Nature Summit

Lilley Cornett Woods is a tract of land made up of mixed mesophytic and old growth forest owned and used by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for education and research.  Participants will learn how to use iNaturalist and collect data for a biological inventory of a new tract adjacent to the property! This is an off-trail moderately strenuous activity because of the topography. Participants should wear comfortable hiking boots, and pants.  A smart device with the iNaturalist App is recommended. Bring a lunch or snacks, and plenty of water. Cookout food will be available at site for 5-6$.

Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve features one of the largest old growth forests in KY. It is a diverse ecological treasure and hosts many habitat and community types such as hemlock/mixed forest, xeric/oak hickory forest, and mesic hardwood forest.  Enjoy a guided hike led by Preserve Managers, Kyle Napier and Preston Lacey, to look for and learn about the many species that call Blanton Forest home.

Features include: Salamander identification, plant identification, old growth forest system education, Knobby Rock, The Maze, and Sand Cave. The hike will include the Knobby Rock Loop and Sand Cave Loop totaling to approximately 4.5 miles. The hike is rated strenuous; Bring plenty of water, packed lunch, or snacks. Participants should wear long pants, and comfortable hiking boots.

This hike will take you to the only pitch pine barrens in Kentucky. Unlike much of Pine Mountain, this unique natural area is an open park-like pine barrens with many interesting plants in the understory. This rare natural community is a great example of a fire dependent system. Controlled burns are often used to prevent catastrophic wildfires, and did you know that Kentucky Nature Preserves has been using this tool for over 20 years to help maintain our Natural Areas?  Join Prescribed Fire Manager Josh Lillpop and Ecologist Martina Hines, on a hike through the  recently burned pine barrens of Hi Lewis. Participants will look at the effects of wildfires, and discuss the benefits of prescribed fire to rare plants and communities.

 This hike is moderate/strenuous due to elevation changes and uneven terrain.  Participants should wear long pants, comfortable hiking boots, bring their own lunch or snacks, and have plenty of water. Bring your camera to capture the great views of nearby Black Mountain. You might also want to bring a pair pf binoculars, as this is also an exceptional birding spot.

The rocky-outcrop habitats of Chained Rock  is a diverse refuge for many lichens among the shady mountain forests. Join OKNP lichenologist Kendall McDonald to explore the outcrop and learn about the lichen flora of this region. This is a 1 mile out-and-back moderate hike that includes stairs, elevation changes, some steep rocky terrain, and no safety barriers at the overlook (not recommended for children). Much of the outcrop’s lichen diversity occurs on the actual rock, so being comfortable with heights and rock scrambling is recommended. Participants should wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and closed toed shoes with good tread. Lunch not provided, participants must bring their own food and drinks. A hand lens or portable magnifying tool is recommended, not provided.

Join KNP botanist Heidi Braunreiter and Cumberland Falls SRP Naturalist Olivia Immitt, on a hike through Bad Branch SNP. This preserve protects the largest concentrations of rare and uncommon species known to the state! We’ll pass babbling brooks and hemlock groves through a deep ravine on our way to a 60-foot waterfall that crowns the natural beauty of this site. Learn about rare plants, medicinal plants, and the overall forest ecology of the area. Please wear appropriate attire (long pants, and hiking boots or comfortable close toed shoes). Bring plenty of water, lunch, and a hand lens if you have one. This is 2-mile moderately difficult hike due to elevation change.

• Duration: 9:00am-4:00 pm (travel time included)
• Location: Bad Branch State Nature Preserve
• Transportation: Provided from Park (optional) meet in front of the lodge at 9:00am
• Travel Time: 1 hr 25 min; 70.3 miles (one way)
• Limit: 15

Join Pine Mountain State Park Naturalist, Keith Bowling, in learning about some of the animals that call pine mountain home! See many native and exotic species up close and maybe you'll even be brave enough to hold one!

• Duration: 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Location: Pine Mountain Interpretive Center
• Transportation: None required.
• Limit: None

Come learn about Forest Insect Invaders with Kentucky Division of Forestry's Forest Health Specialist, Alexandra Blevins. Participants will learn about these species up close and personal with preserved specimens. We will learn how these tiny organisms kill whole trees and damage entire forests! A short guided hike will take place after discussion to investigate the surrounding forest for insect invaders and how you can help identify them! This activity is being offered twice.

Join aquatic biologists to explore the aquatic life within the streams of eastern Kentucky.  Participates will get hands-on experience in the collection, identification, life history, and ecology of the fishes, salamanders, and macroinvertebrates that inhabit the small mountain streams of the Cumberland River.  Participates will learn and actively assist in the basic collecting techniques of the animals and learn the defining characteristic that help distinguish one species from another, as well as, general principles of stream ecology.  Participates should expect to get in the stream, get wet, have fun, and actively help with the collection of the organisms.  It is important to note that stream work is fun, but can be hazardous because of slippery rocks; caution and mindfulness should always be considered when entering a stream and moving within the stream channel.  It is essential to wear footwear and clothing that is protective, sturdy, and can tolerate being saturated in the water (i.e., old tennis shoes and t-shirts). This field trip will be offered twice that day.

Enjoy a kid friendly hike on Pine Mountain State Park Led by KNP Biologists. An examination of forest diversity for the young and old.  From early spring wildflowers, mosses, insects to mushrooms, trees, and birds, participants can join in the biodiversity scavenger hunt and have a chance to earn Natural Heritage Explorer badges. This field trip is offered twice. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring water.

Join KNP botanist Devin Rodgers on a loop hike at Pine Mountain State Park for a natural history overview of the region with a perspective on the spring season and changes it brings to the Pine Mountain ecosystem. Discussion will cover a broad variety of topics (plants, wildlife, geology, biogeography) during a 2-3 hour hike covering 3-4 miles. Binoculars are recommended for those interested in birds. Wear long pants and comfortable hiking shoes. Bring Snacks/lunch and plenty of water. 

North American Blue Bird species seek cavities in trees for nesting sites. Today, invasive insect species, disease, and competition make natural cavities less abundant. Join KNP's Natural Areas Trail Manager, Doug Wilder, in building standard bluebird boxes and providing much needed nesting habitat for these native birds! Take your box home and install it on your property! (1 box per family/group)

Join staff from the Kentucky Geological Survey at the University of Kentucky for a presentation on the geology of the Pine Mountain area. Learn about ancient seas, rivers, mountain building, and a nearby meteor impact!

Join Stantec Biologist, James Kiser, on a herpetology hike! Look for and learn about the many different salamander species that call Pine Mountain home. This field trip will occur on nearby Pine Mountain State Park Trails. Exact location will be determined at a later time. Please wear long pants, comfortable hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water. Flashlights or headlamps are recommended, but not required.