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Department of Parks
Land Purchase Expands John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky. –The Kentucky Department of Parks has purchased 15.8 acres of land to add to John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky. The property fronts Highway 41, adjacent to the park and near its entrance. Its addition brings the total size of the park to more than 700 acres.
The land purchase is being funded primarily through the Kentucky State Parks’ portion of the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund, which is money raised through the sale of nature license plates. Other generous contributors include Friends of Audubon, the Beckham Bird Club, Inc. (of Louisville), and the Kentucky Nature Preserve Commission.
The land is a hardwood forest featuring about 50 species of trees and including many kinds of wildflowers, birds and mammals. It will serve as a buffer area for the park, protecting it from future development.
The tract also could be available for passive recreation, such as trails. A portion will be dedicated to a nature preserve.
Such uses fit nicely with the park’s focus on wildlife and nature.
Established in 1938, John James Audubon State Park is dedicated to the famed 19th century artist and ornithologist who was the first to depict life-size birds and animals in their natural surroundings.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
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