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NATURE NOTEBOOK
Spring 2017
In This Issue
Gardenaganza
Updates
Community Center
Partnership
Frog Pond & Updates
Camps
Upcoming Programs
Thanks
Friends of the Forest
Membership Form
Louisville Nature Center & Jefferson County Master Gardener Association present
Gardenaganza


Margaret Shea’s Dropseed Nursery native plants
 Wallitsch Garden Center annuals & herbs
Perennials, shrubs, tomatoes & peppers from the Master Gardeners
Sunday, April 30, 2017
11am—3 pm
Rain or Shine
Louisville Nature Center
3745 Illinois Avenue (across from the zoo)
Featuring:
-Garden Auction
-Music by Hominy & Grizz
-Door Prizes/Garden Raffle
-Vendors
-Food Truck
-Rain Barrels available for sale
No Pets Please
Bring your friends and green thumbs to our annual sale of plants, herbs, tomatoes, peppers
and more!
—————————————————
Go to www.dropseednursery.org to learn about their many varieties of
native plants and how they can be used in your landscape.
Louisville
Nature Center
Mon-Sat 9-4
3745 Illinois Avenue
Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 458-1328
Fax:
(502) 458-0232
www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
Calling All Vendors
There is still vendor space available for our Gardenaganza. Get an application by sending an
email to [email protected].
Exciting Energy Conservation News
LNC has saved 5,263 kwh of electricity and over $500 on utility bills since installation of the
solar panels in November. Go to our website to learn more about how you can support our
energy conservation efforts.
Our mission at LNC is to provide nature education and encourage stewardship in an urban forest.
UPDATES
Donation Drive
Thanks to all who so generously donated to our 2016donation drive. As you know, LNC is a self
supporting 501c3 nonprofit organization. You contributions help us serve the community in
many ways including providing education programs, free admission to our bird blind and visitor
center as well as safe trails for hiking and nature observation in the preserve. Edwin Ahrens was
the winner of the breakfast with the birds educational program for donors who gave more than
$200 to our donation drive. Dr. Ahrens chose, instead, to donate the funds back to LNC. Thank
you for your generosity!
The final donation drive tally was $11,103, a little short of our goal of $20,000. We look forward
to an even bigger response in 2017.
New Frog Pond
The frog pond in the Sensory Garden is now complete thanks to the Jefferson County Master
Gardeners and Christian Lamkin. Christian built a fence around the garden to achieve Eagle
Scout status. He did it the hard way by taking trees from a family farm and cutting limbs into
precise measurements to make a wonderful rustic looking fence. Many thanks to the JCMGA
and Christian for this beautiful addition to the front garden.
Wild Kratts Tickets Winner
Congratulations to the Elliott family who was the winner of four tickets to the February showing
of Wild Kratts Live! We hope you enjoyed the show.
Bring Nature Clubs to Your School
For the first time, Louisville Nature Center is offering out of school time nature clubs at local
schools throughout the community. Kids can experience nature and learn fun facts about animals, plants, rocks & minerals, and more of the natural world. Age appropriate outdoor and indoor activities include outside time, crafts, games and investigations. Cost is $7 per student.
Interested schools may contact [email protected] for more information.
Nature Programs at the Community Center
Louisville Nature Center has entered into a partnership to provide nature programs at Beechmont, Cyril Allgeier and Douglas Community Centers during 2017. Programs include spring
break camps as well as out of school time programs to be held at LNC and the community centers. Find information about these programs at the respective community centers.
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CAMPS
Spring Break
Wake up Nature - It's Spring! Ages 6-13
April 3-7 Half day 9am-1pm, Full day 9am-4pm, Week 9am-4pm
Discover spring at the Louisville Nature Center and in the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve.
Search the forest and find how nature emerges from its winter rest. Age appropriate outdoor and indoor
activities include hikes, crafts, games, experiments and more. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes
and bring a bag lunch. Registration required.
Pre-registration required
$25 Half Day-9-1 prepaid
bring a bag lunch
$40 Full Day 9-4 prepaid
$160 Full Week prepaid
Summer Break
Young Explorers: Ages 4-6
June 5-9 9am-12pm : For our youngest campers:
Who lives in woods? You’ll explore the trails and gardens as we look for animals, flowers and bugs that
live in the woods. Enjoy arts and crafts and related games.
$110 members $125 non members
Rock “N” Bugs: Ages 8-12
June 5-9 1pm-4pm
How are rocks and bugs connected? Just look at all of the life in a rock full of fossils. Join us and stalk
the most diverse group of animals on our planet. From living insects to ones preserved in ancient amber,
plan on taking both a bug AND rock safari. You will have more insect and geology activities than you
can shake a stick at (a walking stick, that is!)
$110 members $125 non members
Drawing Animals From Life: Ages 11-15
June 12-16 9 am-12pm
Have you ever wanted to draw a live animal, but thought it was too hard? This camp is for youth with a
strong interest and background in drawing who would like to develop their skills to a higher level. Learn
special drawing techniques for eye/hand coordination and draw from a variety of animals. One or two
afternoons will be spent sketching at the Louisville Zoo. (With a registration of at least 10 participants 2
visits are covered in the camp fee. Less than 10 participants, 1 zoo visit is scheduled, with an option for
a second visit for those wishing to pay an additional fee).
$120 Members $135 non members
Magical Nature - Harry Potter” ages 8 to 12
June 19-23 9am-4 pm:
You won’t need a spell book to discover how magical nature can be in this camp. It is based on the first
four Harry Potter books. Campers will explore the Nature Preserve, study potions, herbology, astronomy, “dark arts” defense and magical creatures with quidditch each day.
$180 members $220 non members
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Summer break—continued
Trackem and Smackem Camp: For ages 7-12
June 20-24 (Session 1) & July 17-21 (Session 2) 9am-4pm
M-F 9am-12pm All Around Nature –Campers will be tracking and keeping track of Native Wildlife at the
Louisville Nature Center and in the Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve.
2pm-4pm: Louisville Tennis Center: Have lunch and then have a “smackem” good time hitting the balls
over the nets! Learn new tennis skills and improve your swing.
$180 members $220 non members
It’s Like Time Travel : Ages 5-7
June 26 –30 1pm –4pm
Have you ever wondered how the world got to be the world? We will explore the science of how the
Earth was formed. We will also take a look at some of Earth's largest creatures, eek! Bring recyclables,
large and small to help build a machine so we can “travel” back in time.
Wild About the Arts: Ages 6-12
July 10-14 (Session 1) 9am-4pm & July 24-28 (session 2) 9am-4pm
Sessions are the same
Let your child be lead by nature. Art and Nature will be explored by engaging hands on projects using a
variety of natural materials. Unpack your lunch and get ready for the afternoon. Shine Studio is joining
us again offering music, movement, yoga, drumming and hooping, indoors and out.
$180 members $220 non members
Where are the Wild Things? Ages 5-7
July 17-21 1pm-4pm
Look! It's a bird, it's a plane...no! It's some of Kentucky's great wild things. Let's learn about some of the
wild animals and plants that are native to Kentucky.
$110 members $125 non members
Backbone Bonanza: Ages 4-6
July 31– Aug. 4 9am –12 pm
Come find out what a difference a backbone makes! Campers will investigate the difference between
vertebrates and invertebrates through a series of fun hands-on experiences.
$110 members $125 non members
Yucky Nature : Ages 7-12
July 31—Aug 4. 1 pm—4pm
Explore the yuckier side of the natural world, from slime to scat and more. When it comes to animal survival, gross is good. (Warning – we may get dirty!)
$110 members $125 non members
Sign up on our website at www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
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Upcoming Programs
Open House March 18 10am to 2pm
Hike the trails, Explore the bird blind, Learn about education programs, join our new Donor Society,
learn about tree planting, Reserve your free trees and view samples of mature trees on the property.
Jefferson County Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide tree and gardening tips. Door prizes and
giveaways. Come see all that we have going on.
Wonderful World of Weeds March 25th 10am to 11:30am
Join botanist, Pat Haragan, for a lively discussion about weeds of Kentucky. Cost is $40 for a two part
series. Part two will be held at Oxmoor Farms on April 5 from 10am to 11:30 am. Pre-registration is
required by Thursday, March 23 at 4pm.
Birding For Beginners April 1, 10am—11:30am
Join Rod Botkins for the Birding for Beginners Program. It is intended for beginners as
an introduction to birding and for an audience with little or no experience in birding or birdwatching. If
you are interested in learning about the birds in your backyard or maybe you’ve already done that and
want a foundation on which to learn more, this class is for you. The program is appropriate for families
with children 9 and up (Younger siblings if accompanied by an adult). There will be about 45 minutes of
classroom time, then a bird walk in the preserve or time in the bird blind to practice new skills.
Members $2, family of 4 or more $8 Non-members $3, families of 4 or more $12
Bird Walks April 15 and May 20 10am
Join birder, Rod Botkins, for very informative bird walks at the LNC and the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve. The walks are FREE, but donations are always appreciated. Pre-registration not required,
walk-ins welcome. Good for families. Those 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet in the LNC lobby around 9:50. The birdwalks start at 10 and last about an hour. Have fun, make
friends, learn about birds and get some exercise. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Urban Heat Islands –Why We Should Care
Join urban ecologist, Dr. Victoria Prescott, on April 5 at Louisville Nature Center as she shares her
knowledge of urban heat islands and related environmental impacts such as flooding and pollution. Victoria holds a PhD in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Biology with concentration in ecology. Her
knowledge of environmental issues and commitment to making Louisville a greener city will inspire participants to work together to create a more environmentally friendly city. Participants will receive
handouts relating to the class topic.
Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Louisville Nature Center
Cost: $15 Pre-registration and payment required by Friday March 31
Special Discount: $10-University students and members of local environmentally focused organization
What’s In Your Backyard?
Join Dr. Victoria Prescott on April 12 as she leads a class discussion on COMMON plants and animals
native to Kentucky and explains what makes some species so common. She will provide information on
environmental impacts on birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, snakes, insects, trees and flowers. Dr.
Prescott holds a PhD in Biology and Bachelors of Science in Biology with concentration in ecology. Participants will receive handouts relating to the class topic.
Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Louisville Nature Center
Cost: $15 Pre-registration and payment required by Friday April 7
Special Discount: $10-University students and members of local environmentally-focused organizations
Rare Species of Kentucky
Join Dr. Victoria Prescott on April 19 for a class on RARE plants and animals native to Kentucky. Participants might be surprised to learn what they thought were common species actually fall into the rare category and why. Dr. Prescott will provide information on environmental impacts on birds, mammals, fish,
amphibians, snakes, insects, trees and flowers. Victoria holds a PhD in Biology and Bachelors of Science in Biology with concentration in ecology. Participants will receive handouts relating to the class
topic.
Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Louisville Nature Center
Cost: $15 Pre-registration and payment required by Friday April 14
Special Discount: $10-University students and members of local environmentally focused organization
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Many Thanks

Bellarmine University student, Colin Copler, completed over thirty hours of forest
preservation work this past winter. Colin earned college credit for the time he spent
working on invasive removal and learned much about how invasive species threaten
the health of our urban forest. Colin was a reliable self-started, and LNC appreciates
the time he spent working in the preserve.
 David Shepherd and his grandson, Julian, are regular visitors
to the nature center. They especially love visiting the bird blind
together. Last fall, David started regularly bringing us sunflower
seed and suet. Many folks may not know it that all of the seed
for our bird blind feeders is donated.
We appreciate the sustaining support of members, donors, and
awesome visitors like David and Julian. Thank You!

Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) has teamed up with the Louisville Nature Center
on our People for Pollinator program. The grant provides funds for the cost of installing pollinator gardens in schools throughout Jefferson County. KWA’s financial
support will allow LNC to extend gardens to non-school locations. Metro Parks Director, Seve Ghose, has agreed to allow KWA and LNC install a pollinator garden in Joe
Creason Park near the administration building. This is an ideal location as it will
showcase pollinators to the many folks who come and go to and from the building
each day. In addition to providing funds for garden installations, KWA is also covering
the cost of certifying the gardens as monarch waystations as well as signage for many
of the gardens. LNC is grateful to KWA for their support.
Need to Know
2017 Board Members
Walt Christensen
President
Phyllis Fitzgerald
Vice President
Ron Jolly
Treasurer
Pete Glauber
Secretary
Russell Cotton
Helen Dorroh
Perri Eason
Mark Eley
Ken Machtolff
Tony Marconi
Chris O’Bryan
Kenny Popp
Laura Reinhardt
Joe Chiles (Emeritus)
Kathy Morris
Director
The Louisville Nature Center has started off 2017 with a resolution to operate in a
more sustainable way, and that includes efforts towards energy and resource conservation.
In that vein, the quarterly newsletter will be delivered to you online, eliminating the
paper version. If you wish to continue to receive the paper version and have not
contacted us about this yet, please do so before June 2017. The nature center has
so much going on, and we want to stay in touch with you!
Fall Fundraiser
Check the website for upcoming information about the annual fundraiser—Bird, Brews
and BBQ
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Staff
Rosemary Bauman
Ellie Block
Judy Gardner
Kerry Jones
Cathy Neeley
Tanyeka Percentie
Joan Shanahan
Tracy Slone
Friends of the Forest — 2016
Please Support those who care as much about LNC
Limbwalker Tree Service, Inc.
901 Dumesnil St
Louisville KY 40203
Glass Doctor
4727 Poplar Level Rd.
502-969-5656
Beckham Bird Club
PO Box 5301
Louisville, KY 40255
[email protected]
Sandy’s Pet Shop
1421 Hess Ln
Louisville KY 40217
Frank Otte Nursery & Garden
Center
2939 Bardstown Road 40205
502-454-4000
St Francis High School
233 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Metro Parks
1297 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY
Louisville Gas & Electric
Jefferson Co. Extension Office
Master Gardeners
569-2344
United Parcel Service
Boy Scouts of America
Bob Ray Company
Metropolitan Sewer District
700 West Liberty
Louisville, KY 40203
Stock Yards Bank
District 10 &
Metro Council Members
Gault-Marsh Development
Gardiner Point Office Building
4011 Gardiner Point Drive
Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40213-1988
Building Performance Group
Eric George
509-5535
Chatham Facial Plastic Surgery
4001 Kresge Way, Suite 310
502-895-4820
KROGER COMPANY
MONTHLY MEETINGS AT LNC
KY Herpetological Society
http://www.kyherpsoc.org
6 pm 3rd Sunday
KYANA Geological Society
http://www.kyanager.org
7pm 3rd Tuesday
KY Society of Natural History
http://www.ksnh.org
7pm 3rd Thursday
Louisville Rose Society
http://www.louisvillerosesociety.org/
7pm 4th Thursday
Jeff. Co. Master Gardeners Assn. http://www.http://www.jcmastergardeners.org 7pm 1st Tuesday
Buffalo Trace Leather Guild
6:30 pm 2nd Friday
Louisville Area Wood Turners
6:30 pm last Wed
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3745 Illinois Avenue · Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 458-1328
www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Louisville, KY
Permit No. 1156
Louisville Nature Center Membership Form
With your LNC membership, you'll receive our quarterly newsletter in your mailbox and discounts on family nature programs, adult workshops, birthday parties, and nature camps in the
spring and summer. Many of our education programs and guided hikes are offered free to
members. In addition to wonderful membership privileges, you’ll get satisfaction from making a
positive contribution toward effective nature education in our community. What are you waiting
for – become a member today! If you are already an LNC member, please show your support
at renewal time.
Mail to: 3745 Illinois Ave Louisville KY 40213
_____ Business $500_____ Business $250
_____ Steward $100
_____ Family $45
_____ Individual $30
_____ Senior $25
____ Teacher / Student $20
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________
Email ____________________________________ Phone _________________________
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