlement and talk about the pioneers who lived here over 200 years ago.
March 22, 2008. Wildflower Folklore at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Celebrate the arrival of spring and learn about how some of our most common wildflowers have been used for medicines, food, love charms and more.
March 28, 2008. Owl Prowl at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 7 p.m. EDT. Learn about Kentucky's owls then join us on a night hike as we search for these predatory birds.
March 29, 2008. Heirloom Daffodil Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Join Dr. Bill Crankshaw as he showcases the beautiful varieties of heirloom daffodils growing on abandoned homesteads throughout the preserve.
March 29, 2008. Pollinators with Blake Newton at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Join Blake Newton, UK extension specialist for 4-H and Youth Entomology, for a program about pollinators and their relationships with the spring wildflowers.
April 2, 2008. Wildflower Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 5 p.m. EDT.
April 5, 2008. Archaeology Tour at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Dr. Tanya Faberson will show hikers some of the sites discovered during a Phase I archaeological survey of the preserve.
April 5, 2008. Wildflower Hike at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EDT. See the wildflowers at their peak on this hike led by KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield.
April 5, 2008. Canoeing for Beginners. Learn the basics of canoeing on Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River at Red River Gorge Geological Area. The river trip is eight miles on an enjoyable class I section of the Red River.
April 6, 2008. Bluebirds at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 2 p.m. EDT. Learn all about bluebirds as Larry Calton presents a short film about these colorful birds and then leads us on a hike to look at the nesting pairs around the preserve.
April 9, 2008. Wildflower Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 9 a.m. EDT.
April 12, 2008. Join KSNPC Botanist Tara Littlefield as she leads a hike as a part of the Kentucky Native Plant Society at Jessamine Creek Gorge in Wilmore, Kentucky at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Come see the beautiful spring wildflower display of this remote and unique palisades gorge. (This hike is currently full.)
April 12, 2008. Blue Wildflowers Galore at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Enjoy the height of spring as early blue phlox, Virginia bluebells, larkspur and other wildflowers paint the valley floor in various shades of blue.
April 12, 2008. Volunteer with the Landscape Restoration Team at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Join the team as we work around the homestead and on the preserve to remove invasive plants, clear fallen trees, restore fences, maintain current trails and build new trails. You will have a great time and make a big difference.
April 12, 2008. Guided Hike at Brigadoon SNP (Barren County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Join local environmental educators and KSNPC volunteers, Dr. Karen Powell and Julie Gee, for a guided hike that will focus on the natural history, geology and spring wildflowers of Brigadoon.
April 12-19, 2008. Earth Week at Lake Barkley State Resort Park (Trigg County). Lake Barkley is once again celebrating Kentucky and National Earth Week with a full week of nature hikes and boat tours, regional history and folk life programs, nature arts, guest speakers, live animal presentations, trail and shoreline cleanups, live entertainment, astronomy and more. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and open to the public. For more information on these or any other special events at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, call 1-800-325-1708.
April 13, 2008. Party for the Planet: Earth Day 2008 at the Louisville Zoo (Jefferson County) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Come to the zoo and enjoy a variety of planet-friendly activities in celebration of Earth Day.
April 13, 2008. Wildflower Folklore at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Learn about how some of our most common wildflowers have been used for medicines, food, love charms and more.
April 13, 2008. Join KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn as he leads a hike at Cove Spring Park in Frankfort at 2 p.m. EDT. This park was purchased with Heritage Land Conservation Funds and protects rich forests and native species common in the Bluegrass. Come enjoy the display of spring wildflowers and flowing waterfalls.
April 13, 2008. Choice Natives for Home Landscaping at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 2 p.m. EDT. Join Natalie George, manager of native plant production and propagation for Shooting Star Nursery in Georgetown, Ky., as she shows some of the best native plants to use in home landscaping.
April 16, 2008. Wildflower Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Play hooky from work and take time to enjoy the wildflowers.
April 17-20, 2008. Wildflower Weekend at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Join botanists, gardeners and other nature lovers as they explore and enjoy the hundreds of native plant species that grow in the Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge area.
April 18-20, 2008. Pine Mountain Wildflower Weekend at the Pine Mountain Settlement School (Harlan County).
April 19, 2008. Wildflower Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 9 a.m. EDT.
April 19, 2008. Full Moon Hike at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 p.m. EDT. Explore by the light of the full moon with Hal Taylor as he takes you on a guided tour of Blackacre's meadows and trails.
April 19-20, 2008. KSNPC on KET. KET's Kentucky Life segment on Three Ponds SNP featuring Lane Linnenkohl, western regional preserve manager, and Byron Brooks, KSNPC environmental technologist, will air on KET1 on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 8 p.m. EDT. It will repeat on Sunday, April 20, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. EDT on KET1.
April 19, 2008. KSNPC Botanist Deborah White will lead a hike as a part of the Kentucky Native Plant Society for "Wildflower Weekend" at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 8:30 a.m. EDT.
April 22, 2008. Earth Day. The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) has developed an Earth Day Web site, which provides suggestions for celebrating the Earth in Kentucky. EPPC will join other Kentucky state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations in the celebration of Earth Day. Plans are under way for a week-long celebration beginning April 17 and wrapping up on Earth Day, April 22. This year's state government theme -- Environmental Leadership: Go for the Green -- encourages Kentuckians to demonstrate leadership by developing environmentally friendly, lifelong habits and influencing others to do the same.
April 25-27, 2008. Spring conference of the Kentucky Society of Natural History (KSNH) at Kingdom Come SPNP (Letcher County). The KSNH is a diverse group of individuals with a passionate interest in all the natural sciences. Our membership includes renowned professionals as well as citizens that just want to learn more about nature, and our conference is open to everyone.
April 26, 2008. Last Wildflower Hike at Lower Howard's Creek Heritage Park and SNP (Clark County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Don’t miss this last opportunity to see the spring wildflowers. Preserve Manager Clare Sipple will lead the hike.
April 27, 2008. Spring Hike. Join KSNPC Preserves Manager Zeb Weese on a hike to Bad Branch Falls at Bad Branch SNP (Letcher County) and see the spring wildflower display on Pine Mountain. Hike starts at 10 a.m. EDT and is strenuous in difficulty. This hike is part of the Kentucky Society of Natural History Spring Meeting. Registration required for this event.
April 27, 2008. Tree ID Hike at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 2 p.m. EDT. Learn how to identify trees using their leaves, twigs, bark and habitat as your guide.
May 2-3, 2008. Herpetology Weekend at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Discover nature's most misunderstood critters! Experienced herpetologists will lead field trips into the Red River Gorge Geological Area to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat.
May 3, 2008. Garlic Mustard Pull at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Help protect our native species by participating in the volunteer effort to remove this invasive plant from the preserve.
May 4, 2008. Join KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn as he leads a hike at Vernon-Douglas SNP (Hardin County) at 1 p.m. EDT. This preserve protects one of the most mature second-growth forests in the Knobs physiographic region. Come enjoy the display of spring wildflowers and giant trees. Preregistration is required. Please call 502-573-2886 to reserve a spot on the hike.
May 10, 2008. Birding with Ben Albritton at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on this hike led by avid bird watcher Ben Albritton.
May 10-11, 2008. Kentucky Life segment on Short’s goldenrod, one of Kentucky’s eight federally listed plants, and the Short’s Goldenrod Festival held annually at Blue Licks State Park Nature Preserve in Nicholas and Robertson counties will air on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 8 p.m. EDT on KET 1. It will repeat on Sunday May 11, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. EDT on KET1 and at 7 p.m. EDT on KET2.
May 10, 2008. Volunteer with the Landscape Restoration Team at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Join the team as we work around the homestead and on the preserve to remove invasive plants, clear fallen trees, restore fences, maintain current trails and build new trails. You will have a great time and make a big difference.
May 11, 2008. Native Ornamental Grasses for Home Landscapes at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Grab your gardening gloves and join us for a fun and informative workshop describing native ornamental grasses and techniques for planting native perennials, shrubs and trees.
May 17, 2008. Herpetology with Zeb Weese at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Join KSNPC's Eastern Regional Preserves Manager Zeb Weese on this hike to find some herps in Elk Lick Creek.
May 18, 2008. Open House at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Drop by and share in the fun of Blackacre's second annual open house. Families can enjoy horse and buggy rides, hay rides, bluegrass music, tours of the homestead, climb in the hayloft and visit with Blackacre's farm animals.
May 24, 2008. Spring Hike at Blanton Forest SNP (Harlan County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Join Kentucky Natural Lands Trust Forest Steward Merril Flanary on this hike to Knobby Rock and Sand Cave Loops. Space is limited and preregistration is required.
May 31-June 1, 2008. Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip at Blue Licks SPNP (Nicholas County). Enjoy an all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. The park will supply canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal and breakfast.
June 2008
June 5, 2008. Garden Insects: A look at what's going on in your own backyard at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 1 p.m. EDT. Children and adults alike are invited to attend this workshop with Chris Korrow as he presents his award-winning film "Garden Insects" which premiered nationwide on PBS. The film features colorful close-up photography combined with little-known facts about insect habitats and life cycles. Let Chris teach you about the ecosystem located in your backyard.
June 7, 2008. Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Help stop the invasion of non-native/exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling up and cutting down some of the worst invaders. Preregistration is encouraged.
June 7, 2008. Garlic Mustard Pull at Floracliff SNP (Fayette County) at 10 a.m. EDT. Help protect our native species by participating in the volunteer effort to remove this invasive plant from the preserve.
June 11-15, 2008. In the Footsteps of Lucy Braun at the Pine Mountain Settlement School (Harlan County). This four-day forest study workshop is named in honor of one of the first and foremost conservationists of the 20th century, E. Lucy Braun. The workshop will combine field trips to five forest types and habitats, lectures and slide presentations. Preregistration is required. Please call 606-558-3571 to register or for more information.
June 14, 2008. Volunteer with the Landscape Restoration Team at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Join the team as we work around the homestead and on the preserve to remove invasive plants, clear fallen trees, restore fences, maintain current trails and build new trails. You will have a great time and make a big difference.
June 14, 2008. Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Enjoy the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches during these guided hikes. Each guided hike will be different.
June 28-29, 2008. Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip at Blue Licks SPNP (Nicholas County). Enjoy an all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. The park will supply canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal and breakfast.
June 29, 2008. Butterfly Walk at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 2 p.m. EDT. Join Naturalist Alan Nations on an interpretive walk where you will see many beautiful butterflies, learn about their life cycle and discover what the presence of butterflies tells us about our environment.
July 2008
July 5, 2008. Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 9 a.m. EST. Help stop the invasion of non-native/exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling up and cutting down some of the worst invaders. Preregistration is encouraged.
July 12, 2008. Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Enjoy the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches during these guided hikes. Each guided hike will be different.
July 19-20, 2008. Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip at Blue Licks SPNP (Nicholas County). Enjoy an all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. The park will supply canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal and breakfast.
July 19, 2008. Full Moon Hike at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 p.m. EDT. Explore by the light of the full moon with Hal Taylor as he takes you on a guided tour of Blackacre's meadows and trails.
Aug. 2, 2008. Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Help stop the invasion of non-native/exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling up and cutting down some of the worst invaders. Preregistration is encouraged.
Aug. 9, 2008. Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge SPNP (Powell County). Enjoy the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches during these guided hikes. Each guided hike will be different.
Aug. 9, 2008. Volunteer with the Landscape Restoration Team at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 9 a.m. EDT. Join the team as we work around the homestead and on the preserve to remove invasive plants, clear fallen trees, restore fences, maintain current trails and build new trails. You will have a great time and make a big difference.
Aug. 10, 2008. Drought-Tolerant Natives at Blackacre SNP (Jefferson County) at 2 p.m. EDT. Learn more about native plants as Natalie George, manager of native plant production and propagation for Shooting Star Nursery in Georgetown, Ky., will describe and show examples of some of the most drought tolerant native perennials, shrubs and trees.
Aug. 13-17, 2008. In the Footsteps of Lucy Braun at the Pine Mountain Settlement School (Harlan County). This four-day forest study workshop is named in honor of one of the first and foremost conservationists of the 20th century, E. Lucy Braun. The workshop will combine field trips to five forest types and habitats, lectures and slide presentations. Preregistration is required. Please call 606-558-3571 to register or for more information.
Sept. 20, 2008. Short's Goldenrod Festival. The festival is a celebration of one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the United States. The festival is being held at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Robertson County.
