Have you ever seen an animal print on a hike and wished you could tell what animal had passed through?

The ability to interpret wildlife tracks and other signs of life around you can be not only interesting but vital in some situations. Getting certified as a tracker and learning more about the science behind tracking and identifying signs of wildlife is a fantastic skill to add to your repertoire!

The North America Track and Sign Certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification that promotes wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and interactive learning. In the evaluation, participants give their answers to a set of questions, the evaluator and participants have a discussion to provide the opportunity for everyone involved to internalize field marks, wildlife behavior, and natural history.

While certification is not guaranteed, you may leave with a certification up to level four. The level four tracker certification is considered a professional-level certification. No prior training is required to participate. Pre-registration is required. For scholarship information and any additional questions please contact ekinnetz@theparklands.org

This experience will include an optional homemade chili dinner in one of our rustic cabins at the end of Saturday’s session. The $375 ticket purchase includes the two-day field experience from March 1st and 2nd, 2025.

Specific times and locations will be given to participants after they have registered for the course. For more information about the track and sign course please click here.

In-Person Workshop to Get Ready for Bluebird Season!

Philip Tamplin, from the Kentucky Bluebird Society, expands on his Bluebird Box Building workshop with this fun and lively presentation on bluebird behavior and the importance of the upcoming nesting season for these often threatened birds. Afterwards, take a walk around Yew Dell to help Philip prep Yew Dell’s bird boxes for the spring nesting season.

Our instructors are in high demand. Reserve your ticket now at this link to hold your spot.

Please keep in mind that all ticket purchases are final sale. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All programs and events are rain or shine.

Join the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, eBird!

eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. More than 100 million bird sightings are contributed each year by eBirders around the world

The Great Backyard Bird Count runs for four days in February. Over these four days people spend time in their favorite places watching, counting and reporting their observations, which are used to help scientists better understand global bird populations!

On this guided hike, our experienced naturalist and birdwatcher will help participants to identify some of Louisville’s beautiful birds and log their findings into eBird. Participants will learn ID tips such as field marks, behavior, habitat, vocalizations and more. This is for all skill levels of birding, ages 12 and up. Grab your binoculars and smart phones and register here!

How does nature survive the winter? Join us as we discover amazing plant and animal adaptations that help them be warriors of winter!

Examine animal artifacts, search for winter hideouts, get cozy inside by building burrows and maybe even meet some winter warriors in person!

Junior Explorer is a free family-friendly event at The Parklands that is open to all ages, that focuses on a special nature topic each time. Drop in at any time during the event for themed activities and check back closer to the event date to get a full list of scheduled happenings you won’t want to miss. Join the Parklands’ education team, community partners, and special vendors to explore our natural world with themed activities, games, hikes, crafts, and more!

This event is free and open to everyone, with activities geared toward pre-k and elementary-aged kids. No registration is required unless otherwise stated.

Are you an organization or vendor who would like to join the fun? Please contact Olivia Hardin at ohardin@theparklands.org for more information on how you can be involved! 

Looking for a way to warm up this winter?

As we wait for freezing temperatures to pass, we encourage you to join us for one of our volunteer opportunities taking place in February.

And yes! You can plant in winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen; trees actually prefer to be planted while dormant.

DM or email volunteer@treeslouisville.org to learn more or register. No experience necessary, and training is provided. All activities are weather dependent for the safety of our volunteers and staff.

Let candles light your way as you stroll underneath the stars this Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day.

Hike at your leisure, either on the candlelit short trail (about 3/4 mile), or the unlit longer trail (1 3/4 mile). Warm up around the fire afterward, or head indoors, where you can visit our reptiles and enjoy snacks and drinks. Participants must be 21 and over.

Days:

• Thursday, February 13, 6:30-9:30pm

• Friday, February 14, 6:30-9:30pm

• Saturday, February 15, 6:30-9:30pm

Price per person:

• $30 (non-member)

• $22 (member)

To receive the member discount, check your email for our special member code or call Louisville Nature Center at 502-458-1328. Link to register.

Looking for a way to warm up this winter?

As we wait for freezing temperatures to pass, we encourage you to join us for one of our volunteer opportunities taking place in February.

And yes! You can plant in winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen; trees actually prefer to be planted while dormant.

DM or email volunteer@treeslouisville.org to learn more or register. No experience necessary, and training is provided. All activities are weather dependent for the safety of our volunteers and staff.

Looking for a way to warm up this winter?

As we wait for freezing temperatures to pass, we encourage you to join us for one of our volunteer opportunities taking place in February.

And yes! You can plant in winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen; trees actually prefer to be planted while dormant.

DM or email volunteer@treeslouisville.org to learn more or register. No experience necessary, and training is provided. All activities are weather dependent for the safety of our volunteers and staff.

Our history is important. Come together as a community and celebrate.

As we embark on Black History Month, let us remember those who came before us, those who inspire us, and those who are paving the way for us!

Grab a person, grab a sign, and grab your boots so we can hike together in unity. We will meet at Paw Paw Trail at the Brown-Forman Silo Center at 9:00 am on February 1st.

RSVP at this link, and donate at this link!

Hear from our partners in adventure at Classic Escapes Travel Company all about the ecology and conservation challenges of Ecuador and the Galapagos!

Connect with the Zoo as we critically explore a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Each month we will meet and discuss a conservation topic that falls under one of two larger environmental education themes, Global Climate Change and Ecology.

Participants will receive background information and further learning resources for each topic and are invited to participate in a series of 60-minute discussions with Zoo educators. Each conversation will provide an overview of the topic, share connections with your Louisville Zoo, and give recommendations for further learning on the topic. Some conversations will focus on in-person book discussion related to the topic and others will feature virtual discussions and include guest experts!

Join the conversation here as we engage community members of all ages about topics that are affecting the way we live in Louisville and how people live around the globe.

Back by popular demand!

The MHC will be hosting a trivia and networking night on January 29th at Local’s Pizza Hub.

Bring your trivia knowledge, business cards, and appetite and join MHC as we ring in the new year. Please RSVP at this link!

Back by popular demand!

On Sunday, January 19, 2025 you can follow Renee Frith — the Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum and self-proclaimed petter of plants – as she explores the winter landscape of Wolf Pen Branch Mill Farm.

The bare bones of the forest are a wonder to behold – but how can you ID trees with no leaves to help you? And how can you read the scars and bumps on trees and understand the science behind how they heal themselves from injuries from storms, pathogens, human-imposed damage, and other hard times? You’ll learn all that and more with Renee. If you were one of the many people who couldn’t get tickets to her fall color walk, here’s your chance!

With Renee, you never walk in the same forest twice – it’s always a new journey. Add to that the experience of exploring a site not usually open to the public, and you have the perfect recipe for a special experience. The program is free for River Fields members and $25 for others; reservations are required. Registration is limited to 25 people per time slot.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Learn the basics of tree maintenance!

Join Louisville Urban Forestry in pruning some of our city trees and enjoy a refreshing brew afterwards!

Meet at Joe Creason’s Tennis Courts at 3:00 pm on January 22nd! We’ll see you there.

Want to make a difference this Martin Luther King Day and be part of the transformative Shelby/Logan Street project?

Join us for a volunteer tree planting event on Monday, January 20th!

Volunteers will assist with planting, mulching, and staking trees along the street right-of-ways—a great way to warm up this winter while making a lasting impact. No prior experience is needed, as training and equipment will be provided. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

We will gather near Roppel Industries and work our way along the two streets, planting trees along both the rights-of-way and private properties. Come lend a hand and help us grow a greener Louisville!

Join Beyond Plastics Louisville to start the year off right!

We will be gathering in-person for a delicious meal and an opportunity to practice using the PlasticScore app for rating restaurants on their sustainable practices.

We also have some information and action plans regarding Kroger’s commitment to transition from single-use to reusable shopping bags by 2025—this year!

Of course if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can switch back to a virtual meeting on Zoom. We hope to see you!

This walking club will meet almost twice a month, for a morning and an evening session, to trek all over The Parklands, exploring different trails each time!

Meet our Rangers in the meeting location listed to enjoy a leisurely stroll. This hike will be walked at a relaxed pace to encourage conversation, so bring a friend or come solo and join our incredible Parklands community!

The Parklands Walking Club is free to attend, and no registration is required. The hike will still go on rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, please check theparklands.org/alerts for changes or cancellations.

On January 14, meet our rangers at the Brown-Forman Silo Center in Turkey Run Park at 8:30 am for a leisurely walk on the Louisville Loop from The Brown-Forman Silo Center to Sky Dome. The walk will be on a paved surface, it will be 3 miles round trip.

Join us in U of L's sustainable Garden Commons to learn about the process of tapping maple trees and making maple syrup!

Our workshop leader, Dave Barker, has been tapping trees and making his own syrup in Louisville for years.

He will give a brief, hands-on workshop on the process and then attendees will get to work with him as we install taps on our own maple trees around campus.

Participants will have the opportunity to sign-up to volunteer to empty buckets as they fill throughout the coming weeks.

Please dress warmly so we can work outside!

Join Bernheim’s Director of Conservation, Andrew Berry, for an informative presentation on the role that beavers play in Bernheim’s ecosystem.

Learn more all about these aquatic engineers and a new on-going volunteer project, the Beaver Brigade.

Beavers have long been a persecuted species, but Bernheim is doing its part to recognize, advocate for, and support the ecological services that they provide. As dam builders, beavers create rich, dynamic habitats that support diverse plant and animal populations.

The Beaver Brigade will help to enhance and expand beaver habitat at Bernheim. Connect with nature while also doing your part to protect Bernheim’s beavers.

Register here!

Join Bernheim Volunteer Naturalists for an engaging nature hike on the first Sunday of each month.

These hikes are longer than our ECO Kids Hike of the Day and are aimed primarily at adults, but children 6 years and up are welcome.

For Bernheim members it costs $10; for non-members it is $15.

Registration required by 4 PM the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click here to register.

Join Von Barnes and friends for a fun and inspiring vision board workshop!

Let's create a plan for our garden and / or farmers market goals for 2025. We’ll create a visual representation of YOUR goals and dreams for the future.

Space is limited! We will send out a follow up email on December 15th with instructions on what to expect for the 20th. Sign up here.

Celebrate the last ‘Full Moon’ of 2024 as we approach the winter solstice!

Explore Bernheim’s nighttime landscape and its tranquil sounds. Arrive early to catch the sunset over Lake Nevin. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up before or after the hike.

Details:

• Bernheim members $15; Non-members $20

• Registration required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program.

• No pets, please.

• Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click here to register.

• Please check for updates as the event date approaches for any additional details.

Join us as we take some steps toward better health!

Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.

It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking, as well as from being outside and with others. Walk your own pace and distance.

Identifying trees can be challenging in Late Fall!

To help you recognize your favorite trees during the cooler months, join Bernheim’s Interpretive Programs Manager, Wren Smith, and our Volunteer Naturalists. They will provide valuable tips on how to identify and appreciate many of our native trees, even when they are losing their leaves.

Details:

• Bernheim members $15; Non-members $20

• Registration required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program.

• No pets, please.

• Call (502) 215-7155 to register or click here to register.

Join us as we take some steps toward better health!

Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.

It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking, as well as from being outside and with others. Walk your own pace and distance.

Wreath Making takes on a whole new energy when you work together with your spouse/partner/main squeeze on a seasonal design that you’ll take home to enjoy!

For this edition, we’ll provide the greenery, form, decor items, and instructions- plus festive holiday refreshments to enjoy during the class and then time to enjoy the Yuletide lights on the grounds during this child-free evening.

Buy your tickets here! NOTE: price is per pair, and you’ll work together on one wreath.

Details:

• Our instructors are in high demand. Reserve your ticket now to hold your spot.

• Please keep in mind that all ticket purchases are final sale. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All programs and events are rain or shine.

Metropolitan Housing Coalition (MHC) is hosting a release event for the 2024 State of Metropolitan Housing Report (SMHR)!

The 2024 Report focuses on zoning and land use and ongoing land development code reform efforts in Louisville. Communities nationwide are starting to reform zoning laws to allow for middle housing. This shift towards more equitable and inclusive housing policies could help address the housing crisis in Louisville and Jefferson County.

Meet us on Thursday, December 12th @ 3:00 pm for this thought-provoking presentation.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Pruning & Pints!

Louisville Urban Forestry will host another Pruning & Pints on December 11th at Zanzabar! Learn the basics of tree maintenance on public trees, then have a pint with a pal.

No experience necessary—come as you are!

No experience necessary!

Get involved in our Winter 2024 FREE tree planting and make a difference in your community!

Register for free on Louisville Grows’ website, or reach out to Ellie at outreach@louisvillegrows.org or (502) 694-0120.

UofL Community Composting Volunteer Days
Every Sunday, Noon-2pm
250 E. Bloom St. (block north of Cardinal Blvd. between Brook & Floyd Streets, map)
Come help us turn “trash” into treasure as we manage UofL’s volunteer-powered community composting operation. Dress to get dirty. Tools provided. Learn about worm composting and becoming a UofL EcoRep! All participants are welcome to haul home some rich UofL compost for gardening projects in your own containers/vehicle. This is a weekly service opportunity throughout the year. Contact: Brian Barnes, 502-338-1338.