THE LOUISVILLE NATURE CENTER
Located in the center of Louisville and adjacent to the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, the LNC offers nature and sustainability education, as well as an urban wilderness experience. The unique urban forest includes two miles of hiking trails through the 41 acre Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, and 30 acres of surrounding forest. The Nature Center and Preserve are located on an upland and floodplain forest that has over 180 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants. It is also home to over 150 species of resident and migratory birds and other animals. The grounds include a Nature Play Area, a Bird Blind, a Rain Garden and a Sensory Garden that are home to butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects, and the center itself, which houses a few reptiles and amphibians, as well as other native wildlife specimens. Each year, several thousand students attend school break camps and year-round educational nature programs aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. The Nature Center also offers a half-day preschool program called Swallowtail Forest School, open to 3, 4, and 5 year-olds. Our half-day programs are entirely play-based and student-led, guided by caring teachers who encourage curiosity in the outdoors. We take pride in providing an environment that is safe, welcoming, and fun, where children are free to play, learn, and grow. Picnic tables and a gazebo are conveniently located near the forest and gardens. Louisville Nature Center has the only bird blind in the city of Louisville where folks enjoy a close up view of the birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The Nature Center is available for rent at reasonable rates year round. The facility has kitchen accommodations, indoor and outdoor seating areas and space for up to one hundred guests. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome at the Nature Center. Gardening, greeting visitors, clean up, trail and bird blind maintenance and office help are needed from Monday through Saturday from 9am-4pm. If you enjoy working with children and love nature, the Nature Center will train you to assist with education programs. Do you have a special skill or talent to share with our visitors? We could utilize your expertise for Saturday and evening programs. The Nature Center has many opportunities for groups to earn service hours. Scouts, schools, and corporations have worked on a variety of projects that benefit the Center and enhance visitor experiences. Bird Blind and Education Building are open year round from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday. Nature Play Area is open from noon until sunset Mon-Fri when school is in session, and sunrise till sunset Sat-Sun, or when school is not in session. Trails are open daily sunrise to sunset. There is no charge to visit, but donations are appreciated!
