On Saturday, June 15, a group of KNPS members and friends enjoyed a field trip to the Ballard WMA in Ballard county in far western Kentucky. Ballard Wildlife Management Area is 8,000 acres located in the Ohio River bottomlands ecoregion in far western Kentucky. The WMA is mostly wetland with 39% of the acreage in wetland, 28% forest, 27% open land, and 6% open water. Much of the wetland is comprised of rare, cypress-tupelo swamps and sloughs which many Kentuckians have not had the opportunity to experience. The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves lists cypress-tupelo swamp as a state endangered ecosystem.
The group caravanned around the WMA, making stops and enjoying many species of native plants. Many were in flower, some just budding, and some making fruit. Among the species observed were lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), starry campion (Silene stellata), pale Indian plantain (Arnoglossum atriplicifolium), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica), lots of buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), common milkweed (A. syriaca), woodland pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica), water parsnip (Sium suave), and Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya though some botanists consider this a variety of W. frutescens).
We also encountered a few species that are found in Kentucky only in the western counties of the state. Aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis) occurs mostly in thin swampy woods on somewhat base-rich soils. It is unique among the Kentucky milkweeds in that it is the only one that does not have fluff on the seeds. This is because the seeds evolved to be distributed by flowing water, not wind as with the other milkweed species. Boykin’s clusterpea (Lackeya multiflora) is a native legume that grows primarily in thin bottomland woods and thickets on subhydric to submesic soils. It has the largest leaves of any trifoliate legume in the United States. Whitenymph (Trepocarpus aethusae) is a small, winter annual in the Apiaceae family. It grows in the margins of swamp forests and sandy river bottoms. It is rare in Kentucky and is monitored as a species of special concern by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves.
On Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13, nearly 200 members and friends enjoyed KNPS’s 35th Wildflower Weekend, at Natural Bridge SRP! With more hikes, workshops, and kid’s activities than we have ever had and with many of the best botanists in Kentucky in attendance, Wildflower Weekend 2024 was an unqualified success.
Wildflower Walks
Wildflower walks and hikes are the defining activities of every Wildflower Week, but this year we also included hikes about fire ecology, geology, birds, herps, butterflies, pollinators, reptiles and more! Beginning at noon on Friday and running through the end of the day on Saturday, we enjoyed a record number25flora and fauna walks, led by over 30 of the best botanists, zoologists and naturalists in the country. Exploring the amazing diversity of the plant communities in Natural Bridge SRP and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, participants learned about and enjoyed dozens of native plant species, the fauna associated with them, and the amazing geology and hydrology that surrounds them.
In addition to our usual “all things botanical” hikes, we had hikes concentrating on birds, reptiles and amphibians, geology, fire ecology, and pollinators and butterflies. There were also a couple of workshops, “Non-Native Invasive Species Management” and an art workshop, “Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking.” These new additions to Wildflower Weekend were enjoyed by all who participated and brought in several new faces to our annual gathering.
We have always tried to make Wildflower Weekend a family friendly event (kids 12 and under attend free). This year we had a great kid centered activity, “Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!” on Saturday morning. This was so well received, that we hope to offer even more activities for kids at next year’s Wildflower Weekend.
KNPS Vice President Kendall McDonald and Outreach Committee Chair Kelsey Burge at the WW2024 registration table. Photo courtesy of Pat Berla.
Hike leader and hikers preparing to head out. Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Meeting in the lobby of the Hemlock Lodge to start an afternoon hike.
Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Wildflower and Geology Car Tour of Red River Gorge – Led by Dr. Ron Jones, retired professor from EKU (on the left) and Mark Sweet, owner of ProComp Services (in the yellow cap)
Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Wildflower and Geology Car Tour of Red River Gorge – Led by Dr. Ron Jones, retired professor from EKU (on the right) and Mark Sweet, owner of ProComp Services (in the yellow cap)
Bishop’s cap (Mitella diphylla
Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Red trillium (Trillium erectum)
Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Great white trillium (Trillium grandiflora) Photo courtesy of Pat Berla
Friday Night Members & Friends Campfire Social
Of course, we had our Members & Friends Social on Friday evening with a campfire, s’more fixings, and a community gathering of like-minded nature lovers and botanists. Temperatures were cold, the main access road was flooded, and the forecast was stormy, but that did not stop many people from adventuring out to fellowship together. There was great discussion of plants, animals, hiking tales, and more as the group enjoyed the evening.
Saturday Night Presentation & Raffle
On Saturday evening, we gathered in the Woodland Center for a round of thanks to those who made the weekend possible, a commemorative video for the 35th anniversary of Wildflower Weekend, an update on the BotanyBlitz, and a short KNPS member meeting. The evening continued to the main program, which featured several great talks by a variety of experts.
We heard from one of the recipients of the KNPS Pollinator Garden Grant, the Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort, KY. This site is a staple in the capital, providing a beautiful public garden free to visitors year round. Liberty Hall used the funds received from KNPS to begin their conversion of the garden into a native plant garden, starting with a planting of native flowering shrubs that benefit local pollinators.
Dr. Mary Arthur gave a very interesting presentation on Fire in the Cumberland Plateau. She spoke on the intertwining roles of humans and fire on the hardwood forests of the Cumberland Plateau, and how modern fire ecologists and land managers are tasked with harnessing that knowledge in order to apply fire as a disturbance agent in the sustainable management of upland forests.
The next speaker, Dr. David Brown of Eastern Kentucky University, gave an enlightening and encouraging presentation on Giant Cane Ecology and Restoration Methods. Dr. Brown works with partners, faculty and EKU students to restore Giant Cane populations at a Bluegrass Woodland restoration site called Taylor Fork Ecological Area. This research is worthy of recognition on its own, but the project should also be recognized as being one of the only hands on land management and restoration educational opportunities for college students in Kentucky. The decade long giant cane restoration has yielded 95% survival of the species and presented some potential in giant cane being used to control non-native invasive species.
Another beautiful carving by long time KNPS member Bob Van Hoff and several native plants were just some of the raffle prizes.
Our last speaker was Dr. Kristen Wickert, or more commonly known as the social media naturalist with the handle “KayDubstheHikingScientist.” Dr. Wickert gave a fascinating talk on three broad categories of fungi relationships with plants: “the good, the bad, and the ugly” aka symbiotic, decomposer and pathogenic relationships. In addition to her talk, Dr. Wickert sold and signed copies of her new book “The Plants of the Appalachian trail: A Hiker’s Guide to 398 Species.”
As we always do, we ended the evening with a raffle featuring prizes that included native plants from many local native plant growers, a paper sculpture of Hepatica by Vanessa Voelker, a Bob VanHoff wood carving of a Lady Slipper orchid, and Wildflower Weekend 2024 merchandise.
Special Thanks
Kentucky Native Plant Society and the events it hosts, such as Wildflower Weekend, are almost completely volunteer based. KNPS relies on many partners, professionals, and members of the public to be able to continue to host Wildflower Weekend these last 35 years. At Wildflower Weekend 2024, KNPS had over 50 volunteers serve on the planning committee, advertise the event, handle registration, work the weekend, or lead hikes, workshops or give presentations. We would like to thank everyone, no matter how small their contribution, for helping us make this wonderful event possible.
Wildflower Weekend 2025
Discussions about Wildflower Weekend 2025 are already happening! We are excited to announced that Wildflower Weekend 2025 will be held at Carter Caves State Resort Park on April 11th-13th, 2025! If you have any thoughts about how the event could be made better, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to lead or co-lead a walk next year, let us know.
This year, we were thrilled to receive numerous applications for our pollinator grant program. Selecting the winners was no easy task, as each proposal showcased incredible dedication and innovation. However, after careful consideration, we’ve chosen five projects that not only promise to enhance public education but also boast strong collaborative partnerships. Without further ado, let’s meet the winners!
Forestry Outreach Center
Located in Berea, the Forestry Outreach Center plans to utilize their grant to create more accessible community spaces celebrating native plants and wildlife. Equipped with informative signage, the area will transform into a captivating self-guided tour for the community. Students will lend their hands for the project while the dedicated staff ensures its upkeep. Berea’s educational staff will fulfill the crucial role of educational partners, enriching the learning experience for all involved.
Legacy Grove Park
Legacy Grove Park, managed by the nonprofit Legacy Greenscapes, stands as a testament to visionary park design. Featuring a sprawling two-acre play area inspired by Kentucky’s iconic landmarks, nature trails teeming with indigenous flora and fauna, and extensive ADA-accessible pathways, the park is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and families. With this grant, the park aims to establish garden beds brimming with native species, further enriching its ecological tapestry. Supported by a passionate volunteer program and led by garden curator Anna Campomanes, Legacy Grove Park is poised to continue its mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) Fund
Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC), dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities, will utilize their grant to establish a vibrant pollinator garden near the administrative building. Situated in a high-traffic area, the garden will serve as a living classroom for students and the public alike. With plans to incorporate the garden into various curricula and open its doors to the community, OCTC exemplifies a commitment to accessible education and environmental awareness.
St. Xavier High School
The Environmental Club at St. Xavier High School embarks on an exciting journey with this grant to create a pollinator garden within their school grounds. Providing students with a hands-on learning experience, the garden aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving habitat diversity. Supported by Environmental Biologist II, Rebecca Clark, from the Kentucky Division of Water, and bolstered by a dedicated group of students and parents, St. Xavier High School is poised to become a hub of environmental education and activism.
Corbin School of Innovation
Their pollinator garden will be on site at Corbin School of Innovation which is a shared space with Corbin Elementary School. Both schools will be using the pollinator garden for scientific observations, calming space, and research for environmental education projects/biology. Support will be given from our maintenance department who will maintain the area around it. The Montessori middle and high school will be maintaining and up keeping the garden through weeding and replacing plants as needed yearly. The Corbin Garden Club has also offered to come and add plants to it as needed. The Whitley County Extension has also offered to help with preparing the garden beds
We Encourage You to Apply
As we look forward to the next grant cycle, slated to open in January, we invite all interested parties to consider applying. Subscribers of The Ladyslipper will receive timely announcements and updates. While anyone is welcome to apply, we do emphasize a few key requirements:
An educational partner with agricultural expertise must be involved to guide the project over a two-year period.
Preference will be given to projects integrated into curricula.
Preference will be given to projects accessible to the public, within reason.
Let’s continue cultivating a greener, more sustainable future together.
We are happy to announce that we have a new events calendar for the Society and, hopefully, all conservation related events in our Commonwealth and our region. You can view the calendar here. We are currently putting in all scheduled events for KNPS, but we want this calendar to be so much more for the native plant community. So we are hoping that individuals, clubs, and all conservation oriented organizations in our region will post their events to the calendar. To facilitate this we have created the form below to let anyone submit an event. Alternatively you can just send the info about your event to KYPlants@knps.org. Thank you.
Date of trip: 06/15/2024 Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (approx.) Central Time Location: Ballard County Difficulty of hike: Easy – We will caravan/carpool on the gravel roads in the wildlife management area, stopping to view a variety of native plants and habitats. At a couple of the stops, we will walk distances of under a 1/2 mile.
Swamp Candles (Lysimachia terrestris)
Join KNPS President, Jeff Nelson and KNPS member and Ballard WMA employee, Gerald Burnett, as as we explore the native plant ecosystems in the wetlands and river bottoms of the Ballard WMA in Ballard Co.
Ballard Wildlife Management Area is 8,000 acres located in the Ohio River bottomlands ecoregion in far western Kentucky. The WMA is mostly wetland with 39% of the acreage in wetland, 28% forest, 27% open land, and 6% open water. Much of the wetland is comprised of rare, cypress-tupelo swamps and sloughs which many Kentuckians have not had the opportunity to experience. The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves lists cypress-tupelo swamp as a state endangered ecosystem.
We will caravan (carpooling as much as possible) around the WMA, stopping to examine the botany of Ballard’s diverse ecosystems. We should see several uncommon, wetland plant species. In particular we hope to see the rare swamp candles (Lysimachia terrestris), a more northerly species that in Kentucky is only found in two far western counties. Although we will not be hiking any distance, we will be taking walks of less than 1/2 mile at a couple of stops, all on the road or trails. We will walk into areas off the road to get a better view many of the plants. There is likely to be some muddy spots where we will be walking, so be prepared.
Registration is Required
Please fill out the form below to register for this field trip. This trip will be limited to 20 people.
Date of trip: June 8, 2024 Start time: 10AM EDT Location: Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve, Bullitt County, KY Difficulty of hike: Moderate, approximately 2 miles and 2 hours.
Join KNPS member, Alan Abbott, at Pine Creek Barren for a hike. Pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) will likely be near full bloom in this beautiful grassland. We’ll probably see other prairie plants like orange milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Senega snakeroot (Polygala senega).
Echinacea pallidaAsclepias tuberosa
We’ll start at 10 a.m. and hike about two miles. Prepare for some walking off trail by wearing appropriate footwear. You’ll want to practice tick prevention and bring water to prepare for heat and humidity.
This grassland near Shepherdsville is about 20-30 minutes from Louisville. Meet in the parking lot by 10 a.m. We’ll be done around noon.
Registration is Required
Please fill out the form below to register for this field trip. This trip will be limited to 15 participants.
Date of trip: Sunday, June 9th, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time Location: Hi Lewis Pine Barrens State Nature Preserve, Harlan County (Site closed to the public, directions will be sent to registered participants) Difficulty of hike: Strenuous
Join KNPS Board members, Heidi Braunreiter (Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Prescribed Fire Program Coordinator) and Dr. Jennifer Koslow (Eastern Kentucky University Department of Biological Sciences) as we explore Hi Lewis Pine Barrens State Nature Preserve, which is normally closed to the public. During this approximately three hour hike, we will learn about prescribed fire, and other land management practices to sustain and enhance a globally rare natural community, the pitch pine barrens. Hi Lewis Pine Barrens SNP is the best example of this community type on Pine Mountain, and hosts numerous rare and endangered species. The preserve is also home to American chestnuts, which flower in response to the canopy opening created by fires. Following a 2020 prescribed fire and clearing, the trees responded by growing an average of 24 stems per tree, several of which flowered at a height of six to eight feet (it is difficult to predict the exact timing of flowering). The hike will be capped off at 20 participants.
Special Considerations: Hiking conditions are strenuous on Pine Mountain due to steep terrain, please wear shoes with good ankle support. Please bring lots of water, and lunch/snacks. Venomous snakes, ticks, and chiggers occur in the area so please plan accordingly- no open toed shoes, and long pants are recommended. All participants will need to sign the liability waiver below while registering for the hike. We will be hiking along the perimeter of a prescribed burn and management unit that has been recently cleared, although tripping hazards are still present and participants will need to watch their footing.
Lodging options in the area for participants wanting to stay nearby:
Benham Schoolhouse Inn, Benham, KY (Approx. 15 min to site)
Quality Inn, Harlan, KY (Approx. 25 min to site)
Pine Mountain State Resort Park (Approx. 1 hr. 10 min to site)
Registration is Required
Please fill out the form below to register for this field trip. This trip will be limited to 20 people.
