Louisville Audubon Society's grants program
Louisville Audubon works to preserve birds and ecosystems for future generations by collaborating with and supporting like-minded organizations, including by providing financial support through our grants program.
We encourage any Kentucky- or Southern Indiana*-based nonprofits to apply. Any initiatives or projects related to natural resources conservation, support for or protection of bird species, ecosystem restoration, and/or conservation education are eligible for consideration.
*nonprofit must be based in a county defined as located in Southern Indiana per this map from Stats Indiana, Indiana's public data utility
We encourage any Kentucky- or Southern Indiana*-based nonprofits to apply. Any initiatives or projects related to natural resources conservation, support for or protection of bird species, ecosystem restoration, and/or conservation education are eligible for consideration.
*nonprofit must be based in a county defined as located in Southern Indiana per this map from Stats Indiana, Indiana's public data utility
Grant deadline: April 1, 2026: Apply using either the PDF or the Word application.
Curious what types of projects we've funded in the past?
Scroll down to view proposal summaries for the projects we've issued grants to in the past three years. Summaries of projects from the most recent funding year (2025) are at the top.
2025 LOUISVILLE AUDUBON SOCIETY GRANT RECIPIENTS
LAS received 10 grant proposals in 2025. Our Grants Committee voted to fund the five that best embodied our mission: to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity.
We dispersed $6,250 in grant funds to these five worthy organizations for their projects:
We dispersed $6,250 in grant funds to these five worthy organizations for their projects:
GRANT SUMMARIES
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Growing Wholesome Foods for Birds & Improving Habitats
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve’s nursery capabilities have recently expanded to include two large high tunnels or “greenhouses.” With support from the Louisville Audubon Society, these greenhouses will be dedicated to growing perennials, shrubs, and trees for increasing the diversity of species at the nature preserve and in residential gardens.
Creasey Mahan’s operation will cultivate plants that sustain birds throughout their lifecycles, from providing nutrient-rich seeds to nectar and shelter. Educational opportunities will abound, alongside plant sales, to encourage beginning to advanced gardeners to plant for birds and other pollinators.
This grant will also enable the purchase of eco-friendly and biodegradable pots (in place of plastic), and purchases fans to increase the air circulation in one of the two greenhouses.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor (AHWC)
KNLT is expanding its conservation efforts through the AHWC to protect critical wildlands across the Cumberland and Pine Mountain region.
Since 1995, KNLT has safeguarded over 60,000 acres, beginning with Blanton Forest in Harlan County, KY. The AHWC harbors some of the most biodiverse temperate forests and freshwater systems in North America, providing vital habitats for thousands of species, including over 200 that are rare or endangered.
In 2025, KNLT plans to acquire more than 270 acres in Harlan County, Kentucky, expanding its Salt Trace Gap preserve while collaborating with partners to protect thousands more acres throughout the region. These efforts preserve biodiversity, protect clean water, and enhance climate resilience, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.
KNLT is also advancing research and education by launching a five-year bird monitoring project in 2025, building on successful field studies conducted in 2024. Through these efforts, KNLT continues to protect and connect landscapes, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Louisville Free Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Ripple Effects: A Louisville/Ohio River Vision Project
Ripple Effects is an arts and environmental initiative that engages K-12 students in the Kentuckiana region to explore water through photography. The project includes a photo contest, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight students’ work and foster awareness about water conservation.
In 2025, award-winning photographs from the past five years will be showcased at the Louisville Free Public Library as part of the Louisville Photo Biennial (Louisville Photo Biennial). The Louisville Photographic Society judges all contest entries, ensuring professional evaluation. An awards ceremony will take place at the Louisville Water Company, which is providing the venue free of charge.
The project is a collaboration between the Louisville Free Public Library Foundation and various partners. It provides hands-on learning experiences and public engagement, aligning with sustainability and conservation goals.
The Louisville Audubon Society grant will help fund contest prizes and costs relating to the exhibitions at the award ceremony and Photo Biennial at the Main Library. Participants will have their work showcased in public spaces and online, with winning photographs celebrated in an awards ceremony and an international forum. Through art and storytelling, Ripple Effects highlights the role of water conservation in sustaining ecosystems, including vital bird habitats.
Louisville Nature Center, Inc.
Revitalization of Louisville's Urban Forest
The Louisville Nature Center works to revitalize and restore an urban forest, including the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve. Because the land includes 80 acres of uninterrupted forest as well as ephemeral wetlands and a creek, it is a very important stopover place for migratory birds.
This forest experiences many stressors, such as deer browsing, storm events, and damage from the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species. LNC's Forest Stewards have worked hard over many years to restore this area to a thriving ecosystem by removing invasive species and planting native species. LNC is seeing results of the hard work in the species returning after long absences, including Wild Turkey and American Woodcock.
LNC's Forest Stewards are now focusing on increasing the understory diversity, particularly shrubs that provide a great benefit to migratory birds such as Cornus (dogwood) and Rhus (sumac). Of course, these will require sturdy deer protection. LAS funds will be spent on native trees, shrubs, plants, seeds, and deer and rabbit protection. The work of urban forest revitalization is never done! LNC continues to work improve the habitat for its native wildlife and for the enjoyment of the community.
Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Inc. (RROKI):
Bald Eagle Flight Enclosure
RROKI was in need of renovating its largest flight enclosure used for Bald Eagles, Vultures, Osprey, and Red Tailed Hawks. Due to storm damage, the roof will need to replaced and most of the wood slats will also need replacing. This flight enclosure is crucial for its operation. RROKI has as many as 125 birds of prey each year that use the flight for the final phases of their rehab. RROKI estimated that the flight renovation will cost its facility about $50,000.
Growing Wholesome Foods for Birds & Improving Habitats
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve’s nursery capabilities have recently expanded to include two large high tunnels or “greenhouses.” With support from the Louisville Audubon Society, these greenhouses will be dedicated to growing perennials, shrubs, and trees for increasing the diversity of species at the nature preserve and in residential gardens.
Creasey Mahan’s operation will cultivate plants that sustain birds throughout their lifecycles, from providing nutrient-rich seeds to nectar and shelter. Educational opportunities will abound, alongside plant sales, to encourage beginning to advanced gardeners to plant for birds and other pollinators.
This grant will also enable the purchase of eco-friendly and biodegradable pots (in place of plastic), and purchases fans to increase the air circulation in one of the two greenhouses.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor (AHWC)
KNLT is expanding its conservation efforts through the AHWC to protect critical wildlands across the Cumberland and Pine Mountain region.
Since 1995, KNLT has safeguarded over 60,000 acres, beginning with Blanton Forest in Harlan County, KY. The AHWC harbors some of the most biodiverse temperate forests and freshwater systems in North America, providing vital habitats for thousands of species, including over 200 that are rare or endangered.
In 2025, KNLT plans to acquire more than 270 acres in Harlan County, Kentucky, expanding its Salt Trace Gap preserve while collaborating with partners to protect thousands more acres throughout the region. These efforts preserve biodiversity, protect clean water, and enhance climate resilience, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.
KNLT is also advancing research and education by launching a five-year bird monitoring project in 2025, building on successful field studies conducted in 2024. Through these efforts, KNLT continues to protect and connect landscapes, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Louisville Free Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Ripple Effects: A Louisville/Ohio River Vision Project
Ripple Effects is an arts and environmental initiative that engages K-12 students in the Kentuckiana region to explore water through photography. The project includes a photo contest, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight students’ work and foster awareness about water conservation.
In 2025, award-winning photographs from the past five years will be showcased at the Louisville Free Public Library as part of the Louisville Photo Biennial (Louisville Photo Biennial). The Louisville Photographic Society judges all contest entries, ensuring professional evaluation. An awards ceremony will take place at the Louisville Water Company, which is providing the venue free of charge.
The project is a collaboration between the Louisville Free Public Library Foundation and various partners. It provides hands-on learning experiences and public engagement, aligning with sustainability and conservation goals.
The Louisville Audubon Society grant will help fund contest prizes and costs relating to the exhibitions at the award ceremony and Photo Biennial at the Main Library. Participants will have their work showcased in public spaces and online, with winning photographs celebrated in an awards ceremony and an international forum. Through art and storytelling, Ripple Effects highlights the role of water conservation in sustaining ecosystems, including vital bird habitats.
Louisville Nature Center, Inc.
Revitalization of Louisville's Urban Forest
The Louisville Nature Center works to revitalize and restore an urban forest, including the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve. Because the land includes 80 acres of uninterrupted forest as well as ephemeral wetlands and a creek, it is a very important stopover place for migratory birds.
This forest experiences many stressors, such as deer browsing, storm events, and damage from the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species. LNC's Forest Stewards have worked hard over many years to restore this area to a thriving ecosystem by removing invasive species and planting native species. LNC is seeing results of the hard work in the species returning after long absences, including Wild Turkey and American Woodcock.
LNC's Forest Stewards are now focusing on increasing the understory diversity, particularly shrubs that provide a great benefit to migratory birds such as Cornus (dogwood) and Rhus (sumac). Of course, these will require sturdy deer protection. LAS funds will be spent on native trees, shrubs, plants, seeds, and deer and rabbit protection. The work of urban forest revitalization is never done! LNC continues to work improve the habitat for its native wildlife and for the enjoyment of the community.
Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Inc. (RROKI):
Bald Eagle Flight Enclosure
RROKI was in need of renovating its largest flight enclosure used for Bald Eagles, Vultures, Osprey, and Red Tailed Hawks. Due to storm damage, the roof will need to replaced and most of the wood slats will also need replacing. This flight enclosure is crucial for its operation. RROKI has as many as 125 birds of prey each year that use the flight for the final phases of their rehab. RROKI estimated that the flight renovation will cost its facility about $50,000.
2024 LOUISVILLE AUDUBON SOCIETY GRANT RECIPIENTS
LAS received four grant proposals in 2024. We dispersed $6,000 in grant funds among these worthy organizations for projects that support our mission: to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity.
GRANT SUMMARIES
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Project Title: Make Way For Natives!
The Make Way For Natives project at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve will remove six acres of dense, non-native, invasive shrubs and vines through hiring a company to use a large masticator machine to conduct a “forest-mow” of trees up to 1 to 12 inches in diameter. The area will be replanted with native species that will benefit birds and pollinators.
Falls of the Ohio Foundation
Project Title: Falls of the Ohio Bird Collision Deterrent Window Film
The Louisville Audubon Society continues to make an impact at the Falls of the Ohio State Park in 2024. Generous funding from the society supported the installation of bird collision deterrent film on the window panels of the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center’s bird viewing room, overlooking the newly renovated bird garden. Visitors can continue to experience observing several species of local avifauna while birds safely enjoy the garden with reduced the chances of collision with the viewing glass. This funding dovetails with the 2023 grant from the Louisville Audubon Society that helped renovate the bird garden with new feeders and native perennial plants.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Inc.
Project Title: Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor
This project will expand Salt Trace Gap Preserve (2,392 acres) by protecting an additional 175 acres in Harlan County. Salt Trace Gap is within the original protection plan for Blanton Forest, the old growth forest project that launched KNLT in 1995. The preserve is part of a matrix of conservation lands along Pine Mountain that protects a biodiverse and climate resilient
landscape. The mountain is one of the most biologically diverse areas of Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Pine Mountain provides habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals; nearly 200 of these species are considered rare, some found nowhere else on the planet. Funds from the Louisville Audubon Society will support the purchase and due diligence costs related to the acquisition and protection of vital Kentucky wildlands within the PMWC. Additionally, Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor is a vital link of the migratory pathway for neotropical birds and monarch butterflies.
Second Chances Wildlife Center
Project Title: Native pollinator field
Second Chances have been working on a large pollinator field for a couple of years. LAS funds will be used to
purchase additional native wildflower seeds to cover its 2.2 acres. This pollinator field will allow bats, birds, bees, and butterflies to flourish by providing food sources, nesting habitat for meadow birds and shelter for the animals. Students and other visitors will also benefit from the aesthetics and research potential.
Project Title: Make Way For Natives!
The Make Way For Natives project at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve will remove six acres of dense, non-native, invasive shrubs and vines through hiring a company to use a large masticator machine to conduct a “forest-mow” of trees up to 1 to 12 inches in diameter. The area will be replanted with native species that will benefit birds and pollinators.
Falls of the Ohio Foundation
Project Title: Falls of the Ohio Bird Collision Deterrent Window Film
The Louisville Audubon Society continues to make an impact at the Falls of the Ohio State Park in 2024. Generous funding from the society supported the installation of bird collision deterrent film on the window panels of the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center’s bird viewing room, overlooking the newly renovated bird garden. Visitors can continue to experience observing several species of local avifauna while birds safely enjoy the garden with reduced the chances of collision with the viewing glass. This funding dovetails with the 2023 grant from the Louisville Audubon Society that helped renovate the bird garden with new feeders and native perennial plants.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Inc.
Project Title: Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor
This project will expand Salt Trace Gap Preserve (2,392 acres) by protecting an additional 175 acres in Harlan County. Salt Trace Gap is within the original protection plan for Blanton Forest, the old growth forest project that launched KNLT in 1995. The preserve is part of a matrix of conservation lands along Pine Mountain that protects a biodiverse and climate resilient
landscape. The mountain is one of the most biologically diverse areas of Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Pine Mountain provides habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals; nearly 200 of these species are considered rare, some found nowhere else on the planet. Funds from the Louisville Audubon Society will support the purchase and due diligence costs related to the acquisition and protection of vital Kentucky wildlands within the PMWC. Additionally, Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor is a vital link of the migratory pathway for neotropical birds and monarch butterflies.
Second Chances Wildlife Center
Project Title: Native pollinator field
Second Chances have been working on a large pollinator field for a couple of years. LAS funds will be used to
purchase additional native wildflower seeds to cover its 2.2 acres. This pollinator field will allow bats, birds, bees, and butterflies to flourish by providing food sources, nesting habitat for meadow birds and shelter for the animals. Students and other visitors will also benefit from the aesthetics and research potential.
2023 LOUISVILLE AUDUBON SOCIETY GRANT RECIPIENTS
LAS received 20 grant proposals in 2023. We dispersed $6,000 in grant funds to these worthy organizations for their meaningful projects.
GRANT SUMMARIES
Belmar Farm Urban Nature Preserve
Project Title: Belmar Farm: Creating a More Bird-Friendly Neighborhood Woodland.
After two years of invasive non-native shrub and vine removal in a 3.3 acre wooded property in the Camp Taylor neighborhood, there is now opportunity to plant more native herbs shrubs and tree seedlings that will support a more diverse ecological community. Work being done here has engaged community members, members of Wild Ones Louisville, Master Naturalists and the Kentucky Native Seed Swap Group so they can all teach one other techniques for removing invasive plants and the value of native plants in supporting wildlife such as birds. Funds were requested to purchase native, bird-supporting shrubs that are not readily obtained through informal channels. This work is ongoing, but shrubs were slated to be planted in spring or fall.
Falls of the Ohio Foundation
Project Title: Falls of the Ohio Bird Garden Renovation
Funding for updates to the Falls of the Ohio bird garden and adjacent viewing room will carry on the legacies of both Audubon and Brecher, will benefit area bird enthusiasts and novices alike, and local birds by providing a continued source of food, shelter when needed, and respite. Additionally, the bird garden and viewing room affords visitors the opportunity to learn about local species and how to spot them, thus creating more educated environmental citizens and bird advocates. Funding would be used to purchase new, native perennial plants for the bird garden. Renovations are currently underway in the bird garden. The initial work has been done to replace the fish pond in the space and to add a water feature. Ideally the additional updates were slated to be complete by the end of spring 2023.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Inc
Project Title: Forest Restoration - Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor
The project will restore riparian forest habitat within a major migratory route through Central Appalachia. Located within Kentucky Natural Lands Trust’s Laden Trail Preserve (459 acres), the 27-acre site targeted for restoration is a former coal wash facility that operated along the base of Pine Mountain from 1981 to around 1995. The operations during that time washed off the soil, rock and other impurities from coal extracted from the Cumberland Plateau. Funds were requested to help with site preparation costs. The project is planned to be finish in 2024.
Louisville Nature Center, Inc.
Project Title: Louisville Nature Center Pollinator Garden
This year’s project will be an expansion on last year’s project, converting even more of the overgrown, weedy garden bed in front of the building into a pollinator garden. Funding from Louisville Audubon and the Re-Wilding project allowed LNC to plant a number of native pollinator species in the garden. LNC hopes this year to have the bed fully converted to native pollinator plants: a garden to be proud of right by the front door! The proximity of the pollinators will benefit the edible garden, and the two gardens will be useful education tools. In addition to growing native plants for LNC's own pollinator garden, LNC plans to collect seeds from the native pollinator plants to propagate new plants for sale, giveaways, or replanting. Project completion by early summer 2023.
Office of State Nature Preserves
Project Title: Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Prescribed Fire Program
Prescribed fire is an integral tool the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (OKNP) has utilized for decades to manage and restore our state natural areas. Over the past five years, OKNP has burned over 3,000 acres of natural areas across the state. OKNP’s Fire Program has increased its capacity to implement prescribed burns in recent years with increased staff support and new partnerships. Prescribed fire also helps restore degraded grasslands that have been converted to non-native cool season grasses via agriculture back to native warm season grasses that provide better nesting site conditions and increase the available nesting habitat for a wide range of grassland birds. OKNP currently requires updates and expansion of equipment to accommodate the increased capacity. Safety is of paramount importance on a prescribed burn. To ensure the
safety of each individual fire practitioner, everyone should have a radio capable of communicating with other crew members. OKNP requested funding to purchase additional radios to equip each crew member on its burn crew with a means of communication. The project was slated to start with the fall 2023 prescribed fire season.
River City Paddle Sports
Project Title: Ohio River Documentary
Morgan Atkinson is making a documentary that will change the way people perceive the OhioRiver as well as the manner in which they embrace it. Our documentary will show how this river, once called "the beautiful river" but now derided by some as the dirtiest river in America, is an invaluable asset. The documentary will bring to life the people and choices that can make the Ohio a beautiful river once again. When people appreciate and understand the history, the environmental issues and the current work to enhance the biodiversity of the Ohio River there will be more political will to clean it up. River City Paddle Sports has been involved and is requesting funds to help with final editing for this documentary. The documentary should be done by the end of August; it's hoped the premier will be at the Kentucky State Fair in conjunction with the Ripple Effects exhibit.
Second Chances Wildlife Center
Project Title: Native wildlife enclosure rebuild
Second Chances noted it always seems to run short on outdoor enclosures; however, the organization has experienced some damage due to a large tree falling on three enclosures, damaging two and destroying one. Being short these enclosures would have affect the number of people and animals that they are able to help. They will build and repair damaged enclosures this Spring to assure they have adequate space for the final stage in the rehabilitation process for wildlife.
TreesLouisville
Project Title: Residential Tree Adoption Program
Each year, TreesLouisville distributes hundreds of potted trees to Louisville-area residents at multiple events throughout the city. Data from the 2015 Louisville Urban Tree Canopy Assessment revealed that nearly 70% of land in Jefferson County is privately owned; therefore, individual residents and homeowners have the power to significantly contribute to increasing our
city’s tree canopy. Canopy gains cannot be achieved by the public sector alone, and by providing free trees to residents, TreesLouisville offers incentives for individuals to participate directly in Louisville’s tree canopy improvement efforts and reap the benefits of additional shade, etc. in their yards. To ensure greater access to the program for residents throughout Louisville, they select and rotate between different event sites throughout the year. TreesLouisville focuses its pickup locations in West, South, or Southwest Louisville where tree canopy coverage is the lowest, in an effort to engage with residents in neighborhoods closest to the event sites. TreesLouisville also collects basic information from the participants in order to learn where the trees are being planted (ZIP code) and to follow up with them regarding their tree health. This data helps TreesLouisville better gauge the program’s efficacy and adapt its program’s strategy if it feels it needs to increase participation from its target audience. Tree Adoptions take place in early spring and late fall every year.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Project Title: Waterfront Botanical Gardens Berry Producing Shrubs
WBG desires 58 native berry-producing shrubs to feed its songbirds during the year at times when other sources are not available along the Butchertown Greenway along its eastern frontage. One of WBG’s goals with this project is to protect its growing population of songbirds at WBG and at the Avish. WBG feeds birds in their natural habitat, which protects the environment from intruding species. WBG includes education about songbirds and their habitats in its environmental education programs.
Project Title: Belmar Farm: Creating a More Bird-Friendly Neighborhood Woodland.
After two years of invasive non-native shrub and vine removal in a 3.3 acre wooded property in the Camp Taylor neighborhood, there is now opportunity to plant more native herbs shrubs and tree seedlings that will support a more diverse ecological community. Work being done here has engaged community members, members of Wild Ones Louisville, Master Naturalists and the Kentucky Native Seed Swap Group so they can all teach one other techniques for removing invasive plants and the value of native plants in supporting wildlife such as birds. Funds were requested to purchase native, bird-supporting shrubs that are not readily obtained through informal channels. This work is ongoing, but shrubs were slated to be planted in spring or fall.
Falls of the Ohio Foundation
Project Title: Falls of the Ohio Bird Garden Renovation
Funding for updates to the Falls of the Ohio bird garden and adjacent viewing room will carry on the legacies of both Audubon and Brecher, will benefit area bird enthusiasts and novices alike, and local birds by providing a continued source of food, shelter when needed, and respite. Additionally, the bird garden and viewing room affords visitors the opportunity to learn about local species and how to spot them, thus creating more educated environmental citizens and bird advocates. Funding would be used to purchase new, native perennial plants for the bird garden. Renovations are currently underway in the bird garden. The initial work has been done to replace the fish pond in the space and to add a water feature. Ideally the additional updates were slated to be complete by the end of spring 2023.
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Inc
Project Title: Forest Restoration - Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor
The project will restore riparian forest habitat within a major migratory route through Central Appalachia. Located within Kentucky Natural Lands Trust’s Laden Trail Preserve (459 acres), the 27-acre site targeted for restoration is a former coal wash facility that operated along the base of Pine Mountain from 1981 to around 1995. The operations during that time washed off the soil, rock and other impurities from coal extracted from the Cumberland Plateau. Funds were requested to help with site preparation costs. The project is planned to be finish in 2024.
Louisville Nature Center, Inc.
Project Title: Louisville Nature Center Pollinator Garden
This year’s project will be an expansion on last year’s project, converting even more of the overgrown, weedy garden bed in front of the building into a pollinator garden. Funding from Louisville Audubon and the Re-Wilding project allowed LNC to plant a number of native pollinator species in the garden. LNC hopes this year to have the bed fully converted to native pollinator plants: a garden to be proud of right by the front door! The proximity of the pollinators will benefit the edible garden, and the two gardens will be useful education tools. In addition to growing native plants for LNC's own pollinator garden, LNC plans to collect seeds from the native pollinator plants to propagate new plants for sale, giveaways, or replanting. Project completion by early summer 2023.
Office of State Nature Preserves
Project Title: Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Prescribed Fire Program
Prescribed fire is an integral tool the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (OKNP) has utilized for decades to manage and restore our state natural areas. Over the past five years, OKNP has burned over 3,000 acres of natural areas across the state. OKNP’s Fire Program has increased its capacity to implement prescribed burns in recent years with increased staff support and new partnerships. Prescribed fire also helps restore degraded grasslands that have been converted to non-native cool season grasses via agriculture back to native warm season grasses that provide better nesting site conditions and increase the available nesting habitat for a wide range of grassland birds. OKNP currently requires updates and expansion of equipment to accommodate the increased capacity. Safety is of paramount importance on a prescribed burn. To ensure the
safety of each individual fire practitioner, everyone should have a radio capable of communicating with other crew members. OKNP requested funding to purchase additional radios to equip each crew member on its burn crew with a means of communication. The project was slated to start with the fall 2023 prescribed fire season.
River City Paddle Sports
Project Title: Ohio River Documentary
Morgan Atkinson is making a documentary that will change the way people perceive the OhioRiver as well as the manner in which they embrace it. Our documentary will show how this river, once called "the beautiful river" but now derided by some as the dirtiest river in America, is an invaluable asset. The documentary will bring to life the people and choices that can make the Ohio a beautiful river once again. When people appreciate and understand the history, the environmental issues and the current work to enhance the biodiversity of the Ohio River there will be more political will to clean it up. River City Paddle Sports has been involved and is requesting funds to help with final editing for this documentary. The documentary should be done by the end of August; it's hoped the premier will be at the Kentucky State Fair in conjunction with the Ripple Effects exhibit.
Second Chances Wildlife Center
Project Title: Native wildlife enclosure rebuild
Second Chances noted it always seems to run short on outdoor enclosures; however, the organization has experienced some damage due to a large tree falling on three enclosures, damaging two and destroying one. Being short these enclosures would have affect the number of people and animals that they are able to help. They will build and repair damaged enclosures this Spring to assure they have adequate space for the final stage in the rehabilitation process for wildlife.
TreesLouisville
Project Title: Residential Tree Adoption Program
Each year, TreesLouisville distributes hundreds of potted trees to Louisville-area residents at multiple events throughout the city. Data from the 2015 Louisville Urban Tree Canopy Assessment revealed that nearly 70% of land in Jefferson County is privately owned; therefore, individual residents and homeowners have the power to significantly contribute to increasing our
city’s tree canopy. Canopy gains cannot be achieved by the public sector alone, and by providing free trees to residents, TreesLouisville offers incentives for individuals to participate directly in Louisville’s tree canopy improvement efforts and reap the benefits of additional shade, etc. in their yards. To ensure greater access to the program for residents throughout Louisville, they select and rotate between different event sites throughout the year. TreesLouisville focuses its pickup locations in West, South, or Southwest Louisville where tree canopy coverage is the lowest, in an effort to engage with residents in neighborhoods closest to the event sites. TreesLouisville also collects basic information from the participants in order to learn where the trees are being planted (ZIP code) and to follow up with them regarding their tree health. This data helps TreesLouisville better gauge the program’s efficacy and adapt its program’s strategy if it feels it needs to increase participation from its target audience. Tree Adoptions take place in early spring and late fall every year.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Project Title: Waterfront Botanical Gardens Berry Producing Shrubs
WBG desires 58 native berry-producing shrubs to feed its songbirds during the year at times when other sources are not available along the Butchertown Greenway along its eastern frontage. One of WBG’s goals with this project is to protect its growing population of songbirds at WBG and at the Avish. WBG feeds birds in their natural habitat, which protects the environment from intruding species. WBG includes education about songbirds and their habitats in its environmental education programs.