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Quiet
Trails State Nature Preserve:
The Kentucky State
Nature Preserves Commission, a state agency established in 1976,
is mandated to inventory the Commonwealth of Kentucky for
natural areas and preserve those remnants of Kentucky's natural
heritage by establishing a statewide nature preserve system. The
Commission's goal is to protect the rich biological diversity of
the state so that the citizens will have the opportunity to
experience their natural heritage.
For many years
this 110-acre farm, called Quiet Trails, was set aside as a
private nature sanctuary until it was donated to the Kentucky
State Nature Preserves Commission by Mr. and Mrs. W. G.
Wiglesworth, Jr. in 1991. In March 1992, the farm was dedicated
into the state preserve system, becoming the state's
twenty-sixth preserve.
The preserve is a
short walk or drive from Mockingbird Hill House. There are 5
miles of trails where animals and wildflowers may be observed.
Over 100 species each of birds, wildflowers and trees have been
identified. The main trail passes through fields and woods and
leads to the banks of the Main Licking River. This river is one
of the cleanest rivers in the state, evidenced by the abundance
of mussels found in the vicinity of the preserve.
The preserve is
open year round from sunrise to sunset, and visitation is free
of charge. Camping, picnicking and building fires within the
preserve is prohibited.
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