Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory Reservation Information Guide

Background

Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory is a 1,700 acre natural area managed by Eastern Kentucky University.  It is located in Garrard and Rockcastle Counties approximately 22 miles southwest of Richmond and the University campus.   This part of Kentucky is known as the Knobs region.  The setting is a hilly landscape covered by second growth oak-hickory and pine forests.  As a Kentucky Natural Area, all native wildlife and their habitats are protected.  Development and human activities are confined to specified areas. Remember to take home pleasant memories and most importantly, use your sense of wonder while discovering our natural world.

Facilities

Most activities are centered around Maywoods Lodge at the edge of Edmiston Lake.  The lodge has a large, central meeting/dining room, large deck with fireplace and gas grill, full commercial kitchen, overnight lodging in the two dorm spaces (which can accommodate up to 40 people), restrooms (1 ADA accessible), and showers.  Some audio-visual equipment for presentations and instruction is available at the lodge.  In addition there is some educational and recreational equipment available for loan.

Five interpretive nature trails have been constructed by the lake and in the forest for hiking and instruction.  There is also a fire circle, an outdoor amphitheater for programs and recreation, an outdoor pavilion with restrooms and sinks (open seasonally), and a playing field. 

Edmiston Lake and hiking trails are available to the public for day use. Fishing is permitted from April 1 through October 31 during daylight hours.  Persons fishing must obtain a creel card, have a valid fishing license, and follow posted rules.  Swimming and pleasure boating are prohibited. Staff from the Division of Natural Areas are available on a limited basis to lead activities for groups for a fee.  If you are interested in these types of activities or recreational equipment, specify in the reservation request any group activities, equipment, or educational programming you would like more information about.

Reservations and Usage

Each group that visits Maywoods has its own unique goals and objectives.  All indoor and outdoor activities must be reserved through the Division of Natural Areas at Eastern Kentucky University.  Reservations are approved on a first-come-first-served basis.  Overnight use of Maywoods Lodge is limited to 40 people.  

Inquiries for reservations can be made by contacting Eastern Kentucky University Division of Natural Areas at 859-622-1476 or email naturalareas.eku.edu.  The following information is required when requesting a reservation:

• Event type and purpose
• Description of event
• Date(s) and time needed
• Which facilities are needed (i.e. Lodge, bunkhouse, outdoor pavilion, amphitheater)
• Expected number of participants (specify if minors will be in the group). NOTE: If your group is composed of children, arrange for chaperones; one adult per 10 young people is suggested.
• Any special requests (i.e. educational programming, tech setup, etc.)
• Primary point of contact name, mobile phone number, and email address

After the tentative reservation date is made, the group’s contact person will receive an email from EKU’s Conference and Events Department to review the reservation contract and price quote for the reservation fee.

Fee Schedule 

Fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the director, Division of Natural Areas, depending on existing partnerships, service projects, or other reasons.

Daily Facility Usage Fees	EKU  Groups	EKU Auxiliary/ External Groups	K-12 School Groups (Day)
Lodge and outdoor facilities*	No cost	$100	$100
Outdoor facilities only	No cost	$40	$40
Overnight**	No cost	$8.00/person	n/a

* Outdoor facilities include pavilion with restrooms, amphitheater, fire circle, trails, and grounds

** Overnight use of Maywoods Lodge is limited to 40 people.

Health, Safety and Supervision for Visiting Groups

Maywoods does not supply emergency medical care for groups.  You are responsible for and should be prepared to provide your own emergency care and first aid — including equipment, supplies and emergency transportation.   We encourage you to have a completed medical form for each member of your group.  If your organization does not have a standard form, many examples can be found online.  

Maywoods Policies and Procedures

Maywoods is very proud to serve you. We are equally proud of our facilities and ask that you help maintain them by following these rules: 

1. Respect the natural beauty of the property by using trash containers and recycling bins, by not disturbing plant or animal life, and by walking only on marked trails. 
2. Pets are not allowed on Maywoods property.
3. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances/illegal drugs is prohibited on the property. 
4. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Maywoods property.
5. Smoking is not permitted on Maywoods property.   
6. All vehicles should be parked in the gravel lot behind the Lodge. 
7. Fires are permitted in designated fire pit and Lodge fireplaces only.  Please make sure fires are extinguished and cold before leaving the area.  Firewood is provided. 
8. To enjoy a rodent-free stay, we ask that you prohibit food and drinks in the dorm space. 
9. Quiet time begins at 12:00 a.m.  Please respect others. 
10. A basic first aid kit is available at the lodge.  Please bring a portable first aid kit for use on the trails.  Health and accident insurance is the contracting group’s responsibility.  Ticks and Poison Ivy are common at Maywoods, so please take appropriate precautions and add tweezers and hydrocortisone cream to your first aid kits.
11. Please help us conserve energy by turning off lights and heat, and closing doors when leaving buildings. 
12. Misuse of facilities resulting in damage or loss to property will result in a non-refund of security deposit.  
13. A phone is available in the lodge office for emergency use. 

Self Cook Guidelines and Kitchen Use Policy

The kitchen is stocked with basic cooking equipment and utensils (see the list below) but it is not supplied with foodstuffs.  Consequently, all groups need to bring any foods, drinks and condiments that they plan to use during their stay.  There are no vending machines on site.

Cooking Supplies Available for Group Use

Suggested Group Provided Items

Kitchen Use

All groups using the kitchen will observe the strictest rules of sanitation.  The kitchen should be left in such a condition that the next group using the facility may do so without cleaning and rearranging.  Please maintain the same high standards maintained by the health department with respect to commercial food establishments.   

1. All pots, pans, dishes, glasses, utensils, etc., must be washed, dried and put away.
2. Garbage is to be placed in the kitchen trash can and, when filled, placed in the garbage building outside. The kitchen trash can is to be lined with a plastic liner at all times. 
3. Due to the potential risk from high voltage and/or fires, the use of the grill should be attempted by experienced persons only. 
4. Cabinets, stove, grill and all surface areas should be wiped clean.
5. Sweep and mop the kitchen floor thoroughly. 
6. Empty water bucket and hang brooms and mops in the utility closet.  
7. No prepared foods or opened food containers are to be left on the premises.
8. Any equipment that does not function properly should be reported. 

What to Bring for Overnight visits

Directions to Maywoods

From Richmond, KY: 

• Travel South on Rte. 52 (Lancaster Road), through Paint Lick, KY, 
• Turn Left onto Rte. 954, approximately 3.6 miles beyond Paint Lick, KY, 
• Travel approximately 2.8 miles, 
• Turn Right onto Rte. 3246 (Fall Lick Road – this is a curvy road!), 
• Travel approximately 5.2 miles, 
• Turn Left onto Maywoods Road
• Pass through the gate and continue up the gravel drive to the lodge, 
• Park in the lot in front of the lodge

From Berea, KY: 

• Travel West on Rte. 21, 
• Travel approximately 2.4 miles from the I-75 exit, 
• Turn Left onto Rte.954 (Cartersville Road), 
• Travel approximately 5.0 miles, 
• Turn Left onto Rte. 3246 (Fall Lick Road – this is a curvy road!), 
• Travel approximately 5.2 miles, 
• Turn left onto Maywoods Road, 
• Pass through the gate and continue up the gravel drive to the lodge, 
• Park in the lot in front of the lodge. 

From Lancaster, KY: 

• Travel North on Rte. 52, approximately 8.2 miles 
• Turn Right onto Rte. 954, 
• Travel approximately 2.8 miles
• Turn Right onto Rte. 3246 (Fall Lick Road – this is a curvy road!),
• Travel approximately 5.2 miles, 
• Turn Left onto Maywoods Road, 
• Pass through the gate and continue up the gravel drive to the lodge
• Park in the lot in front of the lodge.