Friends of Lower Howard's Creek

Lower Howard's Creek Guided Hikes
Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve contains endangered and threatened plant species and sensitive historic cultural sites, therefore, all hikes into the Preserve must be with an approved guide. Pets are not allowed into the Preserve.

photos above by Jim Lane, www.thephotolane.com

SRRING 2008

The winter of 2008 will be remembered as the “muddy winter” for the cold, gray, wet weather we’ve endured to get through this weary season. Spring is almost upon us, so it’s time to plan to get back outdoors and enjoy the promise of brighter days. The Preserve is filled with a variety of wildflowers, which will begin blooming by early March, and reveal a flush of new species every week through May.

Please dress according to the expected weather. The terrain at the Preserve is quite steep and rocky, so please wear appropriate shoes or boots. It is recommended that you carry water and trail snacks. Shallow creek crossings will be made and your feet may get wet. Since this is a Kentucky State Nature Preserve, no dogs are allowed on the hikes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Hike is free to members of the Friends of Lower Howard's Creek, $5 donation suggested for each non member.

Since these hikes are contingent on decent weather, please call the Preserve office if there is a question about suitability of the weather. Phone number of the office is (859) 744-4888. Staff is available by appointment for private tours during the week, or on weekend days when public tours aren’t scheduled.

photo by James Mann, Winchester Sun photo by Jim Lane, www.thephotolane.com

All of the following hikes will begin at the main entrance to the Preserve. Open a printable schedule by clicking here.

March 20, 4:30 p.m. – Thompson Ridge Settlement

Join us on a hike this first day of Spring. This small settlement was populated until the mid-20^th century. While the houses have disappeared, the forsythia, vinca, yucca and daffodils that the inhabitants planted are still very much present, and should be blooming. We will also visit some of the old limestone quarries that these people worked in, and will talk about other pioneer entrepreneurs who lived here over 200 years ago. Moderately strenuous hike of about 2 1/2 hours.

March 29, 9:00 a.m. – Heirloom daffodils and early spring wildflowers

Dr. Bill Crankshaw will lead this hike, which will feature abandoned homesites throughout the Preserve. The old homesteads will contain some heirloom varieties of daffodils, and between sites the early wildflowers should be showing their colors. Steep slopes will be traversed and this is one of the more strenuous hikes, so be prepared to spend at least 3 hours with us.

April 2, 5:00 p.m. – Mid-week wildflower hike

Wednesday hikes have been well-attended, so we will be having several during the Spring. Since we start late in the afternoon, the hike will only be about 2 hours in length, but should allow plenty of time for wildflower viewing.

April 5, 10 a.m. – Archaeology tour

Tanya Faberson, PhD, RPA, will lead this very interesting hike. The archaeology firm of Cultural Resource Analysts recently performed a Phase 1 archaeological survey of the entire Preserve. Dr. Faberson will show hikers some of the sites they discovered during the Fall of 2006. Moderately strenuous hike with multiple creek crossings. Hike will be about 3 hours long.

April 9, 9 a.m. – Mid-week morning hike

Dr. Bill Crankshaw will lead this midweek morning hike for serious flower seekers. This should be a grand tour of the main valley of the Preserve. Moderately strenuous hike of about 3 hours.

April 12, 10 a.m. – Wildflowers Galore

This weekend is usually the peak for all the blue flowers in the creek valley. Early blue phlox, Virginia Bluebells, and Larkspur cover the valley floor, along with a host of others. This is our most leisurely stroll through the Preserve because we have to stop so often for photographing the riot of colors. Hike is about 3 hours.

April 16, 10 a.m. – Mid-week wildflower hike

Looking for an excuse to play hooky from work? Take this opportunity to look for wildflowers and migratory birds. Moderately strenuous hike lasting about 3 hours.

April 19, 9 a.m. – Wildflower hike

The days will be getting longer and the vegetation will be closing in the forest canopy. Come see which wildflowers are blooming now and enjoy the change to the Preserve as the trees begin providing their summer shade. Dr. Bill Crankshaw will lead this hike. Moderately strenuous hike lasting about 3 hours.

April 26, 10 a.m. – Last wildflower hike

Don’t miss this last wildflower hike of the
Spring. Preserve manager Clare Sipple will lead the hike. Moderately strenuous hike lasting about 3 hours.

We will be limiting the group size for all these hikes in order to maintain a good experience for everyone. Reservations are required by calling the Preserve Manager at (859) 744-4888. Guest tour guides are being scheduled, and will be announced as their programs become available. Volunteer training for invasive plant eradication, trail construction, environmental education, and historic interpretation are being planned. If you would like to schedule a private hike for a family or group, call the reservation number to find out available dates.

photo by Jim Lane, www.thephotolane.com