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Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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Land Conservation

Discover Conservation at Work Every Day

Kentucky was once covered by millions of acres of native grasslands. The prairie ecosystem is now one of the rarest plant communities in North America, having been largely destroyed by modern land use practices. Exemplifying the Shaker legacy of concerned care for the land, Shaker Village has converted 1,000 acres of unproductive pasture land to restored native grasses and wildflowers. Established in partnership with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the project improved habitat for native plants and animal communities.

The property’s diverse natural areas also include forests, reminiscent of woodlands once covering Kentucky’s landscape. Throughout Shaker Village, 500 native herbaceous and woody plants, including several rare species, have been identified. Shaker Village’s tree planting program includes more than 50 documented native tree species, including the endemic yellowwood along the Kentucky River Palisades. Other tree species include the Shumard oak, chinquapin oak, black walnut and tulip poplar.

THE RESULTS OF OUR EFFORTS

Discover a Model of Land, Habitat and Wildlife Restoration

Wildlife habitats returned. Insects, songbirds and mammals have thrived. A dramatic increase in several declining bird populations has occurred including northern bobwhite quail, Henslow’s sparrow, dickcissels, blue grosbeaks and grasshopper sparrows. The Preserve is now one of the premier birdwatching areas in the state.

Successful model identified. KDFWR reports that Shaker Village is home to one of the highest concentrations of native wild northern bobwhite quail in Kentucky. As a result, Shaker Village is recognized nationally as a model for successful habitat restoration.

Land conservation enhanced. Unproductive lands are improving through soil erosion control and nutrient enrichment from decaying plants.

Learning laboratory established. Shaker Village has become a research station for local, state and federal conservation partners.

LEARNING FROM OUR SUCCESS

See How Our Methods Inspire Others

Many Shaker Village neighbors throughout the region are using our model to convert their own lands to native prairies.
The conversion process includes the following steps:

  • Fields are allowed to grow without mowing for one year to build biomass for prescribed burns the following winter.
  • Non-native invasive plants are eradicated with controlled fire and herbicide applications.
  • Native grass and wildflower seeds are planted 0.25-inch deep with a no-till drill.
  • Oftentimes, invasive plants (Thistle, Johnson Grass, Poison Hemlock, Hairy Vetch, Osage Orange) germinate from seed banks that have been dormant in the soil for many years. Selective spraying, mowing and prescribed burns are used to eliminate the undesirable plants.
  • As the native grasses and wildflowers become firmly established, the invasive species will be crowded out

THE HERITAGE HUNT FOR BOBWHITE

Today, wild Kentucky quail are rare and populations large enough to hunt are even fewer. Once a year, Shaker Village offers the public the opportunity to hunt wild quail in its native habitat. Proceeds from The Heritage Hunt for Bobwhite help Shaker Village maintain this native Kentucky habitat. Habitat management requires significant funding to conduct regular controlled burns, herbicide treatments, plantings and monitoring.

Controlled Hunt Details

Drawing Date: October 28, 2020
Hunt Date: TBD
Raffle Tickets: $20 each or $100 for six

One winner will receive:

  • Two full-day hunts for winner and one guest
  • One night at The Inn, plus meals at The Trustees’ Table for two
  • Hunt guide and dogs upon request

Winner will be notified by phone. Valid in 2020 only. Kentucky hunting license, gun and ammunition not provided.

Purchase Your Lottery Tickets Today!

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Recent Tweets

Wondering what to do with that #ShakerVillageKY gift certificate? We've got the answer - buy yourself a gift in our online Shop, book an overnight stay, join us for a delicious meal or check out our Event Calendar for workshops, programs and hikes. shakervillageky.org pic.twitter.com/EdO24XabTg

About a day ago

Today is #MuseumSelfieDay so we wanted to share a special #selfie from our recent virtual program "Objects & Stories: A Shaker Bonnet." We had fun hosting this Zoom, and our next virtual program is Sat. where we'll take a closer look at a Shaker desk: l8r.it/yVUy pic.twitter.com/S89CSqXRVX

About 3 days ago

A scene from the Farm. Just clucking around. #ShakerVillageKY #chickens #farmanimals pic.twitter.com/tCZiFZE8fP

About 4 days ago

Don't miss our virtual program "Objects & Stories: A Shaker Desk" this Saturday from 1-2:00 p.m. via Zoom. Every object has a story to tell, and by uncovering these stories, we can piece together the daily lives of individuals here at Pleasant Hill. l8r.it/EFAI pic.twitter.com/DeF8D6iwgx

About 5 days ago

Volunteerism is something we hold dear at #ShakerVillageKY. Head to our Facebook page to see how our team volunteers and how you can get involved. We think it's a great way to honor Dr. King on #MLK Day. l8r.it/emqx pic.twitter.com/WKBfNT1dEH

About 6 days ago

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