INTRODUCING THE FLORACLIFF FIELD STUDIES

We are very excited to announce the first series of new educational workshops at Floracliff called the Floracliff Field Studies. The main purpose of the workshop series is to highlight biodiversity through hands-on experience. For the first four workshops, we will be focusing on the botanical, aquatic, or fungal diversity of mostly Floracliff and Kentucky, but in some cases also examining national and global diversity of some groups of species. Workshop participants will gain experience in species identification, biological surveys, stream sampling techniques, creating urban habitats, observing relationships between species, and more.

While the workshops are open to anyone, we think they will be of particular interest to naturalists, biology students, science educators, and land managers, as well as those with a strong passion for the subject. Each workshop will cost $50, which covers a book or other resource for everyone who attends. All workshops will start at Floracliff, but will include field trips to other regional locations. To ensure a spot, early registration is strongly encouraged. We will be offering one scholarship per workshop to a current college student. Scholarship application and registration information can be found at the end of this article. Here is a brief synopsis of the workshops planned for 2012:

June 22-23: Backyard Wildlife Habitats: Led by Mary Carol Cooper, who recently retired from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, this workshop will cover the benefits of native plants and insects, plant identification and propagation, microforests, wildlife, and nest box building. Field trips will include Floracliff, the University of Kentucky Arboretum, native plant gardens, and an outdoor classroom.
July 13-14: Mushrooms: Led by Walt Sturgeon of the Ohio Mushroom Society, this workshop will cover identification, edibility, ecology, and folklore of mushrooms. Forays will be held at Floracliff and the Daniel Boone National Forest.
September 7-8: Aquatic Biodiversity: Led by Michael Compton of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission and Ryan Evans of the Kentucky Division of Water, this workshop will cover identification and diversity of aquatic organisms, particularly
fish and macroinvertebrates. Water chemistry, collection techniques, and data analysis will also be covered. Field trips will include Elk Lick Creek in Floracliff and a nearby stream for comparison.
November 3-4: Conifers: Led by Rob Paratley of the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry, this workshop will highlight identification, adaptation, ecology, and utility of conifers from both our region and elsewhere. Field trips will include the Lexington Cemetery and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

For more information:
Detailed descriptions of the programs  
Registration form  
Scholarship application  

Winter 2012 - Introducing the Floracliff Field Studies

Fall 2011 - Supporting Biodiversity:  The gift that gives back

Summer 2011 - The Nature Center Open House

Spring 2011 - Open House of the Winifred W. Haggart Nature Center

Winter 2011 - The Geology of Floracliff

Fall 2010 - Kentucky's Oldest Documented Tree Turns 400

Summer 2010 - Floracliff's Future with a Nature Center

Spring 2010 - The Business of Floracliff
Winter 2010 - The Emerald Ash Borer Threatens Central Kentucky Trees

Fall 2009 - Meet Our New Staff
Summer 2009 - The Winifred Haggart Nature Center- A New Milestone

Spring 2009 - A message from our new president
Winter 2009 - Floracliff’s Old Trees: Rays of hope for the Inner Bluegrass Region

Spring 2008 - Mary Wharton Scholars Program
Winter 2008 - Problematic garden plants

Fall 2007 - Purple martin housing
Summer 2007 - Bush honeysuckle research project
Spring 2007 - Floracliff selling rare prints

WTVQ Kentucky's Backroads
04.30.2009

3 Wild Ky. Places Featured in New Book
Herald-Leader, 11.15.2008

Spring on the South Side: Floracliff Preserves Mary Wharton's Lasting Legacy
Chevy Chaser Magazine, 04.2008

Happy Hunting: With Help of GPS, Geo-scavengers Find a Great Time Out in Woods
Herald-Leader, 02.17.2008

Nurturing Nature: Floracliff Helps Preserve Kentucky Palisades
Herald-Leader, 03.24.2007