July 12, 2012
8:30AM– 5:30PM
$50.00 (includes lunch & transportation)
NOTE: workshop separate from main conference registration and not supported by any public funds.
Background on Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village is a National Historic Landmark on 3000 acres of rolling Central Kentucky farmland, located about 25 miles southwest of Lexington. The Village is managed as a private nonprofit.
While horses have been ridden on trails there for years, recently some unique partnerships established with the local Back Country Horsemen groups, as well as Fox-hunting and driving organizations, have resulted in not only more trail mileage, but an appreciation by the Village management of the value of equestrian tourism, the enhancement of the historic atmosphere when horses are present, and the benefits of trail planning and maintenance when working closely with local horsemen.
SCHEDULE
Morning Discussion of the Trail Partnerships
We will leave the hotel at 8:30 AM for the 45 minute bus ride, which takes us through countryside, limestone cliff areas, and across the Kentucky River.
Upon arriving at Shaker Village, we will spend the morning with Don Pelly, Shaker Village Land Manager, and Bob Cairns and others of the Fort Harrod Back Country Horsemen. Mr. Pelly will explain how the Village is managing their lands, and the changes made in the past five years. Both Mr. Pelly and the horsemen will also describe the journey each group has taken in establishing the current horsemen-Village relationship, and the joint efforts to make Shaker Village a magnet for equestrian trail users, including being used as a training ground for a World Equestrian Games endurance team in 2010. In addition, we will visit some of the sections of the trails that have been a result of that partnership.
Lunch on the Kentucky River
We will travel just a mile down the road to board the Dixie Belle boat for a quiet lunch cruise down the Kentucky River. The one-hour narrated cruise describes the river’s diverse ecosystem and the historical importance of the river to the Shakers.
Afternoon in the Village
Returning from the river, we will then enter the Village for a guided tour, including a featured music performance of Shaker songs. We will end the day with time to visit the gift shop before boarding the bus to return to Lexington.
Expected arrival time at the hotel is 5:30PM.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR WORKSHOP
How to partner with private and governmental agencies to create a long-term land stewardship model that balances conservation and agricultural best practices to promote recreational use of the property.
How to preserve the natural aspects and the trails of Shaker Village to meet recreational needs and natural resource preservation.
Understanding of the development and maintenance of the equine facilities and trails within a Nature Preserve environment.
