E.P. 'Tom' Sawyer Naturalist and Recreation Blog

Before and After of Geordie Ayers' Eagle Project

In the past year, things have really been changing at our park. We have strived to make improvements that allow our visitors to have a more enjoyable time and relax in our pleasant natural setting. Many have said the park has not looked so good in years! This brings great pride to us; to know that all the hard work that goes into improving the park is, in fact, noticed by our visitors.

Although our staff has accomplished great things thus far, we also have gotten a huge helping hand from some local Boy Scouts, who are looking to earn their Eagle Scout rank. These scouts seek us out, come with ideas, plan the project, gather volunteers, and finally implement the plan. I give them all the guidance they ask of me, but mostly they construct the project entirely on there own. Take a look at all of the projects they have accomplished below!Read More

Dark Eyed Junco
Photo Courtesy of Steve Nanz

All too often Winter is marked by losing things rather than gaining; we lose our nice Fall warmth, deciduous trees all lose their leaves, we lose an hour of daylight, and the heating bills may cause us to lose a little bit more money to the energy providers! I like to look at things in a more positive way….with the approaching Winter season, what do we gain?

Winter is one of my favorite times, and after reading this it may just be yours too! Yes its cold outside, but throw on another fleece and get outside to see what we are gaining this year! Winter is one of the best times for bird watching, especially if you are just getting into the hobby and need a quick boost of confidence. With all of the leaves off of the trees, it is much easier to spot our feathered friends. One of Winter’s first arrivals, are the formally dressed Dark Eyed Juncos, pictured above.

These little sparrows are very easy to spot, and that is a good thing because you won’t get a chance to see them any other time of the year! They are easily recognizable by their dark grey backs and white stomachs. The juveniles or immature birds will have more brown in their feathers. They also have a pink bill that stands out from the surrounding grey feathers. A fully mature Dark Eyed Junco looks like he is ready to attend a grand ball with his fancy tuxedo on; and they are never late for the Winter festivities!Read More

Patrons Using the Public Outdoor Archery Range

Just last week the results of the Leo Weekly Readers' Choice Awards were announced. There were catagories ranging from best consignment store to best pediatrician, but the one we were all interested in was the best park.

With so many parks in the city of Louisville, the competition is stiff! We already know that hundreds of people visit E.P. 'Tom" Sawyer every day, apparent by the always busy walking track and public archery range, but we weren't sure how we measured up to the other dozens of public parks in Louisville. Although, we have been getting great comments for the past year now about how much cleaner the park is, how great the new programs we offer are, and the sincerity of all of the park staff to provide a safe and clean environment for all to enjoy, and nothing makes our jobs easier than to hear that from time to time. Read More

Asiatic Dayflower

This weekend was full of things going on here at the park. Of course, my favorite was the guided hikes! On Saturday, September 22, I lead a group of eight hikers along the Goose Creek Nature Trail to discover what flowers are in bloom in the Fall here at the park. We also talked about the detriment of the honey suckle, both vine and bush, and how they affect every other living thing here on the park. Hopefully, I raised some eyebrows once they saw for themselves the damage these invasive plants do.

The weather could not have been more perfect for a short hike along the creek. Flowers that I had intended to take a look at were Thoroughworts, Goldenrod, Chicory, Asiatic Dayflower, Perplexing tick tre-foil, among others. Luckily, the cards were in our favor and we got a chance to see each one of these!Read More

Event Courtesy of Redneck Investigators of the Paranormal

If you know of the history of the park, you are well aware of the old Central State Hospital, then called the “Lakeland Asylum”, that use to call the park grounds home. There are a few buildings still standing that were here when the hospital was operational, and better yet, two cemeteries that the hospital used for deceased patients. With all of these features still in place, the South side of the park can be a very eerie place to be at night!

Halloween is quickly approaching, and I am sure you have started noticing scary movies being aired on T.V., costumes stores opening, and of course, the haunted house attractions beckoning for your buck. Why spend $15.00 on a “make believe haunted house” this season when you can come to the park for a real life ghost hunt? Read More