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Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge

 

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Events (and Reports)

The Refuge is open to everyone free of charge from dawn to dusk every day. Please watch and enjoy (but do not disturb) the plant and animal life you find here. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and recreational vehicles (including bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.) are prohibited on the property. The bird blind is also open year round, but the feeders are not kept stocked June 1 through September 30.

Summer and Fall Events 2008
Check back often for information on additional events being planned.

 

Cheek Education Center Open House

Saturday, August 16

Saturday, September 6

Saturday, September 20

Saturday, October 4

Saturday, November 8

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Education Center houses information about plants and animals that may be seen at the Refuge, including examples of bird feathers and nests, rocks, an insect display, educational materials for teachers, posters, and maps of the area. Here’s a chance to see the displays and educational materials and talk to the Education Directors about bringing a group to the Refuge, using the Center as a base for activities, or utilizing some of the educational materials available there. We invite all who enjoy exploring the outdoors to come to the Refuge, visit the Education Center, and see what you and your group may have been missing.

Educators are especially encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Travel grants of up to $150 are available for school groups that come to the Refuge.

Saturday, August 16

Night Sounds Adventure

8:30 pm

When darkness falls at the Refuge, the night sounds begin. Bring a flashlight, take a short walk, and enjoy the concert. Rob Pendygraft, Refuge Caretaker, will help us identify the wildlife we are hearing.

 

Sunday, September 7

Member Appreciation Day

1:00 pm

Details will be sent to members via email.

 

 

Saturday, October 11

Fall Color Hike

10:00 am

 

We will walk the Circle Trail, the longest trail in the refuge (2.6 miles), which is  moderate in difficulty (goes over a ridge) and will offer many opportunities to examine closely some of the lovely fall colors that make the Knobs so appealing to visitors. This is a great opportunity for photographers. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and be prepared for a wonderful walk in the woods.

 

Saturday, November 8

Birding in the Blind

9:00 am

 

You can get “up close and personal” with some of our feathered friends through the one-way glass at the Fred Loetscher Bird Blind. Jane Brantley will be there to help identify the species. Birds that are likely to be seen include cardinals, chickadees, finches, sparrows, and woodpeckers (not to mention the occasional chipmunk or squirrel). Binoculars are welcome but are not required to enjoy the birds.

 

Reports on Spring Events 2008

 

Moon and Star Watch – Saturday, June 7, 2008

5 participants got great views of the craters and mountains of the moon, Saturn and its rings, Mars, the Big Dipper, globular cluster, and a set of binary stars. We also heard lots of bullfrogs and saw many fireflies.

Spring Wildflower Walk - Saturday, April 12, 2008

43 people attended. Led by Dr. Anne Lubbers and Rob Pendygraft, they saw 29 species of wildflowers: Bloodroot, Butterweed, Common Blue Violet, Cutleaf Toothwort, Downy Yellow Violet, Dutchman’s Breeches, False Rue Anemone, False Solomon's Seal (in leaf), Hepatica, Jacob's Ladder, Larkspur, May Apple, Phlox, Putty Root, Rue Anemone, Sessile Trillium, Spring Beauty, Squirrel Corn, Star Chickweed, Stonecrop, Sweet White Violet, Trout Lily, Twin Leaf, Virginia Bluebells, Walking Fern, Wild Ginger, Wild Leek (in leaf), Wood Poppy, and Yellow Corydalis.

Spring Birding Hike - Saturday, March 22, 2008

5 hikers sighted 23 species: Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, 4 species of woodpecker (Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker), Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, European Starling, 5 species of Sparrows (Field, Fox, Chipping, White-throated, and Dark-eyed Junco), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, and American Goldfinch.