Explore the natural areas | Features

The New Science building is over 158,000 square feet and houses a plethora of programs including chemistry, biology, physics, and geography. 

However, the third floor houses the Division of Natural Areas. A very unique part of this program is that it houses a lot of unique animals such as snakes and turtles. The Division also has some ecological areas they take care of and do different research projects on at these specific sites. There are plenty of areas, such as: Maywoods Environmental and Educational Library, the Taylor Fork Ecological Area, the Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station. 

Maywoods is a 1,700 natural area and wildlife refuge that is located in the Knobs region of Kentucky, it is 22 miles southwest of EKU’s campus. It provides research opportunities for students and faculty. Many students and residents can also enjoy hiking in the area. 

The Lilley Cornett Woods is located in the Southeastern corner of Kentucky in Letcher County. It spans 554 acres of forest. It has a plethora of plants and animals with over 530 different species of plants, 700 different species of birds as well. On top of all of this, there are also different breeds of mammals and reptiles. Over 60 peer-reviewed journals and papers have been published from the area. 

Each of these areas houses unique opportunities for students to learn about nature, go hiking or other unique opportunities. Students also interested in studying the program can also have their choice of two offered certifications. The first is a certificate in Environmental Education. This certification is 12 hours total and it allows students to be able to be leaders in environmental education in formal and informal settings. This is offered to graduate and undergraduate students. The second certificate that is offered is in Environmental Science. This is an undergraduate certificate that teaches students an understanding of the environment. The total curriculum is 20-22 hours.  

If you would like to conduct research in a natural area you must submit a proposal. The type of research that has been conducted at the Cornett Woods consists of climate change, Appalachian ecology, hydrological investigation, or  archaeological assessment of rock shelters. 

Right around the corner from EKU’s campus is the Taylor Fork Ecological Area. It stretches over 60 acres and is pasture land with fence crow lands. The land was conceived by EKU students themselves.  

Inside the New Science Building in the classroom students are surrounded by animals themselves and they get to help take care of them. The animals include turtles and snakes for example. 

Program interns discussed what it is like to be in such a unique program. Max Moberly, who is a wildlife management major, described why he chose to work in the Division. 

“I got approached by Dr. Watson at one of the Big E Welcome Events,” said Moberly.“I am interested in Environmental Education and I like teaching people about reptiles, about the environment and working with kids.”  

Speaking with Alessandra Dellinger, sophomore data science and stats major from Georgetown, KY, who wants to work in the city planning area when she graduates, she stated why people should choose the Division of Natural Areas. 

“I think everybody should be literate on the outdoors, everyone should have the passion for the environment and the Division of Natural Areas brings that into the college light.” said Dellinger. 

The Division of Natural Areas also holds many different events throughout the year such as Maywoods Family Nature Day which includes a birding and tree ID hike. They also host an Animal Ambassador Drop-in showcase which gives students a chance to talk and see the reptiles and amphibians. Students will get to hold and interact with them, learn from the interns and vivarium workers and they will have free arts and crafts. On Oct. 17, at the Taylor Fork Ecological Area, they will host students and family to Colonel Nature Day which will have music, nature crafts, tree climbing and animal petting, fossils, and yoga. This will take place between noon and five o’clock.

For other events, you can find their information online or stop by their office in New Science room 3106.