Mary Breckinridge Nature Preserve

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Kentucky

A rare species of Solidago is protected at this preserve.

White wood mint © Tom Barnes

About

Box Turtle © Kevin Vermillion

This site represents an important remnant of Appalachian mesophytic forest and protects a newly discovered species of Solidago. The preserve is bisected north and south by the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River.

Location

Leslie County, south of Hyden.

Size

132 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

The Appalachian mesophytic forest is dominated by beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white oak (Quercus alba), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), basswood (Tilia americana), and buckeye (Aesculus flara). Along with the Solidago, the preserve is also home to one of the largest populations of white wood-mint (Synandra hispidula) in the state. Protection of this unique site was made possible by a generous gift from Kate Ireland in 1992.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Priorities include protecting the community of Appalachian mesophytic forest and Solidago, especially from off-road vehicle use, and to eliminate invasive species that thrive along the riverbank.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

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Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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