Nature Hike at the Pinnacles
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-01 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-15 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-22 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Kentucky/Monticello) | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Want to make new friends? Worried about hiking alone until you gain your confidence? Want to learn about the local wildlife?Then join at group hike at the Pinnacles in Berea!***Saturdays at 1:00pm, FOC staff and Berea College students will be ready to hike with you! The group that attends will decide on the destination together. We can also split groups (if there is ample staffing) if there are different wants/needs of hike difficulty.Please bring water and any medications you might need (i.e. inhaler). Dress for the weather.
*The hike will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather including thunderstorms or high winds*
Group hikes are offered year round.
Hike times:*May-August, 10:00am*September-April, 1:00pm

Frilutsliv Workshop
2025-01-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Friluftsliv, is a Norwegian concept meaning, “Open-air living.” It encourages people to spend time outdoors, no matter the weather, for their physical and mental health.

Learn how to develop a closer relationship with nature and practice friluftsliv in this two-hour workshop led by Heather Dent and Wendy Warren. We will lead participants through a series of activities and provide them with resources to help them incorporate this concept in their day to day lives. This event is in collaboration with the Madison Country Public Library who will be there to check out a variety of books on this topic!

This workshop is designed for ages 14 and up, but younger children may also attend. Many of the activities will be held outdoors so dress accordingly!

–Winterberry Studio (Heather Dent)

Family Activity: TBD
2025-01-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States

The Great Backyard Bird Count Info Session (at MCPL)
2025-02-13 16:30 - 17:30 | Madison County Public Library (Berea Branch), 319 Chestnut St., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
The Great Backyard Bird Count (https://www.birdcount.org/) is an annual, global citizen science event that adds hundreds of thousands of bird observations over just a few days. This data helps scientists and bird enthusiasts keep tabs on bird populations–a topic of great ecological concern. This year, the count runs from February 14th-17th, 2025, and the Forestry Outreach Center would like to teach interested folks how to participate! All you need is 15 minutes a day over the timeframe to make an impact and to observe these wonderful animals.
We will gather in the Meeting Room at the Berea Branch of the Madison County Public Library at 4:30 pm on February 13th.
Bring your smartphones! If you’d like to download the free apps eBird or Merlin beforehand, please do. Bring any questions you might have.
If you do not use/want to use a smartphone, observations can be written down and then entered into eBird’s website. Ask us if you’d like assistance with this.
***In case of inclement weather, we will cancel this session and post all of the info we can share on this page, as well as our Facebook.***

Forest Meditation
2025-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Come join us for Forest Meditations every Saturday from 9-10am at the Forestry Outreach Center. This is an opportunity to connect with ourselves, each other, and the world. All are welcome. We will meet in the classroom until the weather gets warmer at which time we’ll switch to the pavilion. Bring your mats or cushions if you like. Chairs will be provided.
We will start with a short introduction to the sit, meditate for about 20 minutes, and then invite you to reflect on your experience in any way you wish. It could be through writing, drawing or quiet contemplation. We would then welcome anyone who would like to share from their experience. We would love to have you linger afterwards for coffee and conversation.

Forest Meditations
2025-02-22 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-01 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States

Family Activity: Exploring Animal Tracks
2025-02-23 14:00 - 15:00 | FOC, 2047 Big Hill Rd KY, Berea, KY, 40403, United States
As winter turns to spring, animals start emerging from their slumbers…and there’s plenty of mud on the ground for them to leave footprints behind! We will learn about how to tell what clues (footprints and beyond) might help you find what critters are scampering about.
Always free and open to all. Geared towards kids ages 5-10.

Playscape Build Day
2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Come and spread your creativity by adding to the natural playscape in the lower forest at the Pinnacles! We will be using all natural materials that we have gathered, will gather on the day, or, if you have specific ideas in mind, feel free to bring natural materials/material that will biodegrade safely (excluding anything that might be invasive). We will also be making pinecone bird feeders that you can take home or hang in the forest! Pop in and out from 1:00-3:00 pm.
The playscape is an ever-changing space at the Pinnacles where people of all ages can express themselves through nature art/building.
Cancelled in case of precipitation.

Nature Hikes at the Pinnacles
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-29 13:00 - 15:30 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States

Family Activity: Tadpoles in a Tizzy!
2025-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
We will go on a short walk to our pond and observe wood frog tadpoles! We will be using nets to catch tadpoles to learn about the life cycles and importance of frogs and other amphibians.
Please wear shoes/clothes that can potentially get muddy or wet.

*Cancelled: Nature R&R/Forest Bathing
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Anglin Falls, 842 Anglin Falls Rd., KY, United States
*UPDATE: Due to the potential of rain and cool temperatures, this Nature R&R is cancelled. Please join us on one or both of the other dates in March! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/berea-college-forestry-outreach-center-64953059843

Come join us for a rejuvenating experience outdoors at Anglin Falls (842 Anglin Falls Rd.). Nature R&R is a slow-paced, relaxing and restorative forest experience. Please bring water and a portable seat or ground cover.
We will meet at the parking lot to begin at 5:15 pm.
Directions and a map can be found here.
Learn more about Nature R&R.
Please contact us at 859-756-3315 with any questions.
Give yourself the gift of a break and reconnect with the natural world.
Please RSVP for a free spot on Eventbrite.

Nature R&R/Forest Bathing
2025-03-26 17:00 - 19:30 | Brushy Fork, Scaffold Cane Rd., Berea, 40403
Come join us for a rejuvenating experience outdoors at Brushy Fork. Nature R&R is a slow-paced, relaxing and restorative forest experience. Please bring water and a portable seat or ground cover.
Please RSVP for a free spot on Eventbrite .
We will meet at the bridge at 5:15 pm.
Learn more about Nature R&R.
Directions and a map can be found here.
Please contact us at 859-756-3315 with any questions.
Give yourself the gift of a break and reconnect with the natural world.

Wildflower Walk at Anglin Falls
2025-03-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Anglin Falls, 842 Anglin Falls Rd., KY, United States
Join us for a slow-paced walk at Anglin Falls on Thursday, March 27th to see what wildflowers have bloomed along the trail. We will meet at the parking lot and leave to walk around 5:30pm. Check out our iNaturalist to see what flowers we might have the chance to see.
Weather dependent.

Nature R&R/Forest Bathing
2025-03-29 10:30 - 12:30 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Come join us for a rejuvenating experience outdoors at the Forestry Outreach Center/Pinnacles. Nature R&R is a slow-paced, relaxing and restorative forest experience. Please bring water and a portable seat or ground cover.
Please RSVP for a free spot on Eventbrite.
We will meet at the Center at 10:30am.
Directions and a map can be found here.
Please contact us at 859-756-3315 with any questions. Learn more about Nature R&R.
Give yourself the gift of a break and reconnect with the natural world.

*Cancelled* Forest Meditations
2025-04-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Come join us each Saturday from 9-10am at the Forestry Outreach Center for Forest Meditations!
This is an opportunity to connect with ourselves, each other, and the world. All are welcome. We will meet in the classroom until the weather gets warmer at which time we’ll switch to the pavilion. Bring your mats or cushions if you like. Chairs will be provided.
We will start with a short introduction to the sit, meditate for about 20 minutes, and then invite you to reflect on your experience in any way you wish. It could be through writing, drawing or quiet contemplation. We would then welcome anyone who would like to share from their experience. We would love to have you linger afterwards for coffee and conversation.
This event is hosted by Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, Wendy Zagray Warren, Jane Mecham and Pat Gailey.

*Cancelled* Group Nature Hike
2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:30 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Want to make new friends? Worried about hiking alone until you gain your confidence? Want to learn about the local wildlife?Then join at group hike at the Pinnacles in Berea!***Saturdays at 1:00pm, FOC staff and Berea College students will be ready to hike with you! The group that attends will decide on the destination together. We can also split groups (if there is ample staffing) if there are different wants/needs of hike difficulty.Please bring water and any medications you might need (i.e. inhaler). Dress for the weather.
Directions to the Pinnacles and a map of the trails can be found here: https://forestryoutreach.berea.edu/trails/the-pinnacles/
*The hike will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather including thunderstorms or high winds*Group hikes are offered year round.Hike times:*May-August, 10:00am*September-April, 1:00pm

Family Activity: Rainy Day Drawing
2025-04-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Our classroom floor will become a giant canvas for you to add your art!Geared towards younger kids but all ages welcome.

Wildflower Walk at West Barton Trailhead
2025-04-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
Meet us at the parking lot at the West Barton Trailhead (1 mile towards town from the main Pinnacles parking lot) at 5:30 when we will embark on a slow stroll to observe wildflowers! There is minimal elevation gain.
Weather dependent, RSVP on our Facebook event for updates/cancellation.

Nature R&R/Forest Bathing at Brushy Fork
2025-04-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Brushy Fork, Scaffold Cane Rd., Berea, 40403
Come join us for a rejuvenating experience outdoors at Brushy Fork (meet at the bridge). Nature R&R is a slow-paced, relaxing and restorative forest experience. Please bring water and a portable seat or ground cover.
We will meet at the parking lot to begin at 5:30 pm.
Please RSVP for a FREE spot on Eventbrite: https://naturerandranglinfalls.eventbrite.com
Directions and a map can be found here: https://forestryoutreach.berea.edu/trails/brushy-fork
Learn more about Nature R&R: https://www.youtube.com/@bereacollegefoc/videos
Please contact us at 859-756-3315 with any questions.
Give yourself the gift of a break and reconnect with the natural world.

Forest Meditations
2025-04-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd., Berea, KY, 40403, United States
