Nature Center | Nature Programs | Wildlife & Plant Checklists
Nature Center
The Otter Creek Park Nature Center is a museum dedicated to the diversity of nature in the area. Highlights of the center include: living reptiles, amphibians and fish, a bird viewing window, the Geology of Kentucky exhibit room, the Invertebrate Display exhibit room, and many hands-on interactive activities. Adjacent to the center is a shallow pond often used for wetland ecology classes. The Nature Center serves as the meeting point for various nature programs and is a primary trailhead location for the park's 20-plus miles of marked trails. A short section of trail leads visitors along the model solar system trail to the Astronomical Observatory.
For more information, or for rates on the programs described below, call 502/574-4583 or e-mail Bryan Lewis, naturalist.
Nighttime Astronomy
Offered monthly, please check Web site for schedule
Join Observatory staff for a tour of all that is visible in the night sky, including our moon, the stars and the planets. Evening programs at the Observatory are held "weather permitting," meaning if the sky is not clear enough for celestial objects to be visible, it will not be open. The program is free of charge. For more information, visit www.jcc.kctcs.edu/observatory.
Observatory Open House
Offered monthly; please check Web site for schedule
Safely observe the sun with its prominences and sunspots and walk our model solar system trail. Get a sense of the size of things in space and learn more about the Observatory. Daytime programs at the Observatory are held "rain or shine," meaning it's regardless of weather. The program is free of charge. For more information, visit www.jcc.kctcs.edu/observatory.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, January 19, March 22, May 17, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.- Noon
The hobby of bird watching is a relaxing and enjoyable activity the whole family can enjoy. We will begin with a discussion of the basics and then take our knowledge into the park for some practical study of birds. We will meet at the Nature Center. Fee: $5/person
Valley Overlook Trail Nature Hike
Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy Otter Creek Park in all its majesty during this leisurely hike on a 3.9 mile trail through the most beautiful section of woods and valleys. Please bring water. We will meet at the Nature Center. Fee: $5/person
Trail Work Day
Saturday, March 18, July 19, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Improve the trail experience at Otter Creek Park! Join us for this worthy project cleaning up and restoring the natural splendor of our trails, and learn tips on long-term maintenance. Meet at the Nature Center. Limited to 15 participants; pre-registration is required. Call 502/574-4583 to register.
Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 19, May 3, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. - Noon
Hike through key locations throughout the park in search of wildflowers in bloom. We'll discuss wildflower habits, conservation, historical uses and natural landscaping. Hiking will be at a leisurely pace, so young and old alike will enjoy the natural surroundings. Meet at the Nature Center. Fee: $5/person
Morgan's Cave Tour
Saturday, May 24, August 30; first tour 10 a.m. - Noon; second tour Noon - 2 p.m.
Morgan's Cave is truly a wild place! Cavers can expect to get their feet wet while doing a little climbing and crawling. Participants must bring a flashlight, wear long pants and closed shoes, and must be at least 10 years old. Women who are pregnant or those with a history of heart trouble are not recommended for the tour. Meet at the Rock Quarry. Each trip is limited to the first 15 pre-registered. Fee: $5/person.
Geology of Otter Creek Park
Saturday, June 7, November 8, 10 a.m. - Noon
Explore the geological aspects of Otter Creek Park, including geological history, rock types, cave formation, fossil formation and weathering. Learn tools and techniques of geological study. The program will also include an exploration of local rocks or a fossil hunt. Be prepared for a short, yet strenuous hike. We will meet at the Nature Center. Fee: $5/person.
Ohio Riversweep
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us in cleaning up the banks of the mighty Ohio River. Seven states bordering the river participate in this annual cleanup project coordinated by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). Participants will receive free t-shirts for their efforts. We will meet at the parks' riverfront.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Otter Creek Park
Saturday, August 9, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. - Noon
Meet the lizards, snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs and toads that call Otter Creek Park home. We will meet at the Nature Center. The program is free.
Nature Programs
Take a real hands-on approach to nature in one of our Nature Center's environmental education programs. How about an afternoon exploring the ecology of streams, wetlands, or caves? Or, join our naturalist in a study of the forest, discovering the plants and animals that call it home. Let our Nature Center staff prepare an educational and entertaining program for your group!
Wetland Ecology THIRD GRADE & UP • 1-2 HOURS
Take a scientific approach in studying the Nature Center Pond to gain a better understanding of wetland ecosystems. In this hands-on study, special emphasis will be given to the food web of the pond. Discussions include the importance of wetlands, hydrology, water chemistry, water pollution, and conservation.
Geology of Otter Creek Park THIRD GRADE & UP • 1-2 HOURS
Explore the geological aspects of Otter Creek Park, including geological history, rock types, cave formation, fossil formation and weathering. Learn tools and techniques of geological study. The program will also include an exploration of local rocks or a fossil hunt.
Birding for Beginners ALL AGES • 1-2 HOURS
Learn about the many different kinds of birds as we stroll through various habitats in the park. Discuss the basics and then take your knowledge into the park for some practical study of birds.
Astronomy ALL AGES • 1-2 HOURS
The Otter Creek Park Observatory enlightens all ages from young students just discovering the nighttime skies to educators seeking increased knowledge of the cosmos. Otter Creek Park’s staff can design classes, lectures and star parties for your group.
The Natural History of Otter Creek Park ADULTS • 1-2 HOURS
Learn about the natural history of this region and the plants, animals, and geology found here. See a presentation at the Nature Center, then take a leisurely guided hike to explore nature.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Otter Creek Park ALL AGES • 1-2 HOURS
Meet the lizards, snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs and toads that call Otter Creek Park home. This program may include a hike in search of herps in their natural habitats.
Stream Ecology THIRD GRADE & UP • 1-2 HOURS
Streams are constantly being flushed with new water and changing conditions, which makes them the ultimate in dynamic systems. Learn how streams are monitored for contamination and explore the many diverse life forms found within them. Wading exploration of the creek will be encouraged.
Cave Ecology THIRD GRADE & UP • 3 HOURS
Experience a wild cave. Unlike many cave routes, you will get wet in Morgan’s Cave! This activity is of moderate physical difficulty. Prior to the cave tour, students will have a Nature Center class including cave ecology, cave geology and cave safety.
The Useful Forest ALL AGES • 1 HOUR
Explore the vegetation of Otter Creek Park’s woodlands and learn how important plants are to animals on the planet. Learn about the use of plants by humans and other animals, the role of plants, and the importance of conservation.
Forestry Math FOURTH GRADE & UP • 1-2 HOURS
Why would anyone want to measure a forest? For starters, every person uses 100 board feet of wood each year. In this program, students will explore topics such as estimating height of trees, the number of board feet in a tree, the number of trees in the forest, and how many trees it takes to build a house.
Tree ID Hike THIRD GRADE & UP • 1-2 HOURS
Discover the characteristics that make each tree species unique. Learn to use an identification key to discover the diversity of trees in our woodlands, and learn interesting uses along the way.
Wildlife & Plant Checklists
During your visit to Otter Creek Park, you'll encounter a wide variety of living things. Here are lists of plants and wildlife that have been observed in the park:
All checklists are in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view. You can download and install Acrobat Reader for free, click here.