Apr
26
to Apr 29

City Nature Challenge (Lexington/Fayette County)

  • Floracliff Nature Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Central Kentucky Audubon Society is thrilled to help Floracliff Nature Sanctuary bring the City Nature Challenge to Lexington. The City Nature Challenge is a global community science event that mobilizes urban residents and visitors to observe, document, and celebrate the wild plants, animals, and fungi in and around urban areas. This focused and collective effort increases our awareness and understanding of urban biodiversity around the world.

The City Nature Challenge began in 2016 and is organized annually by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. In its first year, the CNC was a competition between San Francisco and Los Angeles to document wild biodiversity in urban areas using iNaturalist. It has since grown to over 300 participating cities in 40 countries.

learn more here: https://centralkentuckyaudubon.org/Events_Calendar.html

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Apr
27
to Apr 28

Mountain Mushroom Festival

The Mountain Mushroom Festival is a celebration of the Appalachian culture: the morel mushroom, Kentucky agate (state rock of Kentucky), arts and crafts, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky River, and mountains.
 
Mission
The festival’s mission is to share the cultural heritage and traditions of our community and support area groups (mushroom hunters, agate hunters, local crafters, artisans, and civic organizations) and businesses to foster community pride and stimulate economic development. A local volunteer committee partners with the community to present a variety of activities and provide educational opportunities. The festival provides a weekend of free activities and entertainment.

More info here: https://www.mountainmushroomfest.org/

Link to schedule here: https://www.mountainmushroomfest.org/_files/ugd/ff5784_8009ff2c84d7463e8c421e5da668113f.pdf

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May
3
8:00 AM08:00

Floracliff: Forest Birds of the Pallisades

Ben Leffew, Preserve Manager of Shaker Village, will lead this hike featuring the diversity of birds that use the forests of the Kentucky River Palisades. Participants will learn to identify birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat. This program takes place during peak migration and will prepare participants who may be interested in Global Big Day and other community science birding programs.

For this program, we are partnering with Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill to highlight birds of the Kentucky River Palisades region. Join us in the afternoon for a program at Shaker Village that will feature Grassland Birds of the Kentucky River Palisades. Registration for the afternoon hike will be available through Shaker Village

**All minors participating this program must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; rated moderately difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek

Bring: water

Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera

The meeting location will be emailed to all registered participants a few days before the program.

https://floracliff.org/event/forest-birds-of-the-palisades/

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May
7
1:00 PM13:00

Floracliff: Creating Art in Nature at Elk Lick Falls

If you have an interest or desire to broaden your skills as a naturalist and artist, come join us for these art making sessions sited within the beautiful nature preserve at Floracliff. We’ll be outside creating art!

Skill level:

Some experience with handling art materials is assumed, but all skill levels are welcome. If you are a naturalist who wants to try your hand at rendering the things you love, you are welcome. If you are an artist who values the opportunity to work in a secluded, protected preserve, you are welcome. Guidance will be offered on request.

*Sessions are free and limited to 12 participants (age 16 and older; minors must be accompanied by a guardian). We encourage you to attend multiple sessions. We will maintain a wait list, so notification of cancellation in a timely manner is greatly appreciated.

*Bring whatever art making materials you prefer

*Ground cloth or seat (waterproof seating recommended), water and snacks, insect repellent, sun hat

*Everyone will pack their materials in and out, sometimes a distance of ½ mile

Session hosts: Steve Bennett and Laura Mentor

Sign up here: https://floracliff.org/event/creating-art-in-nature-among-the-wildflowers-2/

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May
11
9:30 AM09:30

Global Big Day - Bird banding experience

  • Ecological Reserach and Education Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Dr. Westneat at the UK Field Station to observe migrant birds visiting this urban stopover spot and band local birds for an up close view of some of our local birds stunning features. Available to all ages!

$10/person to benefit the Taking Flight Next Level program

Register here: https://htru.io/SHM9

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May
17
to May 19

Red River Fest

This 3 day event includes fun on the water including paddling, rock climbing wall, music, food, workshops, education tent, and more. Stay tuned for more details and a schedule for this Red River Gorge area event celebrating the Red River.

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Apr
20
10:00 AM10:00

RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy You @ Bernheim Forest

SEE FB EVENT FOR LOCATION!

The health of the planet and the health of humans go hand in hand. Join us to celebrate nature's healing powers and learn how conservation and protection of the Earth are at the center of everything we do at Bernheim.
During RESTORE, visitors will not only witness the breathtaking beauty of spring at Bernheim but also enjoy drop-in self-care activities and a variety of educational experiences that will inspire them to implement more sustainable practices in their daily lives.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, take a deep breath of fresh air courtesy of a healthy forest, and find peace in the sweeping views of natural beauty.

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/restore-healthy-planet-healthy/1016537452777892/?mibextid=9l3rBW

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Apr
12
9:00 AM09:00

Raven Run Bird Walk with Central Kentucky Audubon Society

Join the Raven Run staff in a reoccurring program series exploring the birds throughout Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Beginner and experienced participants are welcome. Dress appropriately for the walk through the trails at Raven Run.

more info here: https://centralkentuckyaudubon.org/Events_Calendar.html

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All photography © Tina Brouwer / Vrai Photography