Brushy Fork Nature Preserve
Welcome to the information page on the Brushy Fork Nature Preserve. This project is a collaboration between The Kenton Conservancy and the Banklick Watershed Council. The goal is to protect a beautiful natural area along the Brushy Fork Creek tributary that contains old-growth forests, a wetland, and over a mile of creek.
Spring 2025 - Brushy Fork Work Days
We are incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteers for helping us get the entryway into shape before summer!
2024 Work Parties @ Brushy Fork
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With the help of the Master Gardeners, Banklick Watershed Council, and Kenton Conservancy volunteers, we continued our progress at the (future) entryway at the Brushy Fork Nature Preserve. We added native trees this spring, maintained and watered last year's plants all summer, and added more pollinator plants this fall.
Our contractor installed the kiosk/bench and an eagle scout installed trail markers along the main wetland trail. Once the maps are posted on the kiosk, the public will finally have the tools to navigate and explore over 104 acres of gorgeous green space! A huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who helped make this happen! |
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Happy Halloween!
It was a cold COLD evening, but a huge thanks to Kathy, Jared and Anita for hosting a Halloween table for the neighborhood kids!
2023 Work Parties @ Brushy Fork
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We are blessed with amazing volunteers who joined us the 3rd Saturday of each month to battle the weeds, care for the trees, and install more native plants at the entryway. To see our work visit our news blog page.
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A Narrow Escape: Saving Brushy Fork
In 2004, a development plan threatened to transform this serene landscape into a bustling subdivision. A staggering 100 new homes were slated to rise on the land behind Canberra Drive. Fortunately, a different vision prevailed.
Through strategic land acquisitions in 2014 and 2019, we secured the future of this 104-acre oasis. This remarkable achievement ensures that Brushy Fork will remain a permanent green space, a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for generations to come.
The comparison maps below illustrate the stark contrast between the original development plan and the revised vision for the property.
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Creating a Gateway to Nature
While the majority of Brushy Fork will remain untouched, we recognized the importance of providing public access to this natural treasure. Working closely with the land developer, we secured an easement to create a new trailhead and connecting trail. This access point, which we’ve named the “Access Hub,” offers a gateway to the serene beauty of the valley below.
A Community Effort
In 2023, we made significant strides in developing the entryway to the preserve. Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and the expertise of the Kenton County Master Gardeners, we’ve installed a new driveway and planted a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
In 2024, we're focused on completing several key improvements to enhance the visitor experience at Brushy Fork:
A Community Effort
In 2023, we made significant strides in developing the entryway to the preserve. Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and the expertise of the Kenton County Master Gardeners, we’ve installed a new driveway and planted a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
In 2024, we're focused on completing several key improvements to enhance the visitor experience at Brushy Fork:
- Informative Kiosk: A new information kiosk will provide essential details about the trails, local ecology, and upcoming events. It will also offer convenient seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Welcoming Entryway: A prominent entry sign will mark the entrance to the preserve, while a gate or bollards will ensure the safety and security of the property.
A Vision for the Future
While our immediate focus is on preserving the natural beauty of Brushy Fork, we have a long-term vision for the property. Future plans may include:
- Maintenance Building: A small maintenance building would provide essential storage space for tools and equipment, as well as a sheltered area for volunteers and visitors.
- Outdoor Classroom: An open, level area could be designated as an outdoor classroom, perfect for educational programs, guided hikes, and community events.
- Native Plant Gardens: We envision creating vibrant native plant gardens that attract pollinators and enhance the biodiversity of the preserve.
- Additional Parking: If future demand necessitates, we may expand the parking area to accommodate more visitors.
Concept Sketch of Kiosk.
(Illustrative Purposes Only)
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Concept Sketch of a Steel and Native Rock Entry Sign. (Illustrative Purposes Only)
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Maps
Map of the entire Brushy Fork Nature Preserve showing property line (yellow) and the areas where vegetation buffer (green) is required by zoning. We are proposing leaving the existing vegetation as-is to fulfill this buffer requirement.
The original 2004 development plan for Canberra Ridge
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Proposed layout of the public access 'Hub' off Canberra Drive. The first 35' of driveway will be paved so that it looks the same and blends in with surrounding residences. The drive will then transition to gravel.
The 2019 agreement reached with the developer will only add 27 of the planned 128 homes, leaving the remainder of the land for greenspace.
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The development plan for the end of Canberra Drive, showing The Conservancy's new access parcel (lot 93A). The current access parcel near Hobart will be transferred back to the developer.
Map of the existing trail network that will be preserved and linked to the Access 'Hub'.
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