Forest Fest 2024
Horine Conference Center 12408 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesA spectacular day of Bluegrass music, food and beverages, craft vendors, and youth activities in a scenic environment awaits those who
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Budding Naturalist
Environmental Education Center 12400 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY, United StatesA family friendly environmental program aimed at enticing young budding naturalists in seeing nature through a different lens. Individuals will be crafting their own unique binoculars out of natural materials that will then be utilized on a guided hike to help bring nature more into focus. Each participant will be provided a naturalist journal to help identify their observations. Program will meet at the Environmental Education Center in Horine Reservation Ages: K-5 with parent/legal guardian to accompany. Pre-Registration online or by calling 502-368-5404 Fee: Free
Great American Campout
Horine Program Field 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesJefferson Memorial Forest will join tens of thousands of people across the nation as they camp for a cause. The annual Great American Campout is a nationwide event that connects people with the great outdoors. This event is an easy way for friends, families, and children to connect with nature, sleep under the stars, and create memories of outdoor experiences. Jefferson Memorial Forest will provide the campfire, s’mores, and evening activities for your family to enjoy. You provide your dinner, breakfast, and tent. In the morning, you will have the day to explore the Forest; spend time hiking any of our 35 miles of trails or fishing at Tom Wallace Lake with free fishing poles provided at the Welcome Center. Program meets at the Program Area in Horine Reservation. Ages: All ages. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Fee for camping: $25.00 per family Pre-Registration required. Register online or by calling 502/368-5404
Tree Trek
Environmental Education Center 12400 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY, United StatesJoin us for a hike for young beginners who are curious about trees. A program for explorers who want to see and learn trees. Individuals will have their own tree journal where they can take as many cool notes as they want while on a hike. You will also have the opportunity to do leaf and bark rubbings to really see what a tree looks and feels like. Programs Meets at Environmental Education Center A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: FREE
Map and Compass
Horine Conference Center 12408 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesMap and landscape reading are skills every outdoor person should possess. Equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to read and interpret topographic maps and locate destinations while using a compass. These in-field exercises are a hands-on learning experience. Program meets in the Horine Reservation main parking lot. Ages: 8 and up. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: $5/person
Family Canoeing @ Chickasaw
Chickasaw Park 1200 Southwestern Pkwy, Louisville, United StatesCome paddle the newly renovated Chickasaw Pond with your family! JMF staff will provide all the necessary equipment and instruction to safely paddle. Canoes will be 2 person tandem canoes. Please be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Ages: 7 and up. Participants under the age of 18 MUST have a waiver signed by a parent/legal guardian. No advanced sign-ups required. Free and open to the public.
Evening Archery
Join us for an introduction to archery and learn how to safely use a bow and arrow. This first session teaches familiarization with equipment as well as the form and skills needed to hit your marks. All equipment is provided. Program meets in Horine Reservation. Ages: 10 and up. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register Online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: $10/person
Urban Canoe Adventure at Shawnee Park
Shawnee Boat Ramp 4665 Shawnee Park Rd., LouisvilleThis free event is designed for individuals and families who are new to canoeing to experience the water in safe and stable big canoes which hold 6 people!. All safety equipment and trained staff are provided. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that can get wet; no flip flops please. Last boats at 2pm. Ages: 5 and up. Participants under the age of 18 MUST have a waiver signed by a parent/legal guardian. No advanced sign-ups required. Fee: FREE and open to public.
Urban Canoe Adventure at Riverview Park
Riverview Park 8202 Greenwood Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesThis free event is designed for individuals and families who are new to canoeing to experience the water in safe and stable big canoes which hold 6 people!. All safety equipment and trained staff are provided. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that can get wet; no flip flops please. Last boats at 2pm. Ages: 5 and up. Participants under the age of 18 MUST have a waiver signed by a parent/legal guardian. No advanced sign-ups required. Fee: FREE and open to public.
Evening Archery
Horine Program Field 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesJoin us for an introduction to archery and learn how to safely use a bow and arrow. This first session teaches familiarization with equipment as well as the form and skills needed to hit your marks. All equipment is provided. Program meets in Horine Reservation. Ages: 10 and up. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register Online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: $10/person
Forest Adventure Campout
Horine Program Field 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesJoin us for fall color and outdoor fun at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Forest Adventure Campout, presented by Wilderness Louisville on Saturday, October 19th, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Explore the forest, show off your costume, and sleep under the stars! Activities include archery, guided hikes, a climbing wall, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and more! This event is free and open to the public. There will be a food truck and West Sixth on site. Families are encouraged to pitch a tent and stay overnight. $25 will reserve one of the Forest’s family campsites and for $15, campers can set up in the field in the Horine Reservation. This year, Forest Adventure Campout will serve as an outdoor gear donation site. Have gently used gear you no longer need? Donate at the event and receive a free program voucher for a JMF program. Gear Donation Guidelines • As a general rule, only donate items that you would give to a close friend or family member. • Items must be in good condition and functioning properly (working zippers, no dog or cat hair, clean and no holes or tears — check pockets). • We do not accept any team/ball sports or motorized sports equipment or “everyday” clothing (like sweatpants, leggings, and hoodies) We accept: • Outdoor Clothing for Kids and Adults: Rain jackets, snow coats, hiking pants, thermal layers, flannels, hiking gloves, socks, sun/rain/winter hats; all-season outdoor branded clothing • Outdoor Footwear: Hiking boots, climbing shoes, trail running shoes, snow boots • Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking packs, headlamps, camp stoves and cooking equipment (must be demonstrated in working condition) • Outdoor Gadgets/Accessories: sunglasses, binoculars, compasses, pocketknives, multi-tools • Fishing Gear: Waders, poles, vests, etc. • Children’s Exploration Tools: hand lenses, bug hotels, etc.
Gnomes and Trolls
Horine Program Field 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Louisville, KY, United StatesEnter a magical, hidden world in the Forest, where creatures of the imagination live. Be on the look-out for our Forest Troll, guarding a bridge along the trail. Perhaps he will let us pass if we offer him many of the edible foods in the Forest. While in the woods, we will build shelters of sticks and leaves and enjoy a woodland treat around a campfire. Program meets in the Horine Reservation’s Environmental Education Center. Ages: 5-12. A parent/legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Pre-Registration required. Register online or by calling 502-368-5404. Fee: $10/person