KAEE 2024 Conference

This is a casual guided hike of approximately 3 miles to explore a valley in the Daniel Boone National Forest that is in the process of being (re)shaped by beavers. Participants will learn about Kentucky Heartwood's forest advocacy work in the context of the surrounding ecosystem. A wide range of topics may be discussed, from forest management and logging to medicinal plants and tree ID, and of course, beavers!

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Carpooling from the Conference Site will be an option.
• Hike meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nMhNAx6suGwXYYoD6

Visit two cultural gems in Rowan and Elliot Counties. First, we'll travel to the Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center in Elliot County. There, we'll be greeted by staff member, Jake Harper, and learn a little more about this unique site. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore the cultural history museum and view beautiful scenery along an 1/8th mile, handicap accessible trail.

Next, we'll stop at the Home for Wayward Babydolls, featured in Kentucky Life, Spirit of the Bluegrass, and Amazon Prime Video. Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Rowan County, the Home is the private residence Bet & Cecil Ison, who have created a truly unique sanctuary for discarded babydolls, toys, and other objects. You'll tour the "Dollseum" and view handcrafted quilts and outsider art created by Bet and Cecil. This is a rare opportunity to tour two of Kentucky's hidden gems.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Meet at MSU ADUC Parking Lot at 8:45 am for carpooling and travel at 9 am - Parking is limited at the site

During the Late Ordovician(~450 Ma) warm, broad, shallow seas covered Kentucky as well as most of the continent, depositing carbonate sediments similar to those seen in the Bahamas today. Water depth in this epicontinental sea ranged from 20-40 m (65-130 ft). The Late Ordovician fossil record shows that marine communities were abundant, well-established and highly diverse. Although dominated by bryozoans, brachiopods, and crinoids, other fossils included gastropods, trilobites, bivalves, cephalopods (nautiloids), corals, red and green algae, sponges, and stromatoporoids (sclerosponges). The exposure at “Slate Valley” in Bath County provides an opportunity to collect brachiopods (Kentucky’s state fossil!) and other examples of this diverse fauna. Join us as we explore the ancient seas and collect fossils along the way. Rock hammers are welcome and a limited number will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Hard Hats and high-visibility vests will be provided.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Meet at the parking area on the north side of the intersection of KY-111/Wyoming Road and Waterdell Rd. in Bath Co., KY; 38°10'53.96"N, 83°43'15.33"W

Join Ronan O'Carra for afternoon birding at the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery. The tour will be around the grounds of one of the largest fish hatcheries of its type in the country.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Meet in the parking lot of the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery office building.
• Bring binoculars
• Prepare for walking mostly on gravel trails around the fish ponds and along the trees that separate the area from the Licking River. Sturdy boots are recommended. 
• Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly.

Self-Guided Tour of the Kentucky Folk Art Center | 1:00 - 1:45 pm ET
The self-guided tour of the Kentucky Folk Art Center will begin at 1:00-1:45. The gift shop will be open, and we will have the Kentucky International Youth Art Exhibition on display in the upstairs Gallery. The downstairs Gallery will feature various self-taught Artists from Kentucky that we rotate from our Permanent Collection. Photos are welcome!

If parking is unavailable in the Art Center, please park in the back lot behind the Museum.

Basket-Making | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
This is a cultural hub dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artistic heritage of a region. It often features galleries, exhibits, and educational programs that highlight historical art forms and techniques. Visitors can explore various art collections, attend workshops, and learn about the evolution of artistic practices through different periods and styles. This class teaches the traditional craft of basket weaving, where participants learn to create functional and decorative baskets using materials like reeds, fibers, or natural vines. The course typically covers basic techniques, including weaving patterns, shaping, and finishing, allowing students to make their own handcrafted baskets while gaining an appreciation for this ancient art form.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25

Like many Kentucky communities, large parts of Morehead are built in a flood plain, which means Morehead has to contend with regular flooding. On this walking tour, we will observe and discuss 4 different types of flood mitigation controls that are used for City of Morehead and how these flood controls are moving in the direction of a more harmonious relationship with Triplett Creek.

Logistics:

• Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Meeting location near campus TBA.

Have you ever wondered how to identify trees when there are no leaves? Join this educational hike to learn some basic winter tree identification skills such as bark patterns, bud characteristics, and branching patterns. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

Logistics:

• Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Meet at the Trailhead on MSU Campus