We offer a wide array of programs for all ages. Reservations are required in advance. The Forest reserves the right to cancel programs with less than five participants signed up. Rain checks will be provided.
For all programs, please wear close-toed walking shoes, and dress for the weather.
July
Outdoor Skills #7 – Tree Identification
Saturday, July 5, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 PM
Learn the basics of tree identification, using a dichotomous key, and some interesting facts about the trees found in the Forest. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5
Senior Bird Watching Program
Monday, July 7, 2008 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Our senior birding program is free and full of fun. This birding trip will take you to Kulmer Beach and Tioga Falls to look for shore and forest birds. You will learn how to identify the birds seen by the way they look and the way they sound. Each program is guided by a Forest naturalist and consists of transportation to the various sites, and some short easy hikes. After you work up an appetite, participants are taken to lunch at local eateries. Although this program is free, you will need to bring money to purchase your lunch. Meets at the Welcome Center. Participants may choose to meet at Kulmer Beach. Please let us know when making your reservation so that you receive directions to the location.
Fee: Free
New Program! Pre-School Nature Adventure – The Towering Tree
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Look! It’s a home. It’s food. It’s a TREE! Trees provide so many things for us as well as for animals and other plants. Discover the secrets of trees from the roots up. This program is for parents and children ages 3-5. There will be a story-time with crafts and snacks. This program provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share. Program meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8
Evening Program – Bats
Friday, July 11, 2008 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
A creature stalks Louisville in the darkness, swiftly swooping in on hundreds of victims each night. No need to fear, bats only eat bugs in Kentucky. Learn the truth from the myths that surround these beneficial little creatures. Program meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5
Pre-School Nature Adventure – The Towering Tree
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Look! It’s a home. It’s food. It’s a TREE! Trees provide so many things for us as well as for animals and other plants. Discover the secrets of trees from the roots up. This program is for parents and children ages 3-5. There will be a story-time with crafts and snacks. This program provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share. Program meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8
Howl at the Moon
Friday, July 18, 2008 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods. Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5 per dog
Alpine Tower Public Program
Saturday, July 26, 2008 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Come challenge yourself on our 52-foot Alpine climbing tower. Learn basic climbing and belaying techniques while experiencing increased self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills from tackling this “high altitude” obstacle course. This program is for ages 10 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18. Please wear: tennis shoes, long pants, or shorts (with inseam greater than 5”). Sign-up early as space is limited to 18 participants. Meets in the Horine Reservation
Fee: $10 per person
August
Outdoor Skills #8 – Archery
Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Archery is a great activity that can be shared by the entire family. National Field Archery Association Certified Staff will introduce you to Olympic-style archery. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow within minutes. Bow safety will be stressed. This program is for all physical ability levels. All equipment is provided. Children 8 and over are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Fee: $5
Evening Program – Alpine Tower
Friday, August 8, 2008 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Come challenge yourself with a night climb on our 52-foot Alpine climbing tower. Bring a headlamp if you want. This is a once a year program, so don’t miss out. Learn basic climbing and belaying techniques while experiencing increased self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills from tackling this “high altitude” obstacle course. This program is for ages 10 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18. Please wear: tennis shoes, long pants, or shorts (with inseam greater than 5”). Sign-up early as space is limited to 18 participants. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $10
Pre-School Nature Adventure – Totally Turtles
Saturday, August 9, 2008 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Can turtles leave their shell behind? Are they the slowest animals in the world? Find out and meet a variety of turtles from Kentucky up close. This program is for parents and children ages 3-5. There will be a story-time with crafts and snacks. This program provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share. Program meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8
Howl at the Moon
Friday, August 15, 2008 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods. Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5 per dog
Alpine Tower Public Program
Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Come challenge yourself on our 52-foot Alpine climbing tower. Learn basic climbing and belaying techniques while experiencing increased self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills from tackling this “high altitude” obstacle course. This program is for ages 10 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18. Please wear: tennis shoes, long pants, or shorts (with inseam greater than 5”). Sign-up early as space is limited to 18 participants. Meets in the Horine Reservation
Fee: $10.00 per person
September
New Program! Outdoor Skills #9 – Canoeing and Birding at Falls of the Ohio
Saturday, September 6, 2008 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Explore islands, look for shore birds and paddle the protected waters at Falls of the Ohio. All equipment will be provided. Bring a sack lunch. For ages 7 and up. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Program meets at the Welcome Center. There is space for 18 participants, with a maximum of 12 adults. No space will be available for individuals showing up on the day of the program. Canoe programs are subject to change of dates or venues due to water conditions.
Fee: $10
Senior Bird Watching Program
Monday, September 8, 2008 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Our senior birding program is free and full of fun. This trip will be to Shawnee Park. You will learn how to identify birds by the way they look and the way they sound. Each program is guided by a Forest naturalist and consists of transportation to the various sites, and some short easy hikes. After you work up an appetite, participants are taken to lunch at local eateries. Although this program is free, you will need to bring money to purchase your lunch. Meets at the Welcome Center. Participants may choose to meet at Shawnee Park. Please let us know when making your reservation so that you receive directions to the location.
Fee: Free
Pre-School Nature Adventure – Sssnakes
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Discover the sssecrets of sssnakes! Feel for yourself if they are truly slimy and learn many more fascinating facts. This program is for parents and children ages 3-5. This program provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share, including story-time with crafts and snacks. Program meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8
Evening Program – Canoeing
Friday, September 12, 2008 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
By the light of the full moon, experience the tranquility of the evening as you drift on 46-acre McNeely Lake. See animals as they emerge and begin foraging for food along the lake’s edge. Be sure to wear bug repellent. For ages 7 and up. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Program meets at the Welcome Center. There is space for 18 participants with a maximum of 12 adults. No space will be available for individuals showing up on the day of the program.
Fee: $10.00
Pre-School Nature Adventure – Sssnakes
Saturday, September 13, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Discover the sssecrets of sssnakes! Feel for yourself if they are truly slimy and learn many more fascinating facts. This program is for parents and children ages 3-5. This program provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share, including story-time with crafts and snacks. Program meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8
Howl at the Moon
Friday, September 19, 2008 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods. Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5 per dog
Special Event! Snake Appreciation Day
Saturday, September 20, 2008 Times to be announced
Love them or hate them, these limbless reptiles fascinate everybody. Join us in an exciting daylong celebration of snakes. Forest staff and the Kentucky Herpetological Society will share interesting and little known facts about these misunderstood creatures. A variety of these reptiles will be on hand for up close interaction. Special guest speakers will share their knowledge of these important creatures. There will be crafts for the kids to make and take home. Activities and demonstrations will be located around the Horine Environmental Education Center. This is program is for all ages. Bring your camera and a lunch, but please do not bring any reptile pets.
Fee: Free
Alpine Tower Public Program
Saturday, September 27, 2008 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Come challenge yourself on our 52-foot Alpine climbing tower. Learn basic climbing and belaying techniques while experiencing increased self-esteem, confidence, and problem-solving skills from tackling this “high altitude” obstacle course. This program is for ages 10 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18. Please wear: tennis shoes, long pants, or shorts (with inseam greater than 5”). Sign-up early as space is limited to 18 participants. Meets in the Horine Reservation
Fee: $10 per person