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Division of Natural Areas

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Division of Natural Areas

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Explore the Natural Beauty of Our Region

Become a part of the conservation and preservation of our natural world

Established in the fall of 2002, Eastern Kentucky’s Center for Environmental Education has been actively engaged to achieve the following goals:

  • Provide environmental education training to formal and nonformal educators at a local and regional level
  • Develop and implement environmental programs and curriculum
    Coordinate activities and services with other institutions of higher learning
  • Assist the community in understanding environmental issues
    Conduct and evaluate research in environmental education
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Center for Environmental Education Degrees & Certificates

Why Study Environmental Science & Environmental Education?

Many students are drawn to environmental studies because they love nature. This course of study allows you to study nature through a scientific lens while personalizing your degree from EKU.

EKU is fortunate to be located in and serve a region of Kentucky with exceptional natural beauty. As part of our commitment to conservation, land preservation, environmental education, and research, the Division protects and manages four natural areas: Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station in Letcher County, Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory in Garrard and Rockcastle counties, Taylor Fork Ecological Area in Madison County, and Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory in Madison County. As a unit, these Natural Areas function as a continuum of natural habitats found in the Commonwealth and cover more than 2,300 acres.

University classes and organizations, community groups, and the public are welcome to use the Natural Areas for a variety of purposes, depending on the site. These uses may include meetings, seminars, workshops, overnight stays, wildlife viewing, hiking, nature photography, and fishing.

Policies related to hiking, pets, and open hours vary among the four EKU Natural Areas- check specific information about each site. 

The Center for Outdoor Education and Research was established in 2022 by Eastern Kentucky University as an innovation to allow collaboration across multiple colleges and units. The center leverages the natural and cultural capital of EKU’s Natural Areas, agricultural lands, and other outdoor venues with the goal of increasing opportunities for students, faculty, the Richmond community and beyond.

The Center uniquely positions EKU as a leader of academic pursuits in outdoor education and strongly contributes to transforming higher education in the state and to boosting the economic growth of eastern Kentucky by:

  • Fostering cross-college, interdisciplinary collaboration for outdoor education, recreation, and research with emphasis on natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources, the environment, public safety, and outdoor recreation
  • Developing partnerships with state, federal, and non-governmental organizations and other external agencies
  • Securing external funds to support education, research, internships, and infrastructure
  • Recruiting current EKU students through new interdisciplinary certificate programs and internship opportunities
  • Offering high-demand fields of training such as wilderness first aid, GIS, environmental education, environmental science, and natural resource management

Natural Areas & Environmental Field Stations

Located in Letcher County in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, Lilley Cornett Woods encompasses 554 acres of mixed mesophytic forest. A portion of the total acreage, 252 acres, is designated as “old-growth” forest; a forest which has not undergone any man-made changes in 150 years.

Biodiversity of plants and animals abound at Lilley Cornett Woods. There are over 530 species of flowering plants and an estimated 700 breeding pairs of birds present. In addition, a variety of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles call Lilley Cornett Woods home.

Visitor Center Hours
April 1 – October 31: Open daily (8:30 am – 5 pm)
November 1 – March 31: by appointment only

Pets are not allowed on Lilley Cornett Woods property.

Hiking and Trail Information
There are three designated trails at Lilley Cornett Woods. The Wetlands Trail, located behind the Visitor Center, is open to the public, while access to the two old growth trails is by guided tours only. For the guided tours, hikers may choose between the Short Trail (~2 hour guided tour) and the Long Trail (~4 hour guided tour). Tours are available during Visitor Center hours on a first come, first serve basis. Calling ahead to schedule a tour is recommended. For groups and classes, contact the manager in advance to schedule a guided hike or tour. Find more information about requesting a reservation to use any facilities in the Lilley Cornett Woods Reservation Information Guide. 

Facilities at Lilley Cornett Woods

  • Visitor Welcome Center 
  • 1700 sq ft Research and Learning Center available for academic use with a wet lab classroom that has seating for 24 and a dry lab classroom with facilities for 12. The center is available for classes, meetings, and research. 
  • Overnight bunkhouse with sleeping accommodations for 10.
  • Researcher Studio Apartment that will accommodate 1-2 people
  • Wireless internet service in visitor center, bunkhouse, and research center
  • Outdoor pavillion

Contact Information
Curtis Cox, Manager
Lilley Cornett Woods
91 Lilley Cornett Branch
Hallie, Kentucky 41821
606-633-5828

A 1,700 acre natural area and wildlife refuge nestled in the Knobs Region of Kentucky, Maywoods is located 22 miles southwest of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Richmond campus and straddles parts of Garrard and Rockcastle Counties. As EKU’s Environmental and Research Laboratory, the facility provides research opportunities for the University’s students and faculty, as well as environmental educational opportunities for the greater University community, surrounding county schools, and community groups.

Download the Trail Map

Facilities at Maywoods include:

  • 5 self-guided hiking trails under 1 mile, plus a 4.2 mile self-guided hiking trail.
  • A lodge with semi-private dormitory accommodations for 40, a central meeting room and fully equipped kitchen
  • Wireless internet service in lodge
  • Outdoor classroom shelter
  • Amphitheater
  • Lake Edmiston (Fishing permitted from the shore; April 1 to October 31. Valid fishing license required. Fishing regulations posted on site)

For more information on making a reservation at Maywoods, refer to the Maywoods Reservation Information Guide 

Hours:

  • Open to the public from dawn to dusk every day for hiking and fishing (Apr 1-Oct 31)
  • The entrance gate to Maywoods is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily from April 1st to October 31st.

NOTE: If the gate is closed or you plan to stay after 5pm, visitors must park outside the gate (do not block the gate!) in the gravel area to the left of the gate or along the shoulder of the road and walk into Maywoods.

  • Pets are not allowed on Maywoods property.
  • Fishing permitted from the shore April 1 to October 31. Valid fishing license required. Fishing regulations posted on site.

For Teachers & Environmental Educators:

To provide all teachers and environmental educators resources to enhance their group’s experience at Maywoods, the Division of Natural Areas has a Reservation Guide to assist in the planning process and educational activity kits may also be available. The Reservation Guide is designed to help all group leaders have a successful and enjoyable outdoor environmental educational experience with their group at Maywoods.

  • Activity Kits are available for teachers and other environmental/outdoor education leaders to use during their Maywoods visit. 
  • Each kit is designed to explore one of Maywoods ecosystems.
  • Email Kelly Watson, Director of the Center For Science & Environmental Education, to request education programing or activity kits for your group.
Download The Leader’s Manual

Contact Information
Homer Strong, Manager
Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory
447 Maywoods Road
Crab Orchard, KY 40419
859-925-2274

Taylor Fork Ecological Area is an active ecological restoration site of 150 acres near EKU’s main campus in Richmond. The  landscape includes early successional grassland, woodland, canebrakes, and old pastureland. Developed as a site for learning, research, and restoration, Taylor Fork Ecological Area was initially developed  by students in EKU’s Wildlife Management Program. Intensive management activities and opportunities for ecological manipulation make this a premiere training ground for students. The site also hosts The American Chestnut Kentucky Regional Seed Orchard managed by The Kentucky Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation.

Trails of Taylor Fork Ecological Area and South Campus Google Map of Trails
  • Hours: Open to the public every day from dawn to dusk
  • Pets must be on leash and pet owners must clean up pet waste

Financial support for the project was provided by the following organizations:

  • Bluegrass PRIDE
  • Sheltowee Environmental Education Coalition
  • USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • Eastern Kentucky University

Contact Information
Dr. David Brown:
david.brown@eku.edu
Office: Science Building 4229
859-622-2283

Established in 2023, Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory is a ten-acre property located adjacent to the Richmond campus. This urban Natural Area offers a unique blend of innovative land management, community involvement, and student education while honoring the commitment of EKU Division of Natural Areas  to enhancing environmental quality and creating accessible green spaces for the campus and community. The Cardinal Lane area is open sunrise to sunset to the community to enjoy walking trails, community green space, a community vegetable garden, and a pollinator garden. 

Students are actively involved in the natural resource management at Cardinal Lane, including the removal of invasive species, improving plant diversity and water quality, managing the urban forest, and implementing a variety of restoration projects. This site aims to enhance food security on campus and in the local community, serve as educational tools, and offers opportunities for hands-on experience in gardening and native plant cultivation. 

Future plans include establishing a native tree nursery and a fruit tree orchard, developing a nature playscape, using the gardens to provide fresh produce to Colonel’s Cupboard, and transforming Cardinal Lane into an outdoor classroom for EKU students. This urban field site will serve as a living laboratory, providing students with hands-on experience in community leadership, agroforestry, permaculture, and environmental education.

Policies and Hours:

  • Hours: Open to the public every day from dawn to dusk
  • Pets must be on leash and pet owners must clean up pet waste
  • Park at the end of the road in the gravel lot on the left
  • Respect the privacy of neighbors by enjoying the area quietly
Map of Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory

Contact Information
Dr. Kelly Watson:
kelly.watson@eku.edu
Office: Science Building 3107
859-622-1419

The Center for Outdoor Education & Research

The Center for Outdoor Education and Research was established in 2022 by Eastern Kentucky University as an innovation to allow collaboration across multiple colleges and units. The center leverages the natural and cultural capital of EKU’s Natural Areas, agricultural lands, and other outdoor venues with the goal of increasing opportunities for students, faculty, the Richmond community and beyond.

The Center uniquely positions EKU as a leader of academic pursuits in outdoor education and strongly contributes to transforming higher education in the state and to boosting the economic growth of eastern Kentucky by:

  • Fostering cross-college, interdisciplinary collaboration for outdoor education, recreation, and research with emphasis on natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources, the environment, public safety, and outdoor recreation
  • Developing partnerships with state, federal, and non-governmental organizations and other external agencies
  • Securing external funds to support education, research, internships, and infrastructure
  • Recruiting current EKU students through new interdisciplinary certificate programs and internship opportunities
  • Offering high-demand fields of training such as wilderness first aid, GIS, environmental education, environmental science, and natural resource management

Student Stories & Features

  • Hannah Murphy

    EKU Animal and Veterinary Studies Graduate
    I have gained confidence in myself and knowledge through learning for my degree. I wasn’t sure if I was going down the right degree pathway but now I cannot wait to begin a future with the job opportunities my degree will give me!

  • Madeline Bentsen

    EKU Forensic Science Graduate
    The faculty was tough and fair, they wanted me to succeed and they pushed me to think critically and logically. However, they were very understanding and cared deeply for their students. They helped to prepare me for the field of forensics and helped me strengthen my weaknesses.

  • Brad Rich

    EKU Forensic Science Graduate
    The thing that I feel like many people, including myself, find surprising about the program is how encompassing it is. It’s not all chemistry or biology but also public speaking and critical thinking incorporated with mock trial and capstone that truly prepare you for the field of forensic science. After graduating I realized just how well I was prepared by the faculty in my program, making the transition from education to career seamless.

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News & Updates

A Day in the Life of Graduate Assistant Joshua Castle

While graduate student Joshua Castle may have taken a non-traditional route to pursue his education, he’s now living out his passions studying wildlife biology and working for EKU’s Taylor Fork Ecological Area.  “When Josh stopped by my office to inquire about working at Taylor Fork, it was obvious that he was on a mission,” said […]

EKU College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Congratulates Fall 2024 Graduates

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduates of Eastern Kentucky University! EKU proudly celebrated over 1,300 students during the commencement ceremonies held on December 5 and 6, 2024, at the EKU Center for the Arts. This milestone honors the hard work and accomplishments of the remarkable graduates from all of EKU’s academic colleges. Family, friends, faculty, staff, […]

Roping in Rescues, Serving Eastern Kentucky

Hikers in Red River Gorge might not realize that one wrong step could plunge them off a 200-foot cliff hidden by the undergrowth. When accidents like that happen, John May, ’92, and his Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team quickly respond to assist injured hikers, stranded climbers and people trapped by high water who may […]

Contact Information

Division of Natural Areas

521 Lancaster Ave
3106 New Science Building
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1476
Fax: 859-622-8068
naturalareas@eku.edu

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