Public Program Schedule

January-May 2008

January

Outdoor Skills #1 -- Hiking and History of the Forest
Saturday, January 5, 2008 -- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
This program tells the story of how the Forest came into existence as well as some of the history behind the names associated with the Forest. This program includes tours of our two most known structures. We will meet at the Horine Conference Center.
Fee: $5

New! Senior Bird Watching Program -- F-Boss's
Monday, January 7, 2008 -- 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Who are F-Boss's? They are the "Fly By Our Seats Seniors," and you can be one too! Our senior birding program is free and full of fun. We have expanded our program beyond the Forest. You will learn how to identify birds by the way they look and the way they sound as you visit some of the best bird viewing sites around Jefferson County. Each program is guided by a Forest naturalist and consists of transportation to the various sites, and some short easy hikes. After you work up an apetite, participants are taken to lunch at local eateries. Although this program is free, you will need to bring money to purchase your lunch. The program meets at the Welcome Center. Participants may choose to meet at the Hays Kennedy. Please let us know when making your reservation so that you receive directions to where the group will meet. We will be viewing birds in both Hays-Kennedy Park and the Gavin Brown Preserve.

February

Outdoor Skills #2 -- Orienteering -- Map and Compass Skills
Saturday, Feb 2, 2008 -- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Get lost ... then learn the skills that will help you find your way back to your campsite! Our staff will show you the basics of orienteering and planning a path that will get you to your destination. A great activity for parents and kids ages 10 and up. Please dress for the weather. Meets at the Horine Parking Lot.
Fee: $5

Valentine's Day Romantic Retreat
Thursday, February 14, 2008 -- 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Looking for something romantic to do with your sweetheart this year? Why not give them the moon, the stars, and all of Louisville? Join our staff for a romantic, candlelit hike through the Forest that ends with an incredible view of the lights of Louisville. The hike's destination is the Forest's beautiful Manor House, where you'll be greeted by a roaring fire to warm you up, hot beverages and desserts provided by local bakeries. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $20 per couple. Reservations must be made by Monday, February 11, 2008.

March

Outdoor Skills #3 -- Campfire Cooking
Saturday, March 1, 2008 -- 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn how to be a campfire gourmet. Our staff will share tips and recipes, ideal for cooking great meals in the outdoors. Sign up early because space is limited. All food and materials will be provided so come out and prepare yourself a delicious meal right on the campfire. Families welcome; an adult must accompany all children. Meets at the entrance to the Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $10

NEW PROGRAM -- Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels
Monday, March 3, 2008 -- 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Phyllis Croce, Landscape Restoration Specialist, MSD. We will be traveling in the Forest van to MSD to learn how rain gardens and rain barrels make good use of water runoff by collecting water from down spout runoff and redirecting it to water a garden. We will also learn the importance of using native plants as a way to help improve our environment. During our visit to MSD we will get to tour the MSD water garden. On our return to the Forest we will stop for lunch. Please bring money to purchase your lunch. Program meets at the Welcome Center.
Fee: $10

Pre-School Nature Adventures -- Spring Awakenings
Saturday, March 8, 2008 -- 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 -- 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Bring your little ones out to explore the wonder and beauty of nature as spring appears. We'll listen and look for signs of the forest waking up after the long winter. This program is for parents and children ages 3 to 5. Bring your little ones along for a short hike of discovery and then meet some of the animals that call the Forest home. Each program has a specific nature theme. There will be a story-time with craft and snacks. This is the first in a series of programs that provides experiences in nature for parents and little ones to share. Meets in the Horine Environmental Education Center.
Fee: $8 per child.

Evening Program -- A Walk in the Night Forest
Friday, March 14, 7-9:30 p.m.
Night is an incredible time to explore the forest: your senses become heightened as nocturnal animals become active. This program offers fun activities demonstrating how nocturnals use their special adaptations for nighttime survival. For parents and children ages 5 and up. Meet in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5.

NEW PROGRAM -- Forest Explorers -- Three-day series
The Forest is offering an exciting new program series, Forest Explorers! Children ages 6-12 can experience the life of a naturalist by discovering the wonders of the forest through field studies, crafts, and more. A snack is provided. Each child can make their own nature journal to use throughout the series. Forest Explorers will meet the 3rd Saturday of March through May.
The fee is $10 per child per program. For those who wish to pre-register for all three in the series, the cost is $24 for all three. Program meets at the Horine Environmental Education Center. All programs run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Series 1 -- Forest Ecosystems
Woodland Trek
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hike through the forest, discovering the many sights and sounds. Explore the life of a tree from a seed to a rotting log.

Animal Adventures
Saturday, April 19, 2008
What animals live in the forest? How do we find them? Young naturalists will get to make their very own tracking guide. Then look for signs that wildlife left behind: feathers, tracks, scat and more. Young naturalists will even see critters from the forest up close. Join us for a day of adventure.

Dragonflies, Damselflies and Cyclops -- A lake adventure
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Join Forest Naturalists as they lead you on an adventure into the wet and wild world of a lake ecosystem. Be amazed at the strange and incredible critters that live in the waters of a lake. Learn about the ecosystem of a lake and how it helps to support the ecosystems that surround it. There will be scientific studies, activities, and a snack. All equipment will be provided. Wear clothes and shoes that can get messy.

Howl at the Moon
Friday, March 21, 2008 -- 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods. Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines. Meets in the Horine Reservation.
Fee: $5 per dog.