Floracliff’s Mission is to promote conservation and appreciation of nature through education, shared experiences, and stewardship of the sanctuary.
Floracliff’s Vision is a community where nature is cared for, studied, and shared.
Floracliff’s values:
In the late 1950s, Dr. Mary Wharton began purchasing property along the Kentucky River that she would later name Floracliff (“for the flora on the cliffs”). Between 1958 and 1989, she acquired a series of parcels, totaling 287 acres. Her dream for the property was to preserve the natural communities and special geological features unique to the area. Dr. Wharton believed that education and appreciation lead to preservation and recognized the potential for Floracliff to become a center for environmental education and research in the Inner Bluegrass and Kentucky River watershed.
In 1987, Dr. Wharton incorporated Floracliff as a non-profit organization and established specific wishes for the sanctuary that have guided the board of directors and staff since her death in 1991. In 1996, Floracliff was dedicated as a Kentucky State Nature Preserve, giving it perpetual protection from development. In 2017, an additional 59 acres was purchased and protected with an easement provided by the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. This addition, known as Trail’s End, was part of a girls’ camp in the early 1900s and was the first addition to the sanctuary since Mary Wharton’s leadership. Floracliff currently owns and stewards 346 acres.
Beverly joined Floracliff in 2006 as Preserve Manager, leading stewardship projects and educational programming. With over 20 years of experience in conservation, project management, and environmental education, she now serves as Preserve Director, overseeing all areas of the organization’s operations. She holds a degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Management from the University of Kentucky. Born and raised in Lexington, she has developed a deeper connection to her Central Kentucky home through her work at Floracliff. Beverly loves to explore the region’s biodiversity through nature-based programs and community science—especially when butterflies are involved.
Josie began working with Floracliff as a part-time Stewardship Technician in 2013. With the growth of the organization, she was promoted to Stewardship Director in 2016, leading both the volunteer program as well as land management projects. Before settling into her passion of land stewardship at Floracliff, Josie earned her degree in Sociology/Psychology from Western Washington University, completed two terms of Americorps, and worked in the realms of recreation, natural building, youth education, organic farming, and horticulture.
Isabel has been involved with Floracliff for a number of years - as an intern, program participant, volunteer, professional partner, and now an employee. She brings experience working as an environmental educator and land steward in parks, natural areas, and public gardens. Originally from Georgia, Isabel grew up in Frankfort where she enjoyed swimming in stretches of the Elkhorn Creek.
