We'll hike all the nature trails in the new Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation in Burlington KY. This 92-acre property located along a 1-mile stretch of Gunpowder Creek is owned by the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) and is home to a beautiful forest, wetlands, pollinator fields, riparian habitat, and many species of native plants and wildlife. The Center is used by BCCD to demonstrate conservation practices, conduct habitat and wildlife surveys, and educate the public about natural resource management. The Center is also home to the ruins of the historic Crisler-Gulley Mill which was built in 1817. Our host and guide will be Susan Brown, BCCD's Conservation Education Specialist.

Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes with grippy soles since we'll walk over sometimes unstable or slippery terrain especially if it's wet. Trails are not too hilly except in 2 places where climb or descent is 50-100 ft. The property has limited cell service and no utilities except a porta-potty near the trailhead.

Children are welcome but a parent or legal guardian must accompany and sign a waiver for minors. All must sign that they have read and agree to Sierra Club’s liability waiver and acknowledgement of self-risk – please read in advance:

https://www.sierraclub.org/kentucky/bluegrass/outings

The center's address is 2588 Camp Ernst LANE, Burlington, KY 41005. Camp Ernst LANE goes north off Camp Ernst Rd just west of where Camp Ernst ROAD crosses Gunpowder creek. Once you're on Camp Ernst LANE, keep driving until you reach the end of the one-land road.

Level: Easy

Signup Instructions: RSVP by 5pm Fri Jan 8 by phoning or emailing the leader or RSVP at Northern KY Sierra Club's Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/northern-kentucky-sierra-club/events/316089519/

Additional Directions: Make sure you get to Camp Ernst LANE, not Camp Ernst Drive.