Upcoming Training
Upcoming Training
2025 Cohort Closed
Please check back in 2026 as the 2025 cohort is closed.
The mission of the KYMN program is to develop a cohort of well-informed volunteers to advance education, research, and outreach efforts dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
If you are interested in being added to an email list about future opportunities please email Dr. Ellen Crocker (e.crocker@uky.edu) and Laurie Thomas (laurie.thomas@uky.edu).
KENTUCKY MASTER NATURALIST CONFERENCE 2025
Register now for the Kentucky Master Naturalist Conference will be held on at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Register here...KY Master Naturalist Hike and Discover Series: Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge
KY Master Naturalist Hike and Discover Series: Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge
Date: May 10, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
Rain date: May 17, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
No registration required.
Location: 660 Carpenter Creek Road, Parksville KY 40464
You are encouraged to print out directions/have a map. Cell coverage is spotty.
Driving Directions from Danville: ROUTE A Off the 127/150 Danville Bypass, head WEST on KY-34. After approximately 6 miles, turn LEFT onto KY-1822. Drive almost 3 miles, then turn RIGHT onto KY-37. In just under a mile, turn LEFT onto Carpenter Creek Road. Drive about a half a mile uphill – the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge parking lot will be on your left. ROUTE B Off the 127/150 Danville Bypass, head SOUTH on US-127/Hustonville Road. After approximately 3 miles, turn RIGHT at the traffic light (across from the gas station and Hardee’s) onto Shelby Street. In 0.7 miles, just after the train tracks, turn LEFT onto Ky-37 W/White Oak Road. In about 8 miles, turn LEFT onto Carpenter Creek Road. Drive about a half mile uphill – the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge parking lot will be on your left.
Kentucky Master Naturalists and Friends,
You are invited to join us on an informal, exploratory hike on the trails at Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge located 13 miles from Danville. CKWR is a privately owned, 500-acre gem of a preserve in the Parksville Knob area and borders the scenic North Rolling Fork stream. The outstanding feature of this refuge is its well-maintained habitat diversity: ponds, woods, meadows, hills, and streams.
Established in 1965 with the assistance of Centre College faculty, it is home to many forms of Central Kentucky wildlife and plants. There is a nature center, a bird blind, and ten well-marked trails. Lindsey Sweis, a 2025 Kentucky Master Naturalist-in-training, is the education director.
We will hike approximately 3 miles on trails that offer the best flora and fauna viewing of the season. Bring the usual: water, hiking poles, sturdy boots, insect repellant, snacks/lunch, and if you like, binoculars for birds and pollinators.
The hike is open to certified, active, inactive, and friends of Kentucky Master Naturalists as well as those considering becoming one.
Check the KYMN Facebook page the day before the hike for cancellation due to weather.
KY Master Naturalist Hike and Discover Series: The Preserve at Shaker Village
KY Master Naturalist Hike and Discover Series: The Preserve at Shaker Village
Date: June 14, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
Rain date: June 28 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg KY 40330
There is no entry fee for this hike. Tell the person at the gate you are with our group and that Julia Vinson approved it.
Meet on the sidewalk along the large parking lot in front of the Welcome Center near the outside restrooms
Kentucky Master Naturalists and Friends,
You are invited to join us on an exploratory hike on the trails of Kentucky’s largest historic site and a 3,000 acres preserve. Shaker Village is an ideal location for naturalists. Five hundred species of native plants, 50 of which are tree species, and 150 species of birds have been identified in its native prairies, woodlands, and riparian habitats. One thousand acres of farm fields were converted into native prairies of grasses and wildflowers in the last decade. American chestnut trees were planted in conjunction with the Kentucky American Chestnut Foundation. The preserve has the highest concentration of the northern bobwhite quail in the state, nesting rare Henslow’s sparrows, and an increase in nesting prothonotary warblers due to the additional boxes provided by volunteers. There is a 30 mile trail system throughout.
We will hike approximately 3 of those miles on moderate terrain and look for early wildflowers, birds, and any wildlife that presents itself. Bring the usual gear that you might need: water, boots, hat, snacks, hiking sticks, sunscreen, binoculars. The hike is offered to certified, active, inactive, and friends of Kentucky Master Naturalists, as well as those considering becoming one.
