Fall is a good time to observe and consider the fruit that our native trees bear.  After flowering earlier in the season, if pollination leads to fruit set, our native trees will bear berries, drupes, capsules, nuts, winged samaras, and other fruit types.  Each of these types is adapted to moving seed away from the mother tree and out into the environment.  Fruit is also very useful for honing our ID skills, particularly in fall.  Often a hickory, ash, oak, and many others can be correctly identified with a close look at its fruit.

Meet with botanist Rob Paratley for a two-part program at Floracliff Nature Sanctuary.  We will have a look at a number of fruit types of native trees.  Then we will hike a portion of the Preserve to see some of the fruit of the trees and shrubs in the field.

Hike Leader: Rob Paratley, University of Kentucky

Hike distances: ~3 miles; rated moderate to difficult, due to steep and uneven terrain and potentially slick spots

Bring: water

Optional: hiking poles, snack, camera

COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDELINES UPDATE: As of Tuesday, April 27th, the state of Kentucky as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated guidelines for small outdoor gatherings. Kentucky no longer requires a mask be worn outdoors for events of fewer than 1000 people. The CDC states the risk of COVID-19 spread is low in outdoor settings, but also continues to recommend masks in settings where physical distance cannot be maintained.

In response to the current guidance, Floracliff will not require fully-vaccinated individuals to wear masks during outdoor programs as long as adequate physical distance (6-feet) can be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod. Floracliff continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a mask throughout all programs, especially when adequate physical distance cannot be maintained between others outside of one’s household/pod.

All program participants and Floracliff representatives, both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated, should have a mask available during programs in the case that adequate physical distance cannot be maintained. We are happy to provide one to you if necessary.

*These guidelines are subject to change at any time according to current state and CDC guidance.

Refund Policy: Refunds are permitted for cancellations made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. To request a refund, email info@floracliff.org.