If you like Bluegrass Music, and I can't imagine that you don't, then Forest Fest at Jefferson Memorial Forest should be on your radar. For $1 per vehicle, not even per person, you get a day of great activities and music, including Dr. Ralph Stanley. That's a deal people, a serious deal.

Come out for a great day filled with Bluegrass Music, wood crafters and fun activities for the entire family. This free family oriented festival is set to become the premier bluegrass festival for Jefferson County.

The fourth Forest Fest will be bigger and better than ever with the addition of Bluegrass music legend, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. This year's line up also includes Stone Hollow, Dozens of Dollars, Bluegrass 101, and Kentucky Sassafras.

2008 continues the tried and true formula of honoring Fairdale's rich bluegrass tradition, highlighting new up and coming bands and introducing them to new audiences and bringing in some of the best Bluegrass musicians from around the region.

Fee: $1 per vehicle

Saturday May 17, 2008
11AM-7PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

Olmstead Parks are presenting another Saturday Walk in the Park, this time at Shawnee Park next Saturday May 17, 2008.

Be wonder-struck with nature. Grab your family and friends for a FREE fun-filled, discovery-oriented morning of walks in our historic Olmsted park!

Join us for two nature walks with flexible start times beginning at 8 a.m. at the Shawnee Park Pavilion!

Loop Walk - 1 Mile
Short, shaded walk takes you around the Great lawn - a trademark of Olmsted design.

River Walk - 2 Miles
Take and easy stroll through the beautiful park and down to the river side.

With the promise of good weather comes more opportunities to romp and frolic with your four legged friend. I can't believe I just wrote that sentence with a straight face. I am more of a crazy dog person than even I thought. Moving on.

Come out to the Forest for and evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest Staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods.

Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines.

Meets at the Horine Reservation.

Reservations are required in advance.

Fee: $5 per dog

Friday May 16, 2008
7PM-8:30PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

True story, I misspelled "Iroquois" twice before finally copying and pasting it into the title field.

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the woodlands and hill top prairie of Iroquois Park with Dennis Crowley of the KY Trails Association. Moderate hike. Tennis shoes or boots recommended.

Saturday May 10, 2008
1PM-3PM

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

Update: In woefully unpleasant news I have to tell you that Raiders of the Lost Ark won't be shown in the park. For some reason, since I wrote about this, the movie that will be shown at this event has been changed from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Goonies.

I am so excited for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull which is coming out in late May. So excited. I don't care if he's old, I don't care if fanboys hate George Lucas for "destroying Star Wars", I don't care if most of Steven Spielberg's recent movies have sucked. I care about none of that. I can about the fact that Indiana Jones kicks ass. That being said I'm pleased to tell you that you can head out to EP Tom Sawyer Park next Saturday night to watch Raiders of the Lost Arc under the stars. It's the first in what is hoped to be a series of Movie Night under the Stars and Picnic in the Park at EP Tom Sawyer State Park.

The event last from 7PM-Midnight with some other activities thrown in but the only important part is that Raiders of the Lost Arc starts at 8:45. OK fine, another important part is that the event is a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Jo Self and Bon Vivant Savant presents the first of - and hopefully many - Movie Night under the Stars and Picnic in the Park at EP Tom Sawyer State Park, Saturday, May 10 from 7:00pm-Midnight. This family fun event will feature the original Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark, which begins @ 8:45 as well inflatable jumpies, the Chick-fil-A Cow and complimentary Chick-fil-A chicken, $1 popcorn and cotton candy machines, music prior to movie and some good ole fashioned fun!

Event Line-Up:
7:00pm-8:00pm-BabyFishMouth performs
8:00pm-8:45pm Announcements and Introduction of Boy and Girl of the Year
8:45: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" begins

EP Tom Sawyer State Park offers plenty of ample parking and bathrooms. The event will be held right by the pool and main parking entrance. Coolers are welcomed but no alcohol allowe.

Admission/Donation:
Children under 12-$5
Adults-$10

ALL Money raised will go towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Raiders of the Lost Arc trailer after the jump.

How awesome is this? So very awesome. What is it? It's an intro to canoeing course at Jefferson Memorial Forest. The class is a super deal at $10 a person and all equipment is provided. All you have to do is show up in appropriate clothing with your own brown bagged lunch. Know what's not so awesome? That's this is scheduled for Derby day. The thought process behind scheduling this for Derby day requires greater logic than I possess. Thus far I haven't seen any additional classes on Jefferson Memorial's calendar so I guess I'm out of luck.

Learn the basics of equipment, paddling strokes, and rescues for canoeing. We will practice rescues, so plan on getting wet.

All equipment will be provided. Bring a sack lunch. For ages 12 and up. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This program meets at the Welcome Center.

Space is limited to 12 participants. No space will be available for individuals showing up on the day of the program. Canoe programs are subject to change of dates or venues due to water conditions and weather.

Saturday May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Reservations are required

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

Cool sounding guided walk in Cherokee Park on Saturday April 26, 2008 from 12:00PM-1:30PM.

Jerry and Portia Brown, native plant enthusiasts, will take you on an exploration of the Cherokee Park flora and learn about this unique urban natural area. Easy to moderately-easy walk on trails. Tennis shoes or boots are recommended.

Meet at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

It's not often that I get to use the word Hootenanny and that's a sure shame. Thanksfull the folks from Mighty Kindness helped me out by calling their Earth Day celebration a hootenanny. Details:

Mighty Kindness invites you to their first annual Earth Day Hootenanny on Saturday, April 19th at Willow Park in the Highlands from 12-6pm. Together with Community Farm Alliance,Rainbow Blossom, Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), Sustain Kids, and Heine Bros.Coffee,the Mighty Kindness Earth Day Hootenanny is a free celebration for the whole community featuring the Art of Earth Performance Stage, a Kid's Tent, a Free School workshop & education area. There will also be an assortment of individuals representing their organizations such as Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Campaign for a Dept. of Peace, Cultivating Connections, Amazing Grace Wholefoods, and many other Earth-friendly groups, local green businesses, alternative healers, local farmers, peace and social justice organizations.

The Art in Earth Performance Stage will feature the music of Leigh Ann Yost, Teneia Sanders, John Gage, Tamara Dearing,Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Kentucky Bootleggers, Acoustic Tomato and Fool's Crow. You can also experiencethe magical movement of the Earth Mamas Dance Co. and workshops by Salsa Rueda & Playback Theatre.

The Mighty KIDness tent will be host to Divinity Rose's "Kid's Open Stage & Storytelling", John Gage's workshop on music for the whole family, flower planting and finger knitting with the Waldorf School, face painting and other children's activities.

The Free School will be offering educational workshops on a wide variety of environmental and community interests. Some workshops and talks will be on community gardens, composting, raw foods, homemade green cleaners, mountaintop removal, eco-landscaping as well as peace & social justice interests.

There will be free gifts abound including books and give-aways from local businesses. Bring the whole family and pack a picnic for there will not be refreshments in order to keep it a "Money-Free Festivity!".

Mighty Kindness is a local community unity organization and online resource that seeks to bring together all things in our eco-region that create a circle of sustainability and contribute to our common wealth. Please visit www.mightykindness.org to find resources for local farms, community services, local green businesses, peace & social justice groups, alternative medicine and healing, spirituality, environmental organizations and meet like-minded souls in the Mighty Kind Community.

Join us in honoring the Earth on Saturday, April 19th at Willow Park. Come enjoy inspiring local performers, witness the wonder of our mighty kids being educated and entertained, discover Community services that you never knew existed, find out about products provided by your neighbors that are good for you and eco-friendly, and meet local farmers & get fresh produce delivered to your door. Come hobknob with the heart of our commonwealth - where earth-advocates, peaceful warriors, union members, social justice workers, eco-conscious business people, artists, healers, dreamers, heroes & heroines all come together to create a community with vision, beauty, wholeness, and a healthy respect for our beloved Earth!

If I can tear myself away from the Bardstown Road Farmers Market this "morning of walks" sounds like an absolutely fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning.

Be wonder-struck with nature. Grab your family and friends for a FREE fun-filled, discovery-oriented morning of walks in our historic Olmsted park!

Join us for three nature walks with flexible times beginning at 8 a.m. in Willow Park and continuing to Cherokee Park.

Wildflower Walk - 1 mile
Short, shaded walk takes you through Wildflower Woods and back to Willow Park.

Baringer Walk - 2 miles
Moderate, rolling course takes you around Baringer Pavilion, down to Baringer Spring and back to the start.

Loop Walk - 3 Miles
Hilly yet stoller-friendly course circles around the entire Scenic Loop.

For more information, call 502-456-8125 or email info@olmstedparks.org

Saturday April 19, 2008
8AM-11:30AM

Hopefully by the time Friday April 18, 2008 rolls around this rain will have moved out and we can actually enjoy some outdoor events like hiking with your dog under the moonlight out at Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Come out to the Forest for an evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods.

Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines.

Meets at the Horine Reservation.

Reservations are required in advance.

Fee: $5 per dog
April 18, 2008
7PM-8:30PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

With Spring having finally sprung it's time for you to get out and explore some of the great nature experiences our city offers. So I offer up for consideration Explore the Field at Iroquois Park this Saturday April 12, 2008 from 12:30PM-2:30PM.

Delve into the tall grasses on Summit Field atop Iroquois Park to learn more about the flora and fauna within this hill top prairie. Olmsted Parks Conservacy's Restoration Manager David Fothergill will lead the exploration. Easy to moderately-easy walk on trails. Tennis shoes or boots are recommended.

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

Next Saturday April 5, 2008 from 10AM to Noon there is a free guided, educational tour of a Beargrass Creek area trail in Cherokee Park.

Environmentalists David Word and Ben Wolff will guide you on a trail adjacent to Beargrass Creek in Cherokee Park to learn more about stream ecology, aquatic insects, water quality assessment techniques and what we can do to improve water quality in our community. Easy to moderately-easy walk on trails. Tennis shoes or boots are recommended.

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

You know I love me some Jefferson Memorial Forest. One of the things I love it about it is that it's in such great shape, so well cared for and so litter free. Next Saturday March 29, 2008 is your chance to volunteer to keep it that way.

The Commonwealth Cleanup at Jefferson Memorial Forest will be held on Saturday, March 29^th from 9 a.m.- Noon. This event is part of the Metro Community-wide Clean-up organized by Brightside. We will be focusing on trash pickup and tire removal from these three areas of the Forest: Scott's Gap, Bearcamp Road, and Jefferson Hill. Meet at 9am at the Tom Wallace parking lot (across from the Welcome Center at 11311 Mitchell Hill Road). We will shuttle individuals using our Park's Van to work locations. Water, gloves and bags will be provided. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes and clothing that can get dirty.

To register to volunteer, call the Welcome Center at 502-368-5404

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118

Yeah, I'm square, I think kites are cool. Sue me.

April is National Kite Month and we here at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park want to kick it off right, so on March 29th we will again be hosting our annual Kite Day.

There will be a "Fun Fly" where you can show off your own kite flying skills and there will also be other various kite-centered contests and a professional kite-flying demonstration.

There is no cost for this event and the first 40 participants will receive a free kite.

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Noon-3PM

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, KY 40241

Saturday March 22, 2008 the Easter bunny will bringing it to E.P. Tom Sawyer Park and by "it" I mean over 10,000 freaking Easter eggs.

The Easter bunny will make an appearance around 12:30 p.m. 

Over 10,000 candy filled eggs will be hidden for children ages 1 to 10 years old.

Sections will be divided up for each age group, with 2,500 eggs in each section. Prize eggs will have a ticket inside which can be redeemed for one of several different prizes. 

The egg hunt will begin at 1 p.m. for 2 years of age and under; 1:10 p.m. for 3-4 year olds; 1:20 for 5-7 year olds; and 1:30 for the 8-10 year olds.

This is a fun free event for the entire family.

I wish I'd found out about this group walk in Cherokee Park a bit earlier. I already have plans for but if I didn't this would be an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy Botanist Patricia Haragan and Woodlands Restoration Team Member Andrew Oost will take you on an exploration of the Cherokee Park flora and learn about this unique urban natural area. Easy to moderately-easy walk on trails. Tennis shoes or boots are recommended.

Space is limited so register early by calling Sarah Wolff at 502/432-2677 or e-mail Sarah at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org.

Saturday March 8, 2008
10AM-Noon
Meet at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park

Continuing their theme of "very cool things for kids to do in nature" Jefferson Memorial Forest is presenting Pre-School Nature Adventures: A Walk in the Night Forest on Friday March 14, 2008 from 7:00PM-9:30PM.

Nighttime is an incredible time to explore the forest. Nocturnal animals become active. It is a time when your own senses become heightened as well. This program offers fun activities that demonstrate how nocturnal animals use their special adaptations for nighttime survival. For parents and children ages 5 and up. Meets in the Horine Reservation. Reservations are required in advance. Fee: $5

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

Tuesday March 4, 2008 is your opportunity to provide your input on the Metro Parks Floyd's Fork Greenway project.

Metro Parks and 21st Century Parks invites the public to attend the third in a series of input meetings for the Floyd's Fork Greenway project. Attendees will be able to review and offer input to the draft master plan for parks and trails along Floyd's Fork. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a presentation to follow. Those who are interested can also offer input online, after March 4, at 21CPARKS.ORG.

As part of the City of Parks initiative, the Floyd's Fork Greenway Project will encompass a system of parks, trails and open spaces following Floyds Fork from Shelbyville Road to Bardstown Road.

Christian Academy Auditorium
700 South English Station Road
Louisville, KY

Tuesday March 4, 2008
6:00-8:30PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest has an abundance of affordable, kid friendly outdoor adventures scheduled this spring including Spring Awakenings on Saturday March 8, 2008 from 9:30AM-11:30AM.

Bring your little ones out to explore the wonder and beauty of nature as spring appears. We'll listen and look for signs of the forest waking up after the long winter. Includes a short hike where you will discover and meet some of the animals that call the Forest home.

There will be a story-time with crafts and snacks.

This program is for parents and their children ages 3 to 5. Meets at the Horine Reservation.

Reservations are required in advance.
Fee: $8

In case you miss this session March 8 there is a second session scheduled for Tuesday March 11, 2008 also from 9:30AM-11:30AM.

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

Next Saturday March 1, 2008 there's another Outdoor Skills class at Jefferson Memorial Forest. This one focuses on campfire cooking.

Learn how to be a campfire gourmet. Our staff will share tips and recipes, ideal for cooking great meals in the outdoors. All food and materials will be provided. Families welcome; an adult must accompany all children.

Sign up early because space is limited. Meets at the entrance to the Environmental Education Center.

Reservations are required in advance.

Fee: $10 per person

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

I've mentioned it before but it's time to mention it again. Every first and third Saturday from 9AM-Noon the Olmsted Park Conservancy welcomes volunteers to Cherokee Park.

Restoring health to woodlands, ponds, meadows and other natural areas takes a lot of hands-on efforts. Through the Park Champions program, you can volunteer to root out invasive plants, rebuild trails, and restore native plant communities. It's a great way to learn about the environment, make new friends, get some exercise, and have fun-all while making the parks a more beautiful place to be. Questions about the program can be directed to Sarah Wolff, Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy's Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator (sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org) or by calling 432-2677.

Meet at the Chauffeur's Rest parking lot on Barrett Hill Road, between Sulgrave & Gray Fox Roads near the tennis courts.

Visit www.olmstedparks.org for more information.

Olmstead Parks also has opportunities for volunteering at Iroquois and Shawnee parks. Complete schedule of 2008 volunteer dates after the jump.

Seeing as I'm such a fan of spending time at Jefferson Memorial Forest it shouldn't surprise you that I think the Valentine's event at Jefferson Memorial Forest sounds absolutely fantastic and you should make your reservation for it right now.

Looking for something romantic to do with your sweetheart this year? Why not give them the moon, the stars, and all of Louisville? Join our staff for a romantic, candlelit hike through the Forest that ends with an incredible view of the lights of Louisville. The hike's destination is the Forest's beautiful Manor House, where you'll be greeted by a roaring fire to warm you up, hot beverages and desserts provided by local bakeries.

Meets in the Horine Reservation. Fee: $20 per couple.

Reservations must be made by Monday, February 11, 2008.

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

Candlelit hiking through the forest? Roaring fire with hot beverages and desserts waiting for you when the hike is done? Come on, you just can't beat that. And it's only $20 per couple? That's an absolute steal. Quick, quick you should already have your reservations by now.

Saturday February 2, 2008 bundle up for some winter fun in the great outdoors at Jefferson Memorial Forest and learn some useful skills while you're at it.

Get lost...then learn the skills that will help you find your way back to your campsite! Our staff will show you the basics of orienteering and planning a path that will get you to your destination.

A great activity for parents and kids ages 10 and up. Please dress for the weather.

Meets in the Horine parking lot.

Reservations are required in advance.

February 2, 2008
9:00AM-12:30PM
Fee: $5 per person

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

The worst thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Getting there. Be warned. If you’re not careful Google Maps will give you bad directions that force you first to trespass onto some scary guy’s compound in the woods. See the end of this post for general directions. The best thing about hiking at Jefferson Memorial Forest? Everything else.

With over 35 miles of hiking trails that range from easy paved ones to strenuous hilly paths deep in the forest, a lake, camping and picnic sites, bird watching facilities and more Jefferson Memorial Forest is a dream come true for outdoor lovers of all varieties. I’m not the camping type and I don’t like fishing but I’m totally in love with hiking. So last week I headed out, tiny dog in tow, to give the trails at Jefferson Memorial a look.

It's the first part of the month. That means it's time for another reminder about volunteering with the Park Champions program.

Be a Park Champion!

Spend one day a year or a few hours each month taking part in our volunteer program. Park Champions meet on a regular schedule.

Restoring health to woodlands, ponds, meadows and other natural areas takes a lot of hands-on efforts. Through the Park Champions program, you can volunteer to root out invasive plants, rebuild trails, and restore native plant communities. It's a great way to learn about the environment, make new friends, get some exercise, and have fun-all while making the parks a more beautiful place to be. Questions about the program can be directed to Sarah Wolff, Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy's Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator (sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org) or by calling 432-2677.

Meet at the Chauffeur's Rest parking lot on Barrett Hill Road, between Sulgrave & Gray Fox Roads near the tennis courts.

Visit www.olmstedparks.org for more information.

Your next opportunity for volunteering is Saturday January 5, 2008 9AM-Noon

Nothing gets the blood pumping like a nice hike in the forest on a brisk morning. If you've set a resolution for losing weight/getting healthier/ adding more fun physical activity like this into your life is a really good place to start.

Learn the story of how the Forest came into existence as well as some of the history behind the names associated with the Forest. Program includes tours of our two most known structures.

Group meets at the Horine Conference Center.

Reservations are required in advance.

Saturday January 5, 2008 9AM-12:30PM
Fee: $5 per person

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502-368-5404
forest@louisvilleky.gov

I'm totally going to be a bird watcher when I get older.

New in 2008!

Be a part of the F-Boss's! Fly by Our Seats Seniors

We have expanded our program beyond the Forest. You will learn how to identify birds by the way they look and the way they sound as you visit some of the best bird viewing sites around Jefferson County.

Each program is guided by a Forest naturalist and consists of transportation to the various sites, and some short easy hikes. Lunch at local eateries at your own cost.

Participants can meet at the Forest Welcome Center or at Hays Kendnedy Park.

Reservations are required in advance.
Free

Monday January 8, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

You've got just over a week to finish your Christmas shopping. Is your list is still way too long? Are you starting to stress about it a little bit? Relax, take a step back. Hit your favorite swanky bar and order a Good Night, Irene because Metro Parks has gathered up some Holiday Gift Ideas to help you out. The suggested gifts will not only shorten your shopping list but will also allow you to give gifts that help your friends and family get more involved in the activities our great Metro Parks system afford us.


Gift ideas include golf passes, Metro Art Classes gift certificates, campground season passes, swimming pool memberships, park and museum stores gift certificates and more. There are some really good suggestions so check it out.