Dedicated on March 19, 1979, Blackacre State Nature Preserve is a tract of approximately 170 acres located in Jefferson County near Jeffersontown. The preserve is used as an environmental education center by the Jefferson County Public School System and the University of Louisville. Since it is located adjacent to a large metropolitan area, it offers a unique outdoor laboratory for environmental education to a large number of children who otherwise might not have the opportunity for this experience. This area is currently being managed by the Jefferson County Public Schools and the Blackacre Foundation, Inc. through an agreement with the commission.
As of Oct. 1, 2007, Blackacre will be open daily. The preserve and homestead will be open on weekdays from 3 p.m. following the dismissal of our school programs to dusk, and on weekends from sunrise to sunset. The Visitors Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. from March through November. Jefferson County Public School visits are scheduled by contacting the Jefferson County Public School System.
Upcoming events at Blackacre SNP
Volunteer with the Landscape Restoration Team
When: Every Wednesday and second Saturday - June 14, NO JULY, Aug. 9, 2008
Start time: 9 a.m. EDT
Cost: Free
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.
Open House
When: May 18, 2008
Start time: 1 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
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. BBQ and other refreshments available for purchase.
Owls with Raptor Rehab
When: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Start time: 2 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Back by popular demand! See up close and personal some of Kentucky's native owls with Raptor Rehab. They will be bringing a variety of owls including a barn owl, screech owl, great horned owls and others. Don't miss this opportunity.
Birding at Blackacre
When: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Start time: 8:30 a.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Eddie Huber of the Beckham Bird Club will lead a bird-watching hike at Blackacre. Come and see how many of the 46 species of birds that have been identified here will reveal themselves. Please bring binoculars and hiking shoes.
Garden Insects: A look at what's going on in your own backyard.
When: Thursday, June 5, 2008
Start time: 1 p.m. EDT
Cost: $15 for adults/$10 for children and teens ages 7-16
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. During the workshop, we will take a look at insects in a terrarium before heading outside to learn more. In addition, Chris will demonstrate how he gets a "bug's eye" view of the world using his camera. Chris' teaching style is informative and appealing to a broad audience, so come learn about the ecosystem in your own backyard.
Butterfly Walk
When: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Start time: 2 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Blackacre's native wildflowers, woodlands and abundant water sources provide excellent habitat for a variety of Kentucky's butterflies. 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.
Full Moon Hike
When: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Start time: 9 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
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.
Drought-Tolerant Natives
When: Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008
Start time: 2 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Around since before the first settlers arrived, native plants have adapted themselves to survive dry summer conditions and even drought. 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. An assortment of Shooting Star native plants will be available for sale.
- Indicates an annual event (next year's date to be determined).
Please note that all events require advance registration. To register please call 502-266-9802. For a complete listing of Blackacre's spring and summer programs please visit the Blackacre Foundation's Web site.
