Northern Kentucky Sierra Club

Northern Kentucky Sierra Club's Monday October 28 general meeting will feature a presentation about local birds by AJ Vander Ende. AJ is a local resident in South Kenton County who's very interested in and enthusiastic about birds. She monitors an established bluebird trail of nest boxes on her property which house both Eastern bluebirds and Tree swallows, and also collects data from other nests she sees like a returning pair of Eastern Phoebes, and the American robins under her deck. AJ will tell us about some of the local birds that stop by her feeders, nest box designs, and where she reports her nest data. She will bring her many photos and stories, and she will welcome audience questions.

This meeting will be in the Truist Conference Room at Kenton County's Main Library in downtown Covington at the corner of 5th and Scott. There is free parking in the surface lot just south of the library off Scott. The meeting will start at 6:30 with a few announcements, then AJ's presentation will begin shortly after that. We reserved the room 6-8pm, so feel welcome to arrive early and socialize with other attendees or wander the library.

We’ll cover most of the unpaved trails in the park, around 3 miles mostly in woods, including 2 trails blazed many years ago by Northern KY Sierra Club. There's a wood bridge over an intermittent stream and a section of trail along fenced pastures where a bison herd can usually be seen. Expect a few 100'+ ups and downs along the trail!

Coralberry Trail is still closed, so we'll replace that portion of our usual winter hike with Big Bone Creek Trail with commentary by park naturalist Claire.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/listing_documents/b51b3c9fa7da2fefc032445956fc49b0_BigBoneLickLakeClosed.pdf

RSVP by 5pm Fri Dec 6. Giving a phone number is helpful in case of last-minute problems. Expect notification by 8am Sat if postponed or cancelled. We will not cancel for moderate cold or already fallen snow.

What To Bring: Long sleeves and pants, sturdy shoes with good treads are recommended. Walking stick if desired, since trails can be muddy, slippery or tricky. Bring your own liquid and snacks. If weather is very cold, wear layered clothes, gloves, hat and scarf.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany and sign a waiver for minors 12 or under. Parent or guardian must sign a waiver for unaccompanied minors at least 13. All must sign that they have read and agree to Sierra Club’s liability waiver and acknowledgement of self-risk – please read in advance:

https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce/bluegrass-group/Waiver%20JAN%202020.pdf

Restrooms in the museum will be available before and after the hike, but we will hike more than an hour away from restrooms. Dogs are allowed but only on-leash and if not disruptive or threatening to others.

Location: 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091. Park entrance is 15-20 minutes west of I-71 / 75 exit # 175 on KY-338. Going west from 71 / 75 this route changes streets a couple times, so follow the 338 signs. Eventually descend into a big valley where cell service wanes. Look for the park entrance on the left. Turn in, cross a concrete bridge, then wind around a big bend to reach a 4-way stop below a big hill. Turn right. Drive to the parking lot near the museum. Park phone: 859-384-3522.

Level: Moderate

Cost: None

We’ll hike all the trails, about 3.1 miles in 2.5 hours or more, walking at a varying pace thru woods and fields, up hills and down into valleys with small streams. Expect multiple climbs & descents upto 200’. Atop some hills will be nice photo-ops. Beginners are welcome!

This is a 213-acre nature preserve in SE Kenton County just west of the Licking River. For more info and a trail map to print or copy to your smartphone, visit Northern KY Sierra Club's online Hiking Guide:

http://www.sierraclub.org/cumberland/northern-kentucky/tristate-hiking-guide

Expect a message here by 8am Sat 12/27 if this event gets cancelled.

Wear shoes with grippy soles since the dirt trails might be wet, muddy or slippery. Bring your own liquid and snacks. For COVID safety, expect to maintain social distance while walking. Participants will not be screened for vaccination status. Dogs are not allowed.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany and sign a waiver for minors 12 or under. Parent or guardian must sign a waiver for unaccompanied minors at least 13. All must sign that they have read and agree to Sierra Club’s liability waiver and acknowledgement of self-risk – please read in advance:

https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce/bluegrass-group/Waiver%20JAN%202020.pdf

Location: 15168 Decoursey Pike (KY-177), Morning View KY 40163. This is a new nature preserve about 1/2 mile south on Decoursey Pike (KY-177) from the KY-14 intersection where the Morning View Post Office is. Look for the gravel parking lot with 2 entrances on the WEST side of 177 - Decoursey Pike, opposite side of road from the railroad track. Park in the lot facing a wood fence with a restored black barn behind it.

Leader: John Robbins - 859.363.0376 (voice or text) - john@johnfrobbins.com