RoundAbout - Springhouse Featured
"The Creasey Mahan springhouse has a storied past as the property passed down through generations."
The August issue of Oldham County's RoundAbout features the Creasey Mahan springhouse as a historic example of the early settlers' methods of preserving fresh foods and providing cool water.
Director, Tavia Cathcart, said visitors to the nature preserve still find it a "spot they like to walk inside and cool down. We use the stream as an educaitonal locaiton for field trips." The feeder stream from 1805 still flows through the stone building, and down into Harmony Creek. A new cedar shingle roof was installed in 2010 to replace the tin roof blown off in a storm.
Fern Grotto
Ralph Archer, long known as the fern master at Whitehall Gardens in Louisville, is coming to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve! Ralph and Doug Megginson are working with our staff to design and install a new woodland fern garden. The new fern and woodland garden area will be located near the nature preserve’s camping and fire pit area in a forested setting adjacent to the very popular Frog Pond. This multi-year project will highlight a variety of native ferns including the southern lady fern, maidenhair fern, Christmas fern, royal fern, wood ferns, sensitive fern, as well as a variety of spleenworts. A wide selection of exotic (or non-native) and hardy ferns to Kentucky will be featured in this new area attraction.Look for this garden near the firepit and along Mahan Lane. Read the press release here for more details. Volunteers are welcome to help in the initial stages of this long term project.
Second Dugout for Ball Field
 |
The baseball field at Creasey Mahan has a wonderful dugout, but players on the opposing team keep asking, "Where is OUR dugout?" Eagle Scout Nathan Kueshner is building this additional dugout to eliminate teams having to flip a coin for possession of the first dugout (built in 2008 by Eagle Scout Alex Wesley). |
|---|
Getting Better All the Time
The nature preserve is always trying to improve the visitor experience, protect the environment for flora and fauna, create educational opportunities, and maintain and improve all existing structures and trails. Here are current changes:
New trails and trail signs have been added. Some new ones are Skunk’s Den, Turkey Trot, and Bird Feather. We have a new trail map, too. Walk along Skunk’s Den to discover the new Outdoor Classroom!
The educational programs are being enriched. We are reaching out to disadvantaged children and children with special needs. Many local schools come to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and learn about nature through science education classes.
Removal of invasive plants and planting native trees and shrubs is ongoing. The nature preserve is gripped in an struggle between native plants and invasive “bully” plants! Through a multi-year grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife and National Resources Conservation Council, we are using best practices to manage our forest and promote plant diversity and increase food sources for all wildlife.
Restoration and repair of the 200-year old Mahan
Manor is in process, with special work beginning in Spring 2010. Built in 1806-1808, it is in need of repair. We are looking for a qualified stone worker/tuck pointer, and volunteers. If you'd like to help, please call 228-4362 or email Info@CreaseyMahanNaturePreserve.org.
We are increasing community awareness and recruiting volunteers. If you would like to help at the
preserve, please call 228-4362! Volunteer opportunities
include planting trees, helping with a garden, clearing trails,spreading wood chips, painting, cleaning windows, and
limited office work.