The Winchester Sun: Winchester, KY

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Lower Howard’s Creek spring hikes set
March 12, 2010

Late winter is the perfect time to see historic features and the “lay of the land” without the cover of vegetation in the Lower Howard’s Creek Preserve.

Hikers in the preserve may explore natural and cultural features that only reveal themselves in the winter when the leaves are absent from the trees, and the wildflowers are still slumbering.

When the wildflowers burst from their winter sleep and herald the arrival of spring with their riot of color is also a great time to visit. May and June hikes are being planned to include a variety of programs as the trees gain their canopy leaves, and warm weather returns to the valley.

Group size is limited, so those who are interested should call the preserve manager at 744-4888 and leave a message to make reservations.

Because this is a Kentucky State Nature Preserve, no dogs are allowed on the hikes. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Hikers should dress according to the expected weather. The terrain at the preserve is quite steep and rocky, so hikers should wear appropriate shoes or boots.

Shallow creek crossings are a possibility on all hikes. Call the preserve manager if there is a question about suitability of the weather. It is recommended that hikers carry water and trail snacks.

Hiking is free to members of the Friends of Lower Howard’s Creek, $5 donation suggested for each non member.

Following is a list of the scheduled hikes through spring:

— March 13, 10 a.m. Long hike, West Fork: Scout new trails and reconnoiter winter damage to existing trails. Strenuous with numerous creek crossings, four hours.

— March 20: Trail maintenance. Closed date. Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen volunteer day.

— March 27: 10 a.m. Thompson Ridge Settlement and the lower valley quarries. Explore an area that was populated until the mid-20th century when its last residents moved away from the creek. This hike will follow the original Athens-Boonesboro route. John Holder and his enterprises will be a topic of conversation, as well as an infamous triple murder that occurred here in 1939. Some of the earliest ephemeral wildflowers should be blooming by this date. Moderately strenuous, three hours.

— April 3, 10 a.m. Forest ecology. Join Dr. Bill Crankshaw, retired forest ecologist, for a hike to look for the earliest spring wildflowers and get an education about the ecology of the area. Discussions about the effects of industrialization on the natural resources of the valley and good examples of natural reclamation will be shown. Moderately strenuous, three hours.

— April 10, 9 a.m. Winchester Weigh Down hike. The Clark County Activity coalition sponsors a health initiative to get people in Clark County moving while encouraging other healthy habits, such as losing weight. On this day, members of the WWD to enjoy the preserve at its peak of wildflower bloom. Moderately strenuous, three hours.

— April 14, 10 a.m. Heirloom daffodils and early spring wildflowers. Midweek hike will highlight several abandoned home sites where all that remains to remind us of human habitation are the daffodils, daylilies, yucca and vinca minor the settlers planted. This is the prime time of year when the wildflowers put on their riotous display, so make reservations early for this event. Steep slopes will be traversed in order to access the old homesteads, so come prepared for one of the more strenuous hikes, three to four hours.

— April 17, 10 a.m. Wildflowers galore! Prime weekend to showcase a large variety of native wildflowers in the gorgeous venue of the Lower Howard’s Creek Valley. Moderately strenuous, the hikes will last at least three hours.

— April 22, 10 a.m. Earth Day. Walk on the wild side and take a break from the daily grind to stop and see the wildflowers. Great time to showcase a large variety of native wildflowers in the gorgeous venue of the Lower Howard’s Creek Valley. Moderately strenuous, the hikes will last at least three hours.

— April 24, 10 a.m. Should be another great weekend to showcase a large variety of native wildflowers in the gorgeous venue of the Lower Howard’s Creek Valley. Moderately strenuous, the hikes will last at least three hours.

Guest tour guides are being scheduled, and will be announced as their programs become available. Volunteer training for invasive plant eradication, trail construction, environmental education, and historic interpretation are being planned.

Anyone who would like to schedule a private hike for a family or group may call 744-4888 to find out available dates.

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