Floracliff Nature Sanctuary

Signs of Spring Long Hike
2023-03-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Join us to kick off our spring hike season with this long hike featuring Elk Lick Creek and Elk Lick Falls.

Join us to kick off our spring hike season with this long hike featuring Elk Lick Creek and Elk Lick Falls. We will also look for early blooming wildflowers along the way such as hepatica, purple cress, and snow trilliums.
Hike Leaders: Floracliff Naturalists
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and potential creek crossings; hiking distance approximately 5 miles
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
The meeting location will be emailed to all registered participants a few days before the program.

A Tour of Floracliff's Old Oak Trees
2023-02-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Meet some of Kentucky’s oldest known trees on this hike at Floracliff.

Floracliff’s forested ravines are home to some of the oldest known trees in Kentucky. This hike will feature many of these 17th- and 18th-century chinquapin oaks. We will discuss the characteristics of old trees, the uniqueness of Floracliff’s old trees, and their significance to the region.
Hike Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and potential creek crossings
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
The meeting location will be emailed to all registered participants a few days before the program.

Thanksgiving Eve Long Hike
2022-11-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Our “long hikes” provide a great opportunity to see a lot of Floracliff in one day. In late fall, most of the leaves have fallen, making way for scenic views of the Elk Lick Valley. This hike will cover about 5 miles and will feature Trail’s End, the Kentucky River, Elk Lick Falls, and Elk Lick Creek.
Hike Leaders: Floracliff Naturalists
Hike distances: ~5 miles; rated difficult due to the length, steep terrain, and creek crossings
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Fall Long Hike
2022-11-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Our “long hikes” provide a great opportunity to see a lot of Floracliff in one day. In late fall, most of the leaves have fallen, making way for scenic views of the Elk Lick Valley. This hike will cover about 5 miles and will feature Trail’s End, the Kentucky River, Elk Lick Falls, and Elk Lick Creek.
Hike Leader: Floracliff naturalists
Hike distances: ~5 miles; rated difficult due to the length, steep terrain, and creek crossings
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Birding For Beginners
2022-11-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
If you’ve ever thought birdwatching would be fun or interesting but didn’t know how to start come join us for a Birding for Beginners walk and sit. We’ll discuss the use of binoculars (we have nice ones you can use for the day); what to look for when you see a bird; discuss some free apps that help you figure out what you are seeing and we’ll go see some birds! The bird walk will be slow and relaxing and we’ll end with watching some feeders for our most common feeder birds.
Program Leader: Dan Patrick, Floracliff Volunteer
Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; easy – moderate
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Golden Hour Hike to the Kentucky River
2022-10-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This hike will head down to the Kentucky River floodplain, where setting sun lights up the palisades.
Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

A Tour of Floracliff's Old Oaks
2022-10-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Hike Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and potential creek crossings
Floracliff’s forested ravines are home to some of the oldest known trees in Kentucky. This hike will feature many of these 17th- and 18th-century chinquapin oaks. We will discuss the characteristics of old trees, the uniqueness of Floracliff’s old trees, and their significance to the region.
This event is being offered as a part of Tree Week.
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Tree Week Golden Hour Hike to Elk Lick Falls
2022-10-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This will feature Elk Lick Falls and one of Kentucky’s oldest trees. We are offering this free hike in celebration of Tree Week.
Hike Leader: Terri Koontz, Floracliff Volunteer
Hike distances: 1.5 miles; rated moderate, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

Bluegrass Land & Nature Symposium
2022-10-01 08:30 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Click here to register for the symposium (Registration is through EventBrite; tickets open August 2). The symposium is limited to 40 tickets. Early registration is encouraged.

Floracliff and the Lexington Chapter of Wild Ones are partnering this fall to host the Bluegrass Land and Nature Symposium. Join us Saturday, October 1st, for a full day focused on the biodiversity, ecology, and stewardship of the Bluegrass region. Retired University of Louisville biology professor and urban ecologist, Dr. Margaret Carreiro, will kick off the day as our keynote speaker. Afterward, experts from Kentucky’s conservation community will lead outdoor sessions on migratory birds, beneficial insects, gardening with native plants, local flora, watersheds, and more.
As a 346-acre nature sanctuary located on the edge of Kentucky’s second most populated city, Floracliff provides a unique setting to explore the intersection of wild nature with human-built urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. The Bluegrass Land and Nature Symposium will offer insights on practices that support wildlife, the challenges along the way, and the ecological and personal rewards that come from welcoming nature at home and in our communities.
Ticket are $35 (lunch included)
Schedule:
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Registration, coffee, opening of silent auction
9:00 AM: Welcome
9:15 – 10:15 AM: Keynote Presention with Dr. Margaret Carreiro – Planning a Resilient Future for Flora and Fauna in the Bluegrass
10:20 – 11:30 AM: Outdoor concurrent sessions
11:30 – 12:45: Lunch
12:50 – 2:00 PM: Outdoor concurrent sessions
2:10 – 3:20 PM: Outdoor concurrent sessions
3:30 – 4:00 PM: silent auction wrap-up
Session Leaders & Topics:
Joyce Bender (Retired from the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission): Birds on the Move – Fall Migration Bird Walk
Strider Deaver (Kentucky Division of Forestry): Reading the Forest: Stories of The Past Told By the Trees of Today
Amanda Gumbert (UK Cooperative Extension Service): Bluegrass Watersheds
Beverly James (Floracliff): Hostplants for Butterflies and Moths
Jonathan Larson (UK Extension Entomology): Let’s Meet Some Bug Friends
Kendall McDonald (Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves): Fall Wildflowers
John Michler (Michler’s Florist, Greenhouse, and Garden Design): Garden Inspirations from Nature
Jess Slade (UK-LFUCG Arboretum): Land Management for Ecological Diversity

The Aster family- Asteraceae: An introduction to navigating this large and important plant family
2022-09-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Instructor: Rob Paratley
The Asteraceae, or composites, contain more species of flowering plants than all others (but the orchids). There are more composites in our regional flora, and indeed any temperate flora, than any other plant family. They inhabit just about every habitat and are conspicuous throughout the growing season, especially in late summer and fall. Easy to recognize as a family when flowering, the large number of species and its sometimes inconspicuous but important identifying field characters, can overwhelm us. Knowing what to look for and how the family is organized will help! We will review the features and specialized terms that allow us to recognize a composite to the family. Then we will dive into Asteraceae organization (systematics)- learning to recognize groups of genera called tribes- that can help us work our way through and identify most composites, at least to genus. We will look at herbarium specimens and collected live plants, as well as explore late-blooming composites within Floracliff.
Hike distance and difficulty: 3 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack/lunch, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Golden Hour Hike to Elk Lick Falls
2022-09-22 17:30 - 19:30, 2022-08-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-07-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This will feature Elk Lick Falls and one of Kentucky’s oldest trees.
Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; rated moderate, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

iNaturalist in Action: A hands-on training
2022-09-15 16:00 - 18:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Join us for this hands-on demonstration using iNaturalist along the trails of Floracliff. We’ll spend some time exploring biodiversity, and we will cover the benefits of nature observations, basics of the app, and effective photos for species identification.

iNaturalist is a community science app and website used by professional and amateur naturalists around the world to document and learn about biodiversity. It’s not only an important tool for projects like the City Nature Challenge and National Moth Week, but also a resource to learn about what is in your own yard or neighborhood. Anyone can contribute to and participate in iNaturalist by uploading observations of plants, animals, fungi, and more.
Program Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Easy
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Creating Art in Nature: Four Sessions
2022-09-13 14:00 - 2022-10-25 17:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
–A new opportunity to dwell in nature as inspiration for making art—
If you have an interest or desire to broaden your skills as a naturalist and artist, come join us for four 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. 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.
Some themes might include:
–Nature’s rich tapestry of species relationships
–species of flora and fauna of interest to you
–plein air landscape drawing and painting
–living still life
–some days will include hiking to an inspirational spot within Floracliff
And more!
*Sessions are free and limited to 10 participants (age 16 and older). Attendance at all sessions is not required. We will maintain a wait list, so cancellation notification in a timely manner is greatly appreciated.
*Bring whatever art making materials you prefer
*Ground cloth or seat, water and snacks, insect repellant, sun hat
*Everyone will pack their materials in and out, sometimes a distance of ½ mile
Schedule:
2 PM – 5 PM (or until 6:00 for more remote locations).
Sessions will take place on the following Tuesdays:
Sept. 13 & 27
Oct. 11 & 25
In case of rain we will try to reschedule. Depending on interest, we will repeat the series in the spring.
Session hosts:
Steve Bennett and Laura Mentor
Steve has been drawing all his life. He has over 20 years’ experience teaching/guiding students of many ages in drawing and 3-D design. His love of Nature has recently led to new branches of learning and appreciation for the rich complexities of the natural world.
Laura has developed her eye for Nature’s treasures through a lifetime of hiking, observation and research. She has been creating large scale installations of her ornate, narrative stained glass windows for public buildings and private clients for over 25 years. Her ongoing research into native species and their relationships have informed her recent work. Examples may be viewed at www.lauramentor.com.
Steve and Laura are regular program volunteers at Floracliff.

Mindful Hiking: The Healing Power of Nature
2022-09-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Join us for a sensory exploration of Floracliff. Our intention will be finding the peace of mind that comes from opening to sights, sounds, and scents of the woodlands. On our walk we will meditate and explore the mindfulness of movement while opening to a greater awareness of this amazing space.
The three co-Facilitators are Koru mindfulness certified teachers: Dr. Connie Jennings (cjenn@uky.edu) MD, Director: UK College of Medicine: Integrative Medicine and Health,
Dr. Lee Walmsley (lee.walmsley@uky.edu), PhD RN, College of Nursing,
Dr. Dan Stone (dstone@uky.edu), UK Rosenthal Endowed Research Chair, mindfulness researcher.
Hike difficulty: rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Elk Lick Creek Walk
2022-08-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Elk Lick Creek flows through the heart of Floracliff and provides habitat for a diversity of amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, and more. Join Floracliff Naturalists on this trek along a scenic 1/2-mile section of of the creek to explore the biodiversity and take in the beauty of the area.
Hike Leaders: Dan Patrick and Mark Wells
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and wet, slick surfaces
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or ticket transfers will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

Nature at Night: Moths and More
2022-07-29 21:00 - 23:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Floracliff has a diversity of moths that come in many different sizes and colors. These insects play an important role in the ecosystem, having intricate relationships with our native plants, birds, and bats. Join us for this program to kick off National Moth Week, when we will have a few light stations set up with sheets to get a close-up look at our moths and other nocturnal insects. Bring a flashlight!
Program Leader(s): Floracliff Naturalists
Hiking Level: Easy
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Elk Lick Creek Walk
2022-07-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Elk Lick Creek flows through the heart of Floracliff and provides habitat for a diversity of amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, and more. Join Floracliff Naturalists on this trek along a scenic 1/2-mile section of of the creek to explore the biodiversity and take in the beauty of the area.
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and wet, slick surfaces
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or ticket transfers will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

West Sixth For A Cause supporting Floracliff Nature Sanctuary
2022-06-25 14:00 - 17:00 | West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd, Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
Join Floracliff Nature Sanctuary at the West Sixth Farm on Saturday, June 25, 2-5 PM, for a Sixth for a Cause event! To celebrate National Pollinator Week, Floracliff staff and volunteer naturalists will offer a few activities:

– guided 45-minute walks in the fields to look for pollinators and other insects, starting at 2:15 PM and 4:15 PM; butterfly nets will be provided
– Bird box building activity, 3:00 – 4:00 PM or until supplies run out

– Live caterpillars on display, 2-5 PM

Floracliff Nature Sanctuary is a 346-acre nature preserve located in the Kentucky River Palisades region in southern Fayette County. Floracliff’s work focuses on promoting central Kentucky’s native biodiversity through land stewardship, nature-based programs, and participation in local and global community science projects.

We are so excited to join West Sixth at the farm – grab your walking shoes & your curiosity, & join us for this fun event! A percentage of proceeds from the day’s sales will go back to Floracliff to support our mission, too, so be sure to grab a beer or some farm swag while you’re here!

Field Day: Butterflies of Central Kentucky
2022-06-24 09:30 - 15:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
This field day will provide hands-on experience in butterfly identification at Floracliff and possibly another nearby location in Fayette County. It should be a great primer (or refresher) for those wishing to participate in the Central Bluegrass Butterfly Count in July.
Bring: water, your favorite butterfly guide if you already have one, sunhat, close-toed shoes
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate (full sun)
**All minors participating this program must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Hike distance and difficulty: 2 – 3 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to summer temperatures and sun exposure
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

Webinar: Butterflies of Central Kentucky: Identification, Diversity, and Ecology
2022-06-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Instructor: Beverly James, Floracliff Preserve Director
Nearly 150 butterflies have been documented throughout Kentucky. This webinar presentation will feature over 45 of the most common summer butterflies in the Inner Bluegrass region. Participants will learn tricks for identification, basic biology of butterflies, and their relationships with native plants. We will also cover community science projects and resources so that participants can document and share their butterfly observations.
A link to the webinar will be emailed to all registered participants before the day of the event.

Sedges of the Palisades Hike w/ Kentucky Nature Preserves Botanists
2022-05-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Hike Leaders: Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Botanists
Many of the grass-like plants one may encounter in Kentucky’s natural areas are not actually grasses. Although similar, they are members of an entirely different family of plants. This hike will focus on the largest genus within the sedge family (Cyperaceae), the genus Carex. With close to 150 species in this genus found in Kentucky, the diversity of sedges (Carex) is astounding and they can tell us a lot about the natural communities upon which they are found. Join OKNP botanists Devin Rodgers and Vanessa Voelker on a hike to learn some of the most common sedges found in the Bluegrass.
Hike distance and difficulty: 2 – 3 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

A Tour of Floracliff's Old Oaks
2022-05-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Hike Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Moderate to Difficult, due to steep, uneven terrain and potential creek crossings
Floracliff’s forested ravines are home to some of the oldest known trees in Kentucky. This hike will feature many of these 17th- and 18th-century chinquapin oaks. We will discuss the characteristics of old trees, the uniqueness of Floracliff’s old trees, and their significance to the region. We will also stop to appreciate spring wildflowers blooming on the forest floor.
We are thrilled to offer this special hike for free thanks to the generosity of sponsors David and Kathy Rees Johnson!
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Weather Policy: For the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, all programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including rain, wind, and severe weather warnings and advisories.

Golden Hour Hike to Elk Lick Falls
2022-05-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This will feature Elk Lick Falls and one of Kentucky’s oldest trees.
Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; rated moderate, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

Golden Hour Hike to the Kentucky River
2022-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “golden hour” hike at Floracliff while the early evening sunset shines through the trees. This hike will head down to the Kentucky River floodplain, where setting sun lights up the palisades.
Hike distance and difficulty: 1.5 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain; there may also be some slick spots near the creek
Bring: water
Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

Forest Birds of the Palisades w/ Ben Leffew & Michael Patton
2022-05-07 08:00 - 11:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Hike Leaders: Ben Leffew, Preserve Manager at Shaker Village; Michael Patton, Avian Biologist at Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Kentucky birders Ben Leffew (Shaker Village) and Michael Patton (KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources) will lead this hike featuring the diversity of birds that use the forests of the Kentucky River Palisades. Ben and Michael will teach participants 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 directly after this hike for an afternoon program at Shaker Village that will feature Grassland Birds of the Kentucky River Palisades. Registration for the afternoon hike must go through Shaker Village. Register here for the Shaker Village program here: https://shakervillageky.org/events/birds-of-the-palisades/
**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
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

City Nature Challenge: Creek Exploration w/ Mike Compton
2022-04-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Calling all community scientists! This program will focus on exploring a section of one of our creeks to discover and document aquatic life for the City Nature Challenge. We recommend each registered party have at least one member who has, or can create, an iNaturalist account in advance of the program. Be prepared to photograph your findings and upload them to iNaturalist either during the program or by May 8th.
Bring: water, closed-toe shoes, hiking stick (optional), camera or smart phone for taking pictures
Hike Leaders: Mike Compton, aquatic zoologist at Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, & Floracliff naturalists
Hiking level: Easy to Moderate
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.

City Nature Challenge: Herpetology Hike w/ Zeb Weese
2022-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Calling all community scientists! This program will focus on exploring Floracliff’s field, forest, and aquatic habitats in search of reptiles and amphibians for the City Nature Challenge. We recommend that each registered party have at least one member who has, or can create, an iNaturalist account in advance of the program. Be prepared to photograph your findings and upload them to iNaturalist either during the program or by May 8th.
Bring: water, closed-toe shoes, hiking stick (optional), camera or smart phone for taking pictures
Hike Leaders: Zeb Weese, retired from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, & Floracliff naturalists
Hiking level: Moderate to Difficult
Please note: The Nature Center is open for restroom access only. Masks are currently required indoors.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES: Floracliff does not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.
All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.
*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.
Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.
