NATURE NOTEBOOK - Louisville Nature Center

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NATURE NOTEBOOK
Autumn 2015
In This Issue:
Jones Family
Foundation
Dustin L. Strong
Memorial Fund
Walt Christensen
Upcoming Events
Ins and Outs
Commemorative Bricks
for Sale
News
Sensory Garden News
Volunteers
Friends & Supporters
Membership Form
Louisville
Nature Center
Mon-Sat 9-4
3745 Illinois Avenue
Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 458-1328
Fax: (502) 458-0232
Jones Family Foundation Donation
We are proud and delighted to share that our Nature Center has been awarded a significant
grant in the amount of $80,000 from Louisville’s Jones Family Foundation. The Nature Center
will receive $20,000 in 2015 and $12,000 per year, beginning in 2016, for the next five years.
The staff, governing board, volunteers, and other stakeholders of the Center are very grateful
for this generous award.
The Jones Family Foundation supports projects in a number of focal areas including education and the urban environment. The majority of funds awarded in this latter area of focus are
made to organizations in Louisville, the Foundation’s home.
Mr. Jones has demonstrated in innumerable ways his long-standing commitment to bettering
the quality of life for the citizens of Louisville through initiatives in education and urban environment. A special thanks is extended to Mr. Kenny Machtolff, LNC Board member and longtime friend of Mr. Jones, for assisting with this effort to obtain support.
Dustin L. Strong Memorial Fund
The Nature Center lost a friend and supporter, Mr. Dustin L. Strong, on September 2, 2015.
Dustin enjoyed walking the woodland paths and observing wildlife from the Center’s bird blind.
He was a friendly, caring, intelligent man and active supporter of conservation issues in the
Commonwealth. He will be greatly missed by his many professional and personal friends,
associates, and family members.
Dustin’s family has requested that his love of the environment be remembered through donations to the Dustin Strong Memorial Fund c/o The Louisville Nature Center for environmental
education, books, and videos for the Nature Center and the Louisville Free Public Library.
Spotlight on Walt Christensen
Walt Christensen assumed the leadership role of Board President in March. After
more than a decade of association and generous support of the Center’s programs,
Walt was welcomed to this new role in the spring by fellow Board members and staff.
Walt Christensen, owner of Backyard Birds in St. Matthews, retired from a Human
Resources career in Labor Relations and Organizational Development. He grew up
in upstate New York where he enjoyed a variety of year-round outdoor activities. His
outdoor interests include birding, hiking and kayaking. He has volunteered for creek
cleanups, Olmsted Park Projects, and managed a United Way industrial fundraising
campaign. Walt moved to Louisville in 2001, where his two daughters and three
grandchildren reside. He joined the Board in 2012.
Walt has been an active supporter of LNC programs for more than ten years. He began donating seeds and other foods for the bird blind a decade ago and continues
today. In his President role, Walt plans to donate his time to the Center by leading
fundraising efforts to continue and enhance environmental programming at the Center facilities and in outreach activities.
www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
Our mission at LNC is to provide nature education and encourage stewardship in an urban forest.
Upcoming Events
Nature Education Workshops
Join us for this exciting new series of nature programs!
READING THE FOREST
Mon 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Uncover the multiple layers of Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve
through the study of the land and the ecological communities that reside
here. Instructor, Carolyn Cromer, is an ecologist who has spent her career managing natural areas in KY and CA. With masters degrees in
ecology and forest management, her passion is forest ecosystems.
Take a walk with her and learn how to read the forest.
Cost: $20 per class/$45 prepaid for all three
HORTICULTURE FOR HEALTH
Wednesday 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
What is Therapeutic Horticulture and how can it benefit you? Find out in
this fun three part series. Instructor, Beth Hensley, is certified in Horticultural Therapy from the Chicago Botanic Garden and has several years of
experience as a nature educator and teacher. She has worked with
Hosparus using Therapeutic Horticulture and is engaged in landscape
design and installation.
Cost: $35 per class/$90 per class prepaid for all three
A GARDEN IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Thursday 11/5, 11/12, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Natural Gardening, is currently a powerful movement that looks to nature as its pattern for effective gardening, including native plants, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, transition zones, plant shapes, plant lifecycles, and focuses primarily in the perennial world. Prior to the first
class date, participants will identify gardening elements that drain and
those that feed the soul. Class includes planting templates, critique of
participants’ designs, distribution of plant lists, and door prizes! This
class is for anyone interested in gardening in harmony with nature.
Instructor, Marsha Finley, is a Certified Permaculture Designer and co
-organizer of the Louisville Permaculture Guild. She specializes in
sustainable and regenerative landscapes of all sizes from patios to
farms.
Cost: $35 per class/$60 per class prepaid for both
Visit our website at www.louisvillenaturecenter.org or call LNC at 502-458-1328 for details or to request a
brochure. Seating is limited and registration deadlines apply to some classes so register early.
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Upcoming Events
Class fees are non-refundable. Call 502-458-1328 to register or pre-pay.
Keep an eye on our website for information on Nature’s Works & Quirks
"Owl Hike" HOOT HOOT! Saturday November 7th 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
Join naturalist, Rosemary Bauman, at the Nature Center for an Owl Hike.
Light refreshments will be served. Dress for the weather.
Recommended for ages 6 and up
COST: LNC members and volunteers: $5/person or $20/families 4 or more
Non-members: $7/person or $28 /families of 4 or more
Registration and payment is required no later than Friday, Nov. 6 by 3:30
Class size is limited so register early.
In case of inclement weather attendees will be notified prior to the event and receive a credit to
attend a future owl hike.
Double—Wine Basket Class Saturday, November 7th 9:30 am – 4 pm
In this class, you will make a 4.5” x 9” x 14” basket with handle designed
with a divider in the center to hold 2 bottles of wine – or a bottle and long
stemmed flowers. A variety of colors will be available for accents. Bring a
light lunch. Coffee and tea provided. Ages 14 and up.
COST: LNC members $55, non members $60
Reservations and pre-payment required by Nov. 1 at 3:30
Class size is limited so register early.
Storywalk November 14th 10:30 am – 3 pm
Storywalk is an opportunity to take a fantastic, self-directed walk and read good children's literature.
The walk will be set up in the Sensory Garden which is located on the front lawn of the Nature Center.
Watch the website and emails for the name of the book to be presented on the 14 th.
Volunteer Dinner Tuesday, December 8th 6 pm
In appreciation for the many hours of service to the Center, we invite all LNC volunteers to join staff and
board members in a celebration of the season and a job well done!
Holly & Ivy Saturday, December 12th 9 am to 3 pm
Make this old-fashioned holiday event a tradition with your friends and family.
Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making your own topiaries, wreaths,
swags, and table decorations from live greenery. Ribbons, gloves, and wire
cutters are provided, but we do appreciate your bringing your own tools, if you
have them.
COST: LNC Members $25 topiaries, $20 wreaths, $15 swags and table decorations.
COST: Non-members $30 topiaries, $25 wreaths, $20 swags and table decorations. Topiaries are limited so come early!
Calendar Dates to Remember
The LNC Visitor Center and Bird Blind closed 11/26—11/28 for Thanksgiving holiday.
Feel free to work up an appetite with a stroll through the gardens and preserve.
The LNC Visitor Center and Bird Blind closed 12/21—1/3 for winter break.
Enjoy the wonders of winter on the grounds and in the preserve.
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Staff Ins and Outs
The Nature Center staff wishes the best of success to outgoing educators, Trish Bean and Beth Hensley, on their future endeavors. Both have attained permanent, full-time, professional employment.
Thank you and good luck!
The Center would like to welcome Tracy Slone. Tracy is a fourteen-year veteran teacher in the Jefferson County Public School district. Tracy has a long-time interest in the environment and environmental
education. After participating in the LNC summer camp program, she joined the LNC education department as a permanent part-time teacher. The Nature Center is clearly a great fit for Tracy as she will
combine her knowledge of education and her passion for the environment. Welcome, Tracy!
Gary Michael joined the LNC team in September. Gary is working part-time as a special projects person
to the director and Center staff. He brings to the LNC a background in biology, education, business, and
facility management and field conservation work. Gary is a Master Gardener and has worked in team
with his fellow gardeners at the Center's Sensory Garden since 2014. Gary recently said, "the LNC
campus gardens and wild areas, as well as the environmental education programs, make it a jewel in
the heart of the city."
Grain ‘Pit’ Donated
A Grain ‘Pit’ seating area was donated to the Center by the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts. It had been on display in a Republic Bank lobby, and board member, Ron Jolly, suggested its
next home be LNC. The three-season outdoor seating area will
used to accommodate school groups as well as small musical
events and other activities. The structure is currently being installed by Center staff and volunteers. The wood structure includes recycled barn wood for the bench seats. Stop by and see
our latest work of art.
Water Fountain Donated
Charlie Marsh, LNC past President, graciously donated funds for the purchase and installation of a new
water fountain for the LNC visitor center. The chilled water has been much appreciated by guests touring the property gardens and wild lands in the warm late summer and early autumn! An added feature
of the fountain is that it tallies the number of plastic bottles saved from the landfill due to conscientious
folks who fill their reusable water bottles at the fountain.
This year’s Hoot & Hops fundraiser event was a great success. The event was held on September 19,
on a beautiful late summer evening amidst flowering plants and
singing birds galore on the grounds of the Nature Center. The final numbers are not yet in, but we expect this year’s Hoots &
Hops revenue to surpass 2014. Guests enjoyed good food, fine
beer, wonderful music, and association amongst like-minded conservationists and supporters of our urban environmental Center.
The Center staff would like to give a special thanks to volunteers,
Roger Ohlman, Randy Hall, Ann Rosa, Susan Sheckler, Susan
Sylvester, Doris Cave and the many others who worked so hard to
make this event a success. The nature center received support of
funds and auction items from numerous organization throughout
the community. LNC would like to give special recognition to
Backyard Birds, Against the Grain Brewery, Angel’s Envy, Goodwood Brewery, Gault-Marsh Properties, ID+A, LG & E, Republic
Bank, Stock Yards Bank & Trust, Thornton’s, and West 6th Brewery for their sponsorship.
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Sensory Garden News
The Sensory Garden is ablaze with color and teeming with wildlife as the summer fades in the shortening days of early autumn. Just four years old this fall, the Garden is full of blooming plants and a variety
of animals that call the area home. The Garden is a jewel in the community and a true asset to the Nature Center.
The Garden’s horticultural displays are flourishing after just four years. A
count today of the species and varieties of plants numbers 120. Colors,
forms, textures, and fragrant odors of many plants abound to stimulate the
senses. Native and non-native plants that support butterflies as food
sources and for breeding are being emphasized as the Garden develops.
A variety of food, water, and shelter elements attract and support wildlife.
Even pawpaw trees have been added this year to support breeding zebra
swallowtails in the future!
A variety of invertebrates and vertebrate animals have been observed this year. Highlights include the
first zebra swallowtail butterfly and the first set of milkweed moth tussock larvae to be seen at the Garden. Breeding frogs, five-lined skinks, and a host of bird species nested in the Garden this year. In addition to a number of new plants purchased or donated this year by the Master Gardener team, enhancements were made to the hardscape as well.
Structures were added this year to improve orientation to the site and aesthetic appeal.
A kiosk was refurbished and installed. It contains a map of the area to help
guests identify garden areas and plant species. Personalized, commemorative sidewalk pavers were added to the stone pathways that were completed
early this year. This brick fundraising program is the sole source of revenue
for the development of the Garden. A sundial with a ring of annual flowers
built within the pathway is a stylish enhancement. A peace pole was added in
late summer. The colorful and artistic monument portrays the five senses
through experiences with plants and animals in the Garden. The sundial and peace pole are located in
the southeast area of the Garden.
The LNC staff, educators, neighborhood residents, and other guests regularly
use and enjoy the Garden. The Master Gardeners, led by team leaders Janie
Kanzler, Linda Guss, and newcomers Marsha Flores and Gary Michael have
enjoyed meeting an increasing number of guests this year. True highlights
were hosting the Dreams with Wings program for the planting of annuals, and
the Backyards for Butterflies program. The team has enjoyed the opportunity
to maintain and develop this garden jewel and teach about it and its residents
in spite of battling crabgrass, other weeds, and the eating habits of whitetailed deer!
Thanks to all the master gardeners who have spent time and talent developing and maintaining the Sensory Garden.
Rain Garden News
LNC volunteer, Allison Maher and Master Gardeners, Cindy George and Marlene Killian have done amazing things with the rain garden that is located on
the LNC grounds directly behind the visitor center. Native plants are the best
choice for rain gardens because they adapt easily to our local weather conditions. Rain gardens are a great way to manage storm water runoff off, save
water and care for our environment. Visit the rain garden and you might decide to install one in your own home landscape. Many thanks to this might
trio and others who have helped out in the rain garden from time to time!
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Volunteers– the Backbone of LNC
The Nature Center staff would like to thank the following volunteers for their special
contributions:
Randy Hall for refurbishing and painting the gazebo, benches, and picnic tables.
Greg Sheehan for repairing
and cleaning the Sensory Garden pond.
Jeff Hughes for preparing
graphs and financial reports
that were useful in presenting
the Center’s achievements to
Mr. David Jones.
And, all the others, who do so
much in so many ways.
Welcome new volunteers:
Thomas Sharpe - Long-time
environmental enthusiast and long-term Louisville resident. Thomas began volunteering in September. He loves his new role (and we love his help) in assisting with
special projects. We’re glad to share that he intends to be part of the team into the
indefinite future!
Paula Phelps - Paula joined the team in August. She has a particular interest in
small animals and has assumed the role of “critter caretaker” for the animals housed
for education purposes. We appreciate her obvious display of concern for the wellbeing of the animal residents of the LNC!
Mike Smith - Welcome Back volunteer, Mike Smith. Mike has just returned to volunteering after a long time away due to heart surgery. He is a licensed herbicide applicator and has many years of experience removing invasive species from the preserve a well as local parks. We appreciate the many hours Mike spends working on
invasive species for LNC and are happy to have him back.
2015 Board Members
Walt Christensen
President
Phyllis Fitzgerald
Vice President
Ron Jolly
Treasurer
Pete Glauber
Secretary
Kevin Bowling
Russell Cotton
Helen Dorroh
Perri Eason
Mark Eley
Rob Holtzmann
Tom Luckett
Ken Machtolff
Chris O’Bryan
Kenny Popp
Laura Reinhardt
Joe Chiles (Emeritus)
Kathy Morris
Director
LNC would love for a volunteer or sponsor or create a new website for us...one that
could be easily maintained by staff or volunteers...where we could blog and announce events...where folks could register and pay for events...with a membership
application form and payment methods...where members could easily renew. If you
have the experience (maybe with WordPress?) and interest, please call Ellie at LNC,
458-1328.
Kroger Community Rewards Program (KCR)
Kroger contributes to Louisville Nature Center an amount that is equal to portion of
the total eligible purchases made by eligible Kroger Plus cardholders who choose to
support LNC. Thank you for your past support. You must reregister your charity
each year or, if you’ve never registered, by going online at:
http://www.www.krogercommunityrewards.com then select "Louisville Nature Center".
Education Assistants
Louisville Nature Center is still in need volunteers to assist with education programs.
No training needed, just a love of nature and children and the ability to hike in all
weather conditions. Most program needs are three hour shifts between the hours of
9am and 3pm weekdays. Contact JGardner@louisvillenaturecenter.org.
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Staff
Rosemary Bauman
Ellie Block
Judy Gardner
Marta Irvine
Kerry Jones
Gary Michael
Cathy Neeley
Joan Shanahan
Tracy Slone
Jessica
Wheatley-Block
Friends of the Forest — 2015
Please Support those who care as much about LNC
Limbwalker Tree Service, Inc.
901 Dumesnil St
Louisville KY 40203
Stock Yards Bank & Trust
4016 Poplar Level Road
Louisville, KY 40213
Beckham Bird Club
PO Box 5301
Louisville, KY 40255
beckhambirdclub@gmail.com
Sandy’s Pet Shop
1421 Hess Ln
Louisville KY 40217
Frank Otte Nursery & Garden
Center
2939 Bardstown Road 40205
502-454-4000
St Francis High School
233 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Metro Parks
1297 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY
Louisville Gas & Electric
Jefferson Co. Extension Office
Master Gardeners
569-2344
United Parcel Service
Boy Scouts of America
Bob Ray Company
Metropolitan Sewer District
700 West Liberty
Louisville, KY 40203
ID&A
District 10 &
Metro Council Members
Gault-Marsh Development
Gardiner Point Office Building
4011 Gardiner Point Drive
Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40213-1988
YOUR NAME COULD BE HERE!
Chatham Facial Plastic Surgery
4001 Kresge Way, Suite 310
502-895-4820
KROGER COMPANY
Jones Family Foundation
MONTHLY MEETINGS AT LNC
KY Herpetological Society
http://www.kyherpsoc.org
6 pm 3rd Sunday
KYANA Geological Society
http://www.kyanager.org
7pm 3rd Tuesday
KY Society of Natural History
http://www.ksnh.org
7pm 3rd Thursday
Louisville Rose Society
http://www.louisvillerosesociety.org/
7pm 4th Thursday
Jeff. Co. Master Gardeners Assn. http://www.http://www.jcmastergardeners.org 7pm 1st Tuesday
Buffalo Trace Leather Guild
6:30 pm 2nd Friday
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3745 Illinois Avenue · Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 458-1328
www.louisvillenaturecenter.org
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Louisville, KY
Permit No. 1156
Louisville Nature Center Membership Form
With your LNC membership, you'll receive our quarterly newsletter in your mailbox and discounts on family nature programs, adult workshops, birthday parties, and nature camps in the
spring and summer. Many of our education programs and guided hikes are offered free to
members. In addition to wonderful membership privileges, you’ll get satisfaction from making a
positive contribution toward effective nature education in our community. What are you waiting
for – become a member today! If you are already an LNC member, please show your support
at renewal time.
Mail to: 3745 Illinois Ave Louisville KY 40213
_____ Business $500_____ Business $250
_____ Steward $100
_____ Family $45
_____ Individual $30
_____ Senior $25
____ Teacher / Student $20
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________
Email ____________________________________ Phone _________________________
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