Welcome to Friends of Griffith Woods

Griffith Woods contains the best known remnant of the unique and fascinating bluegrass savanna-woodland and other vegetation that once covered this region before the pioneer area. The savanna is characterized by scattered, large trees and undergrowth with course grasses such as wild rye and running buffalo clover. Dominant species include blue ash, chinquapin oak, bur oak, hickories and black walnut, and many of the trees are more than 300 years old. In fact, the world's largest chinquapin oak is found at Griffith Woods.
Image of chinquapin oak

Owned by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, this site has hundreds of acres, providing an extraordinary opportunity for education and enjoyment, as well as for researchers to study and develop ecological restoration models. Native plants propagated at the sitehave been used to restore the woods and other areas within the Central Kentucky region.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR WORKDAYS

• March 30, 31, 2019: We will tour eastern sections of the farm, paying special attention to ancient trees, spring flowers and sites for future volunteer work to reduce honeysuckle. The Friends of Griffith Woods are being reorganized and we will focus on volunteer work in future events. On both days, meet at 9 am (for morning tour 9-12 noon) or 1 pm (for afternoon tour 1-4+ pm) in the parking lot on east side of US 62, 4 miles south of Cynthiana in Harrison County. The entrance is about 1500 feet north of the T junction with Russell Cave Road (Route 353). The 30th is our focus but the 31st is backup if there is bad weather or other difficulties in scheduling. I will be there both days at least 15 mins early even if no-one comes, rain or shine. Please email me at campmeet@gmail.com or call (859) 229-7711 to register and check on details, or just stop by to chat on those days.
• April 9-11, 2019: Ideally starting work at one or two sites. Note: these dates are squeezed between Youth Turkey Season (6-7th) and Adult (13th Apr to 5th May).
• May 11-12, 2019: More work and trips, especially in area with best wild hyacinth.

We will look at a variety of woods and fields across this 745 acre farm, which offers the best opportunity to restore something like the original woodland of our central Bluegrass region. For background on this woodland, see Julian's website by clicking HERE.

We will usually be pulling and cutting invasive plants or planting trees, so bring work gloves and tools if you have them: loppers, handsaws, shovels.

Wear comfortable, durable clothes.

WE ALWAYS NEED HELP PULLING INVASIVE PLANTS, SO VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Questions?

Need directions?

Call Julian Campbell at (859) 229-7711

VISION: Griffith Woods contains the best known remnant of the unique and fascinating bluegrass savanna-woodland ecosystem that once covered this region before the pioneer area. This exceptional oak/ash savanna is characterized by scattered, large trees and undergrowth of course grasses such as cane and running buffalo clover. Dominant species include blue ash, chinquapin oak and shagbark hickory, and many of the trees are more than 300 years old. In fact, the nation's largest chinquapin oak is found at Griffith Woods.

Owned and managed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, this 745 acre protected site still provides an extraordinary opportunity for researchers to study and develop ecological restoration models. Native plants propagated at the site have been used to restore the woods and other areas within the Central Kentucky region.

The property is currently closed to the public except by appointment. The Friends of Griffith Woods has offered educational opportunities for school groups and the public, including trail walks and workshops to inform the public about native vegetation. Visitors learn how to identify different species and how to apply this knowledge to their own gardens.

PURPOSES:

• Facilitate preservation, restoration, and public use of the unique ecological and cultural features of Griffith Woods
• Facilitate scientific and transdisciplinary research, education, and outreach at the site and at related ecological and cultural sites in the Bluegrass Region
• Support and collaborate with the landowner, raise funds in support of activities at the site, and communicate with relevant organizations and the general public
• Provide native plants and associated restoration services for Griffith Woods and cooperators elsewhere in the central Bluegrass Region

The Friends of Griffith Woods have raised and planted hundreds of trees on site, most of them from seed gathered on the property. Some of the overstock seedlings have been used for restoration and streambank improvement projects in the region.

• Current workdays have focused on removal of bush honeysuckle and seeding the cleared areas with appropriate seeds harvested on site. See the Upcoming Events page for more information about joining the fun.
• Griffith Woods is a nature preserve containing the largest remnants of the original wilderness that once covered Central Kentucky before the time of Daniel Boone. Its open savanna woodland is the best example in the Bluegrass for researchers to learn about the unique ecosystem that once prevailed in this region. Efforts are underway to eradicate invading species and restore indigenous plants to this protected area, which is now owned and managed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.

One of the key purposes of the Friends of Griffith is to restore most of the property so that the plant species onsite are those that would have been likely to be onsite before Europeans began altering the landscape. To achieve this, the Friends have been cooperating with the owners and managers of the site.

Towards this purpose, the Friends of Griffith Woods operate a nursery onsite and coordinate volunteers for exotic plant removal and other restoration work.

If you want to volunteer to assist with the nursery or join the oversight committee, e-mail Friends of Griffith Woods.

• Continuous assistance is needed to remove competitive, non-native plants!
• You can help plant trees and shrubs grown in the nursery as part of Friends' restoration projects.
• You can help in the nursery: potting plants, weeding, and transplanting.

In addition to providing plants for landscape restoration at Griffith Woods, the Friends have a limited supply of plants to sell. Check for sale dates under Upcoming Events. Other funding comes from contract growing for other conservation projects, and grants.

The Friends of Griffith Woods is a non-profit organization formed to support the activities at Griffith Woods. Membership includes a members-only newsletter and invitations to special events. Volunteer opportunities are also available to help carry out our mission. Click here for a printable membership form that can be filled out and mailed along with your check.

Annual Dues

• $25 Individual
• $50 Family
• $100 Sustaining