Jefferson Memorial Forest Fall/Winter Newsletter 2014

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natural areas

Fall/Winter 2014

JMF

Jefferson Memorial Forest fall/winter newsletter is now available! Click here for a downloadable/printable PDF.

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Louisville ECHO Receives Major Support from U.S. Forest Service and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kent
The Louisville ECHO program (Louisville is Engaging CHildren Outdoors), Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s signature environmental education initiative for fourth-grade students, has received significant support this year with $41,295 in grant funding from the U.S. Forest Service, and $7,500 Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. Learn more.

Trail Team Park Project Day at Waverly Park
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am
Trail Team and KYMBA volunteers come together to improve and maintain the combined hiking and biking trails at Waverly.  Activities vary, but may include use of hand tools to cut overhanging limbs and encroaching shrubs, trail structure repair or addressing erosion issues.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Meet at the playground parking lot in Waverly Park.

Family Canoe Day at Tom Wallace Lake
Saturday, September 20, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Get yourself geared-up for a family treat and special day of fun! Take a canoe out on the lake, and spend time on the shore learning about the incredible creatures that live below.  Are you ready to start paddling but not sure of where to start? Join us to discover the basics of canoeing. Spend some time on the lake practicing your skills. Don't worry if you are new to canoeing – all equipment (canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices) is provided. This program is suitable for beginning paddlers (ages 5 and to adult.)
FEE: Activities Free; $10.00 canoe rental

Free Guided Hike
Saturday, September 27, 8:00 am*
Orange Trail, 2.0 miles (moderate to strenuous)
Familiarize yourself with the Orange Trail in the company of our Volunteer Naturalists, including a brief tour of our education area with descriptions of the program opportunities available from our education staff.  Meet in the Horine Reservation parking lot.  Be sure to return next month to explore again – this time in the dark!  *Time changed to 8:00 am to avoid afternoon heat for the summer hikes.

Land Steward Project Days
9:00 am Saturday, October 3
Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Help preserve the natural ecosystem within the Natural Areas park system.  Activities may include clipping invasive plants, weeding native gardens, mulching, or brush removal.  Closed-toe shoes required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Location varies.  Please contact our Volunteer Office for information.

3rd Annual Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures
Shawnee Park, Friday, October 3 or Riverview Park, Saturday, October 4
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This free event is designed for individuals and families who are new to canoeing to experience the water in safe and stable voyageur canoes which hold 10 to 15 people. All safety equipment and trained staff are provided.  The event is open to anyone ages 3 and older.  Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that can get wet; no flip flops please.

Learn From History, Public Program
FIRE!
October 11th, 1pm – 4pm
Participants will explore various forms of pre-historic and historic ignition sources, search for adequate fuel and understand how fire was utilized for everyday needs.  Come ready to learn from frustration, fire-making is not easy! The focus of Learn from History events is to experience various aspects of the lives of the first indigenous people of Kentucky.  Through active involvement participants will build, plant, make, and cook using actual materials and processes.  Participants must come ready to learn not only from success, but also from failure.  Due to the hands-on nature of this program minimum age is 10, and each event is limited to 16 participants max.  Fee $15/ person.  Pre-registration is required through the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center at 502-368-5404.  Program meets in the Horine Section of Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Trail Team Project Day at the Forest
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am
Trail volunteers perform vital services to maintain the safety of our wonderful trail system.  Activities vary but may include using hand tools to address erosion issues, clip overhanging limbs or encroaching shrubs, or trail structure repair.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Meet at the Welcome Center.

Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Fall Hike
Saturday, October 18
10 AM to 2:00 PM
Join Mayor Greg Fischer for a family-friendly fall exploration of Jefferson Memorial Forest.  The event is held near the Forest’s Environmental Education Center and offers a wide variety of activities showcasing all the Forest has to offer.  Forest staff and volunteers introduce visitors to our native plant gardens and animal exhibits.  Activities for children are provided in the Nature Explore area.  Climb the 52-ft Alpine Tower or take advantage of a canoeing demonstration on Mitchell Hill Lake. Try your archery skills, or take a hike! Free pumpkins and pumpkin decorating and hay rides. Dairy Queen and Shack in the Back BBQ will provide breakfast and lunch items available for purchase.  A portion of food sales go to benefit the Forest.  Meets at the Horine Reservation.  Event is FREE.

Trail Team Park Project Day at Waverly Park
Saturday, October 18, 9:00 am
Trail Team and KYMBA volunteers come together to improve and maintain the combined hiking and biking trails at Waverly.  Activities vary, but may include use of hand tools to cut overhanging limbs and encroaching shrubs, trail structure repair or addressing erosion issues.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Meet at the playground parking lot in Waverly Park.

Free Guided Night Hike
Saturday, October 26, 7:30 pm
Orange Trail, 2.0 miles (moderate to strenuous)
Explore the Orange Trail again this month, this time in the dark!  Afterward, warm up around a fire and enjoy a s’more.  Meet in the Horine Reservation area parking lot.

Land Steward Project Days – 9:00 am
Saturday, November 1
Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and 26
Help preserve the natural ecosystem within the Natural Areas park system.  Activities may include clipping invasive plants, weeding native gardens, mulching, or brush removal.  Closed-toe shoes required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Location varies.  Please contact our Volunteer Office for information.

Trail Team Project Day at the Forest
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 am
Trail volunteers perform vital services to maintain the safety of our wonderful trail system.  Activities vary but may include using hand tools to address erosion issues, clip overhanging limbs or encroaching shrubs, or trail structure repair.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Meet at the Welcome Center.

Learn From History Public Program
Sleeping in Style (wigwams)!
November, 8, 1pm-4pm
Help Jefferson Memorial Forest build an American Indian wigwam!  Using materials from the forest participants will begin hand construction on a wigwam.  How were they constructed, what materials were used, and how were they made into livable family shelters in all seasons of the year? The focus of Learn from History events is to experience various aspects of the lives of the first indigenous people of Kentucky.  Through active involvement participants will build, plant, make, and cook using actual materials and processes.  Participants must come ready to learn not only from success, but also from failure.  Due to the hands-on nature of this program minimum age is 10, and each event is limited to 16 participants max.  Fee $15/ person.  Pre-registration is required through the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center at 502-368-5404.  Program meets in the Horine Section of Jefferson Memorial Forest.

FOX (Families Outside X-ploring)
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
FALL in GEORGE ROGERS CLARK
Get your Family Outside eXploring a different Metro Park each season.  A Naturalist will guide your family on an exploration in George Rogers Clark Park.  Hike, search for tracks, discover wildlife food that is needed for the winter, build forts, play in leaves, get away from technology and become a closer family.  This is a great opportunity to play with your kids and let them experience nature. Bring water bottles, a snack and dress for the weather.  We will be outside the whole time.  Warning: You will get dirt on your shirt!    Meets in the parking lot.
Pre-Registration required.  Fee: $8/Family

Trail Team Park Project Day at Waverly Park
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 am
Trail Team and KYMBA volunteers come together to improve and maintain the combined hiking and biking trails at Waverly. Activities vary, but may include use of hand tools to cut overhanging limbs and encroaching shrubs, trail structure repair or addressing erosion issues.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Activities are suitable for ages 14 and up, with parental supervision required until age 18.  Meet at the playground parking lot in Waverly Park.

Free Guided Hike
Saturday, November 22, 9:00 am
Moreman’s Hill, 4.0 miles (moderate to strenuous)
Explore an area not open to the public on a daily basis. There are no trails or amenities. Hiking will be on uneven terrain. Meet in the field at 5121Blevins Gap Road.

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