When was Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve founded?

Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve was created on November 27, 2000, when Clark County Fiscal Court purchased 240 acres of land located on both sides of Lower Howard's Creek immediately upstream from the confluence of the Creek and the Kentucky River. The acquisition of the land was made possible by a grant from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board, an agency of the Kentucky Cabinet for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

Why was Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve founded?

The purpose of the Preserve is to provide nature education, to preserve endangered and threatened species, and to preserve and interpret an important chapter in the history of Clark County and the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.

How is the Preserve funded and managed?

Under the terms of the grant, Clark County is responsible for the perpetual administration of the Preserve consistent with the management framework set forth in the acquisition grant. The County has also requested designation of the area as a Kentucky Nature Preserve. Clark County Fiscal Court has asked the Clark County-Winchester Heritage Commission, a joint county-city organization that already administers historic sites and parks for the county and the City of Winchester, to oversee the ongoing management of Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve.

The Heritage Commission has accepted Clark County delegation and management responsibility with the understanding that a committee of volunteers, The Friends of Lower Howard's Creek, will direct the day- to-day operations of the Preserve. Funding for improvements and for the operation of the Preserve is expected to come from grants, from private contributions, and from program income.

Clark County Fiscal Court has received a grant of $428,700 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Transportation Enhancement program, which will be used to stabilize the historic John Martin House and to improve the historic road that provides access to the Preserve. The Kentucky General Assembly appropriated $25,000 in the year 2000 for the Preserve. Earlier this year, Clark County submitted a second application for Transportation Enhancement funding that would expand the Martin House restoration project and provide funding for the restoration of rock fences in the Preserve. These grants will allow for needed capital improvements in the Preserve. When Clark County Fiscal Court agreed to pursue grants to acquire and improve the Preserve, it made no commitment to underwrite the day-to-day operations of the Preserve. The county agreed to allow the Road Department to assist with road and parking lot improvements on the In-Kind basis but does not intend to provide an annual appropriation for the Preserve.

Under the terms of the Acquisition Grant and the Nature Preserve Dedication, professional staff from the Department of Natural Resources and from the Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission will be actively involved in preparing and implementing management plans for the site. The Acquisition grant requires that Clark County develop a Final Management Plan (FMP) setting forth the structure and details about how it will manage and operate the Preserve in the future. The FMP for Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve must be in place withing 2 and 1/2 years of November 27, 2000. Funding was provided in the grant for Clark County to carry out natural and archeological studies of the Preserve area which will provide the base line information necessary for determining how to best manage the land, the plants and animals, and the cultural legacy of the Preserve area. The Heritage Commission is now in the process of finding and contracting with the professional who will carry out those studies consistent with state guidelines.

What is a Friend of Lower Howard's Creek?

In order to allow the park project to go forward, the Clark County-Winchester Heritage Commission agreed to establish a volunteer group, the Friends of Lower Howard's Creek, with the task of organizing volunteers and seeking private contributions and additional grants, to support the ongoing programs of the Preserve.

What will the Friends do to help Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve?

While the required natural and archeological studies are being carried out, the Heritage Commission and the Friends will develop and structure the volunteer participation and outside funding that will be needed to implement the FMP. They will also provide limited, supervised access to the Preserve consistent with the Preliminary Management Plan that Clark County agreed to implement over the first two and one half years of ownership, while the FMP is being developed.

How do I join?

Click here to go to the Friend's of Lower Howard's Creek Membership Application.

How will I know when activities are planned?

If you are a member, you will receive a newsletter that will keep you informed. For more prompt access to the Calendar of Events, check this website weekly for updates.

If you are planning to attend a guided walk into Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve, it will be helpful to read the clothing recommendations and the description of the terrain. This information is found on this page under the question "How can I visit the Preserve?"

I have a question about membership, who do I ask?

You can E-mail questions.

How can I visit the Preserve?

At present all visitation into the Preserve is by guided hike only. Archaeological and biological surveys are ongoing and every effort is being made to leave important research areas undisturbed. Guided interpretative walks into the Preserve are conducted regularly. Although there is not a set schedule for these walks, the dates and times are announced in regional newspapers and to the Friends of Lower Howard's Creek by email. This website will also have information about upcoming hikes and other events at Lower Howard's Creek. Guided hikes are free to the public unless otherwise announced or as a part of an educational workshop.

Hikers should dress according to the weather conditions. There could be wet creek crossings, depending on the hike. Insect repellent is recommended during the warmer months. Hikes usually take 2 1/2 hours so you will want to bring some water and possibly trail snacks. Trails are unimproved and hikers should be prepared to walk approximately two miles. The hike out of the Lower Howard's Creek valley is uphill and requires moderate effort. All travel is by foot; bicycles, motorized vehicles, horses, etc. are not permitted in the Preserve. Pets are not allowed. Digging, collecting, hunting, or disturbing plant or animal life or artifacts is strictly forbidden.

The purpose of the Preserve is biologic and historic preservation and education, not general recreation. Other than scheduled hikes or educational events, the Preserve is strictly closed. Please help us protect this unique area and respect our policy of limited entry and do not trespass.