Floracliff Nature Sanctuary

Webinar: The Myth of “Pre-settlement” Eastern Deciduous Forest: Changing Ideas About its History and the Importance of Humans on the Landscape
2020-07-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
The Eastern Deciduous Forest Formation stretches from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Atlantic seaboard to the river valleys of the Great Plains. These forests, were, in just a few centuries after Europeans first dropped anchor, largely cut over or converted to open land. What were these forests like before the arrival of Europeans? How far back in time did forests resembling those we see today exist in the eastern part of the continent?
Attempts to reconstruct the so-called “pre-settlement” history of eastern forests have been made by ecologists, forest historians, and Quaternary geologists and climate scientists throughout the 20th Century to the present. How have our ideas about the age, condition, and processes controlling deciduous forests changed since the pioneering plant ecologists first tackled the question? And, critically, how have our views changed concerning the role of the continent’s first peoples in shaping the forest’s structure and composition?
Evidence from pollen cores and archeological studies now tells us that the most important missing piece in early attempts to tell this story was the significant presence and impacts of indigenous Americans. Ignored, sentimentalized, or discounted by early researchers, the native peoples are now considered an important part of an emerging picture of eastern forests as dynamic systems. They hunted, foraged, burned, cleared portions of the landscape, and, in places, managed their forests to maximize yields of the resources that sustained them.
“Pre-settlement” eastern deciduous forest is therefore a myth, one that taps into the stories we’ve told ourselves of an untrammeled American wilderness, glorified by the 19th Century Romantics and American Transcendentalists. In this program we’ll explore some of the ways our ideas about the development of eastern North American forests have dramatically changed, especially by incorporating the keystone ecological presence of humans on that landscape. We can also discuss the implications of these ideas to contemporary efforts in ecological restoration, habitat preservation, and our concept of wilderness.
A link to the webinar will be emailed to all registered participants before the day of the event.
Instructor: Rob Paratley, University of Kentucky, Forestry and Natural Resources
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.

Magic Hour Hike to Elk Lick Falls
2020-07-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “magic hour” hike at Floracliff. Starting two hours before sunset, this hike will feature Elk Lick Falls and the oldest documented chinkapin oak in Kentucky.
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Private Guided Hike
2020-07-16 09:30 - 12:00, 2020-07-14 09:30 - 12:00, 2020-07-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2020-07-07 09:30 - 12:00, 2020-07-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
In lieu of our regularly scheduled hikes and programs, we are currently offering limited private guided hikes at Floracliff on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Guided hikes are available for a group of 1-4 people for $40/ticket OR a group of 5-8 people for $80/ticket. Please limit the group to no more than 3 households.
Guided hike options include:
1) Hike to the base of Elk Lick Falls: This hike is 1.5 miles and is rated moderately difficult due to steep terrain and potentially wet and slippery surfaces at the creeks. This hike includes a 25-minute break at Elk Lick Falls.
2) Hike to Elk Lick Creek: This 3-mile hike visits a section of Elk Lick Creek and is rated moderately difficult due to steep terrain and potentially wet and slippery surfaces at the creeks. This hike includes a 20-minute break at Elk Lick Creek.
3) Upland Hike through the forest and pollinator field: This 1 – 2.5 mile hike features both young and mature forests of Floracliff as well as the pollinator field by the nature center. This hike can be modified to be as short as one mile or as long as 2.5 miles. It is rated easy to moderate depending on the length chosen by the group.
When reserving a ticket, you will be asked for your first hike preference and your second hike preference. Hikes are available on a first-come/first-serve basis. If the other ticket has already been purchased, your hike may not be your first choice.
Please note: Bathrooms and facilities are currently closed to visitors. Please come prepared. All hikers will be expected to practice physical distancing from others outside their household. All hikers are also expected to bring a mask or face covering (bandana or buff will suffice) when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Webinar: Moths of Kentucky with Shelby Fulton
2020-07-14 14:00 - 15:30
With an amazing variety of colors, patterns and sizes, moths are among the most diverse organisms on earth. They play an important role in our ecosystem and share intricate relationships with native plants, birds, and bats. Join us for this webinar with zoologist Shelby Fulton to learn about the wonderful world of moths and how you can participate in National Moth Week.
A link to the webinar will be emailed to all registered participants before the day of the event.
Program Leader: Shelby Fulton, Terrestrial Zoologist, Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves
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, & Ecology
2020-06-30 19:00 - 20:30
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 citizen 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.
Instructor: Beverly James, Floracliff Preserve Director
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.

Canceled: Forest Fridays: June
2020-06-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
With a commitment to conservation and a curiosity about the natural world, our volunteers offer a unique perspective of Floracliff. In 2020, these dedicated volunteers are leading a series of afternoon hikes, highlighting the trails and terrain that they care for at Floracliff.

Leader: Cynthia Higgs
Hiking Level: moderate to difficult due to uneven surfaces and steep terrain
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.
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.

Canceled: Sedges of the Kentucky River Palisades
2020-05-23 10:00 - 13:00
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 Tara Littlefield on a hike to learn some of the most common sedges found in the Bluegrass.
Hiking Level: moderate to difficult due to steep terrain and uneven surfaces
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.
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.

Canceled: Nature at Night: Frogs and Toads
2020-05-22 20:30 - 22:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Our native frogs and toads breed in shallow waters during Spring and the evenings are a great time to get close-up views of them. During this program, we will visit the ponds near the nature center to inspect the frog activity. We expect to find Cope’s gray treefrogs and possibly a few others. All visitors need to bring a flashlight and wear close-toed shoes.
Hiking level: Easy
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.

Canceled: Magic Hour Hike to Elk Lick Falls
2020-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States

Canceled: Herpetology Hike with Zeb Weese
2020-05-16 09:00 - 12:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Zeb Weese, Executive Director of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, will lead this program for all ages to find some of our native frogs, snakes, salamanders, and turtles in the various habitats of Floracliff, including ponds, fields, and streams.
Hiking level: Moderate (please note this program includes steep and uneven terrain and walking in and along stream banks with wet rocks); 1.5 – 2 miles
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.

Canceled: Global Big Day Bird Hike
2020-05-09 08:00 - 10:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Put on your Citizen Scientist hat and join us in counting and identifying birds at Floracliff. We’ll focus on the upland areas including the grasslands and woodlands near the Nature Center and Trail’s End Lodge. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology organizes Global Big Day, where more than 20,000 birders from around the world unite in a single day to celebrate birds. We will report all our birds through eBird.
Hike Leader: Floracliff Naturalists
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Forest Birds of the Palisades w/ Ben Leffew
2020-05-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Accomplished birder and Shaker Village Preserve Manager, Ben Leffew, will lead this hike featuring the diversity of birds that use the forests of the Kentucky River Palisades. Ben 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 citizen 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. Click here to register for the afternoon Shaker Village hike.

Canceled: Forest Fridays: May
2020-05-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
With a commitment to conservation and a curiosity about the natural world, our volunteers offer a unique perspective of Floracliff. In 2020, these dedicated volunteers are leading a series of afternoon hikes, highlighting the trails and terrain that they care for at Floracliff.
Join us for this May 1st hike to enjoy the remaining ephemeral wildflowers and celebrate the changing season.

Leader: Lisa Morris
Hiking Level: moderate to difficult due to uneven surfaces and steep terrain
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.
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.

Canceled: Creative Reflections at Elk Lick Falls
2020-04-19 15:00 - 17:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Enjoy a full hour immersed in the sights and sounds of Elk Lick Falls to write, create, or meditate. This program offers the opportunity to slow down, connect to nature, and disconnect from electronic devices. At the end of the hike, participants will have a chance to share as much or as little as they like.
Bring: water, a pad to sit on, journal/sketchbook and writing/drawing materials. Please leave your cameras at home for this program.
Hike Leader: Floracliff naturalists
Hiking level: Moderate to Difficult (due to steep, uneven terrain)
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Long Hike - 11:30am
2020-04-18 11:30 - 16:30 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Experience Floracliff in full bloom! Join us for a rare opportunity to view the abundance of spring ephemeral wildflowers on display throughout the sanctuary. We’ll cross Elk Lick Creek to see what’s blooming along the rich north-facing slopes and trek to the Trail’s End floodplain to bask in the bountiful wildflowers alongside the Palisades cliffs. Throughout the hike, we’ll stop to highlight some of our favorite wildflowers.
Hike Leaders: Floracliff Naturalists
Hiking Level: Difficult due to steep, slick, and uneven terrain; 4-5 miles
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Long Hike -10am
2020-04-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States

Canceled: Wildflower Hike
2020-04-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
This wildflower hike will cover natural history, folklore, pollinator relationships, and other information about some of our spring ephemerals.
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Magic Hour Hike to the Kentucky River
2020-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
End your day with a quiet and relaxing “magic hour” hike at Floracliff. We will hike down to the Kentucky River, taking in the early evening sunlight shining through the trees and reflecting off the palisade cliffs.
Hike Leader: Floracliff naturalists
Hiking level: Moderate to Difficult (due to steep, uneven terrain)
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike
2020-04-14 11:00 - 14:00, 2020-04-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
This wildflower hike will cover natural history, folklore, pollinator relationships, and other information about some of our spring ephemerals.
Hike Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike at Trail's End
2020-04-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Learn to identify some of our spring ephemeral wildflowers. Along the way we will discuss natural history, pollinator relationships, and more.
Hike Leader: Josie Miller, Stewardship Director
Hiking Level: Moderate – Difficult due to steep terrain and uneven surfaces
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike with Joyce Bender
2020-04-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Celebrate spring’s beauty and explore some of the connections between spring wildflowers, their habitats, and us.
Guest Hike Leader: Joyce Bender, retired from the KY State Nature Preserves Commission

Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike with Laura Baird
2020-04-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
This wildflower hike will cover natural history, folklore, pollinator relationships, and other information about some of our early spring ephemerals.
Guest Hike Leader: Laura Baird, Shaker Village Assistant Preserve Manager
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Forest Fridays
2020-04-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
With a commitment to conservation and a curiosity about the natural world, our volunteers offer a unique perspective of Floracliff. In 2020, these dedicated volunteers are leading a series of afternoon hikes, highlighting the trails and terrain that they care for at Floracliff.
The Kentucky River Palisade cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for spring wildflowers as well as a microclimate. Join us in observing the variety of wildflowers blooming and the change in species composition as we descend 300ft in elevation from the Floracliff uplands to the Kentucky River floodplain.

Leader: Byron Madara
Hiking Level: moderate to difficult due to uneven surfaces and steep terrain
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.
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike
2020-03-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
Learn to identify some of our earliest spring ephemeral wildflowers. Along the way we will discuss natural history, pollinator relationships, and more.
Hike Leader: Josie Miller, Stewardship Director
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.

Canceled: Wildflower Hike
2020-03-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road, Lexington, KY, 40515, United States
This wildflower hike will cover natural history, folklore, pollinator relationships, and other information about some of our early spring ephemerals.
Hike Leader: Beverly James, Preserve Director
Hiking Level: Moderate
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.
