Department of Tourism
Blackacre Preserve Comes Alive With Summer Programs

Press Release Date:  Wednesday, May 21, 2008  
Contact Information:  Katie Greene
502-266-9802
 


LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The next two weeks are going to be an especially busy time at the Blackacre Conservancy, a nature preserve and historic homestead located 20 minutes east of downtown Louisville.

A 300-acre oasis of rolling fields, forests and streams and historic buildings within a stone’s throw of Louisville’s sprawling metropolis, Blackacre is offering education, agriculture, farm animals, nature, historic preservation, a neighborhood garden, community activities, field trips, summer camps, workshops, lectures, concerts, and more this summer.

Summer hours at Blackacre, 3200 Tucker Station Road, are 3 p.m. to dusk weekdays and dawn to dusk weekends. The Presley Tyler Visitors Center is open Sundays 1-5 p.m. The agenda for the next two weeks includes the following activities:


Saturday, May 24, Two sessions: 10 am and 2 pm
Gardeners - get ready to fill, spill and thrill!  Jeff Wallitsch, container designer with Wallitsch Nursery and Garden Center, has designed dazzling container arrangements for clients such as Louisville Metro Government and the Summit. Join Jeff for pointers on how to create one-of-a-kind combinations using annuals, perennials, dwarf shrubs, and succulents. Bring your own pots and plants, or purchase from Jeff onsite. Appropriate for all ages.
RSVP required - call 266-9802. Meet at the Schick Nature Center picnic tables. No Charge- Donations Appreciated.
 
Owls with Raptor Rehab
Sunday, May 25, 2 pm
Back by popular demand, Raptor Rehab will be bringing a variety of native owls including a barn owl, screech owl, great horned owls and others.  See them up close and personal. All ages welcome. 
RSVP required - call 266-9802.   Meet in the Schick Nature Center. No Charge- Donations Appreciated.
 
Birding at Blackacre
Saturday, May 31, 8:30-noon
Eddie Huber of the Beckham Bird Club will lead a bird-watching hike at Blackacre.  Beginners and experienced birders are welcome to come and see how many of the forty-six species of birds that have been identified here will reveal themselves. Bring binoculars, hiking shoes, and a desire to learn about birds.  All ages welcome. 
Meet in the school bus parking lot. No Charge- Donations Appreciated.
 
PIONEER DAY!
Sunday, June 1, 12-7 pm
Celebrate Kentucky's pioneer history with a day of pioneer traditions including interactive presentations in making butter, wooden bowls, corn-husk dolls, candle-making, leather-working, blacksmithing, working with sheep wool and more.  Enjoy traditional bluegrass and dulcimer music, hayrides, horse & buggy rides, hikes and interpretive tours, stories from Abe Lincoln, and even rafting on Blackacre's Dragonfly Pond.  There will be old-time games for children and a pioneer encampment filled with pioneers!  Refreshments available for purchase.
$10 for adults; $5 for children 5-12; children under 5 are free.

For more information, call Blackacre at 502-266-9802 or visit its web site at www.blackacreconservancy.org.
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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.