MILLVILLE " The Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary-Trust and Audubon Center is a great place to walk, said Jake Jacobs, long-time resident of Millville who often visits the sanctuary.
"There's a lot of good stuff," said Tim Williams, 57, who has managed the sanctuary for 34 years. "I did my best to make it a good place."
Several species of flowers and plants are in bloom already or are almost ready to bloom. One can expect to find bloodroot, chickweed, common blue violet, dwarf larkspur, spring beauty, twinleaf and many more at the sanctuary.
"The bloodroot and twinleaf are pretty nice and showy," Williams said.
The sanctuary celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Emma Buckley set aside 374 acres of land as a memorial to her late husband, Clyde E. Buckley. The sanctuary is the only area in Kentucky managed by the National Audubon Society.
The flowers and plants are scattered throughout the sanctuary and can be viewed from the three self-guided trails. Williams said a lot of people who visit the sanctuary bring along a guide or a book to help identify the flowers since they are unmarked at the sanctuary.
"Some are more obvious than others," Williams said. "You have to know where to look."
Birds are beginning to migrate back to the sanctuary for the spring and summer.
"There's a really nice bird line," Williams said. "You can see 15 different species of birds there."
The sanctuary has a one-way mirror set up for bird watching at the Marion Bird Blind that looks out at the bird line where there are several feeders to attract the different species. The birds are best seen earlier in the day, before noon, Williams said.
Currently, there are nesting Carolina wrens, Canada geese, and bluebirds as well as brown thrashers and chipping sparrows.
"I haven't heard any tanager or orioles yet," said Williams. "No hummingbirds yet either, but the feeders are out."
The sanctuary features three walking trails from one-third mile to two miles long and ponds. The Emma E. Buckley Nature Center has exhibits, a gift shop and room for audio-visual presentations. There is also an outdoor pavilion for sheltered events.
"It's a real nice quiet, pleasant place to hang out," Williams said of the sanctuary. "You can reconnect with nature."
Different events and programs are hosted throughout the year at the sanctuary such as interpretive trail walks, slide presentations and environmental education activities for scheduled groups. Upcoming events include Buckley's Birdathon and Bats of the Bluegrass Region both on May 10.
For more information on these events contact the sanctuary.
About Buckley
The sanctuary is located at 1305 Germany Road in Woodford County beyond Millville. If you're traveling from Frankfort, just beyond the I-64 bridge turn right at Route 1681. At the bottom of the hill turn left on 1659, travel through Millville and then right at the Community Center, Route 1964.
The phone number is (859) 873-5711, the Web site is www.audubon.org or e-mail Williams at twilliams@audubon.org.
The hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9-6. Admission is $3 for those 16 and under and $4 for adults. Those who are a "Friend of Buckley" are admitted to all programs and the sanctuary free. To become a Friend contact Williams at the sanctuary.