The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Environment

Dr. Stephen Richter, Executive Director
Science Building 3106
(859) 622-1476

The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Environment is comprised of the Department of Agriculture, the Division of Natural Areas, and the Center for Environmental Education. Consistent with Eastern Kentucky University’s long and successful history of managing agricultural and natural resources for the greater benefit of the campus and local community, the Institute will enhance opportunities for collaborative growth and program support in developing interdisciplinary programs and administering EKU’s farms and natural areas for land stewardship and resource management. The Institute offers associate, baccalaureate, and university certificate programs.

The Institute also supports a broad range of interdisciplinary activities, programs, and opportunities for students, including (1) applied learning through internships in agriculture, natural resource management, and environmental education at EKU farms and natural areas; (2) courses, educational programming, and public engagement at our six field stations totaling over 3,200 acres: Meadowbrook Farm, Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Research Station, Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory, Taylor Fork Ecological Area, Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory, and Gladie Cultural and Environmental Learning Center; and (4) job-placement opportunities with state, federal, and non-governmental organizations; and (5) interdisciplinary university certificates that will enrich their degree programs.

The Division of Natural Areas

Dr. Stephen Richter, Director
Dr. Kelly Watson, Associate Director
Science Building 3106
(859) 622-1476

Eastern Kentucky University's Division of Natural Areas manages four natural areas available for use by faculty, staff, and students across campus and for use by the public: Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station (Letcher County), Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory (Garrard and Rockcastle counties), Taylor Fork Ecological Area (Madison County), and Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory (Madison County). As a unit, these Natural Areas function as a continuum of natural habitats found in the Commonwealth. They also serve as base stations for engaging regional communities. Our Natural Areas are used extensively by EKU, other universities, and elementary and secondary schools as outdoor classrooms. The Division of Natural Areas is responsible for stewardship and management of the areas collectively for:

1. Place-based education, research, recreation, and regional outreach by EKU personnel and
2. Providing infrastructure and expertise to the public for environmental education and nature-based learning, research, recreation through K-12 programming, public events, and open-hours activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography.

Lilley Cornett Woods, the oldest and most studied tract of old-growth forest in eastern Kentucky, is a Registered Natural Landmark (U.S. Department of Interior) and is operated as a nature preserve. Onsite facilities, including visitor center, research and learning laboratory, bunkhouse, manager’s home, outdoor teaching pavilion, and maintenance building, offer an excellent off-campus venue for meetings, classes, and workshops. The property is 659 acres, and public use is limited to facilities and guided hikes in this unique forest.

Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory is 1,700 forested-acres, with a 13-acre lake and is a wildlife refuge that provides protective habitat for native species. Onsite facilities, including a lodge with classroom and sleeping space, manager’s home, outdoor classroom shelter, amphitheater, and maintenance building, also offer a venue for meetings, classes, and workshops. The site is open to the public for fishing, and hiking on any of the six self-guiding trails.

Taylor Fork Ecological Area is a 60-acre restoration site at the south end of EKU’s main campus in Richmond. The Area’s habitat is primarily old pastureland with fence row strips of trees and small patches of woods and canebrakes. Developed as a site for experiential learning, research, and restoration, Taylor Fork was conceived by students in EKU’s Wildlife Management Program and includes the adjacent American Chestnut Orchard. The site currently has no facilities and is open to the public for hiking on the designated trails.

Cardinal Lane Outdoor Laboratory is a 10-acre urban forest adjacent to EKU's Richmond campus. The site is a living laboratory for urban forestry, permaculture, community leadership and environmental education. Cardinal Lane features a community garden, pollinator garden, tree nursery, and a walking trail. 

In addition to managing EKU’s Natural Areas, the Division houses the Center for Environmental Education. The Center is involved in a variety of community and educational outreach programs through the University, public school districts, and the Kentucky University Partnership for Environmental Education, which includes all eight state universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The Division administers a certificate in environmental education that is available to students of all majors.

For further information about the use and availability of EKU’s Natural Areas for research, education, leisure or educational programming, please call (859) 622-1476 or visit the website, www.naturalareas.eku.edu.

The Center for Environmental Education

Dr. Kelly Watson, Director
Science Building 3106
(859) 622-1476

Established in 2002, Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Environmental Education supports Kentucky’s leadership in environmental education through innovative training, research, and outreach. The Center partners closely with the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) to expand access to high-quality professional development for both formal and nonformal educators. Its mission includes developing and implementing environmental programs and curricula, coordinating with other institutions of higher education, supporting community understanding of environmental issues, and conducting applied research in the field. Through these efforts, the Center advances environmental literacy and sustainability education across the Commonwealth and the region. The Center administers a university certificate in Environmental Education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Certificate

Courses