Eastern Kentucky University’s Division of Natural Areas will host “Family Nature Day” and its second annual 5K trail race on Saturday, May 6, at the Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory.
The “Nature Day” outdoor activities for children and adults, led by EKU faculty, staff and students from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., are offered at no charge. Planned events include a geocaching adventure, woodland creature and creek critter hunts, recreational tree climbing, nature games and a junior obstacle course, among other activities. Lunch concessions will support EKU’s international service learning program. The noon hour will also feature an eclectic concert of bluegrass, folk and children’s songs by Matthew Pianalto, Erik Liddell and friends.
Pre-registration is encouraged, as space is limited for some activities. To see a full calendar of events, visit naturalareas.eku.edu/sites/naturalareas.eku.edu/files/fnd_scheduleflier_spring2017rescaled_0.pdf.
Drop-in activities all day include nature crafts, a reptile and amphibian display, and a community weaving project.
Check-in for the 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 9:30. The loop of packed dirt trails will take runners through the wooded knobs of Maywoods. In addition to the 5K, children may participate in a fun run.
The entry fee for the 5K trail race before April 24 is $25 and includes a t-shirt. After April 24, including on site, the fee is $30, with no t-shirt. The entry fee for the fun run before April 24 is $10 and includes a t-shirt. After April 24, including on site, the fee is also $10, but with no shirt. First-place men’s and women’s prizes are $50 gift certificates to Mike’s Hike and Bike of Richmond. Proceeds support the EKU International Service Learning program. To register or for more information about the races, contact Amiee Wills at amiee.wills@eku.edu or 859-622-1476 or register online at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20703_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=54.
Located approximately 22 miles southwest of Richmond and the EKU campus; Maywoods straddles the hilly terrain of Garrard and Rockcastle counties and is covered by second-growth oak and pine forests. For detailed directions and/or registration information, visit naturalareas.eku.edu/sites/naturalareas.eku.edu/files/files/meel_directions_92016.pdf, e-mail karen.pratt@eku.edu or call 859-622-1476. When emailing to pre-register, include activity selections (with time offered), number of adults and number of youth and youth ages participating in each activity.