Chapters in Kentucky

Join us in learning the remarkable work of American Chestnut Seed Orchards and why protecting old growth trees in our landscapes is vital to the health of our community's ecosystem. 

For this field trip, our regular monthly meeting will occur on the last Saturday of May for the month of June to offer more flexibility to participants. This field trip requires registration, and carpooling is encouraged. We will meet in Ashland and depart for Richmond, then take time to visit the Chestnut Seed Orchard, break for lunch, and then visit the Lily Cornett Woods on a short .25 mile walk and talk.  The organizer will contact registered participants via phone to ensure everyone departs and arrives safely and on time. Please plan appropriate dress, footwear, water, and plan to pack lunch. A meeting place for a group dinner will be discussed following our visit to the Lily Cornett Woods.  This event requires a minimum of ten registrations to avoid cancellation.

Yes, they do!  Discover how by joining nature photographer Janet James as she shares colorful images and describes how she learned to really “see” the engineering, architecture, and designs of native tree features.  She has photographed all aspects of the 120 Kentucky species. Find out also how to participate in a citizen science, national tree observation project.

Janet will lead a follow-up tree walk that focuses on a variety of Kentucky native tree and shrub species not commonly seen in our state’s natural areas or have intriguing botanical features.  We will walk on paved or mulched paths and grassy areas.

Think you know how to read a native plant range map? You might be surprised! Join us for an insightful session with native plant expert Shannon Trimboli as she demystifies the world of plant range maps. Learn which online resources are reliable, uncover common pitfalls in map interpretation, and gain the skills to confidently determine a plant's native status in your area.

Discover the importance of choosing truly native plants and how it benefits your local ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and make informed choices for your garden and beyond!

Shannon Trimboli is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology and owner of Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting.

Learn creative techniques for arranging native flowers and plants, and create a bouquet to take home. If you’re able, please bring your own vase and clippers or scissors. We’ll have a wide of variety of flowers and other interesting plants, but if you have native flowers, grasses, or ferns, we would love for you to share!

Registration is required and space is limited. The workshop is free, with a suggested donation of $10/bouquet. Cash, credit, and checks will be accepted at the door.

The workshop will be hosted in the Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green, at 2033 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.