Our Vision
Griffith Woods
Griffith Woods contains the best known remnant of the unique and fascinating bluegrass savanna-woodland ecosystem that once covered this region before the pioneer area. This exceptional oak/ash savanna is characterized by scattered, large trees and undergrowth of course grasses such as cane and running buffalo clover. Dominant species include blue ash, chinquapin oak and shagbark hickory, and many of the trees are more than 300 years old. In fact, the nation's largest chinquapin oak is found at Griffith Woods.
Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, this 745 acre protected site provides an extraordinary opportunity for researchers to study and develop ecological restoration models. Native plants propagated at the site will be used to restore the woods and other areas within the Central Kentucky region.
Currently closed to the public except by appointment, Griffith Woods will offer many educational opportunities for school groups and the public. Activities will include trail walks, workshops and seminars to inform the public about native vegetation. Visitors will learn how to identify different species and how to apply this knowledge to their own gardens.
Griffith Tavern
A rare, Federal style tavern/inn building at the center of the property will be rehabilitated as an educational conference center and trailhead for visitors to Griffith Woods. Called Silver Lake Place by the six generations of family members who lived there, Griffith Tavern was built in 1827 as an inn on the old Lexington-Cincinnati turnpike. This historic structure is significant for being one of the few tavern/inn buildings still standing in Kentucky.
The non-profit group, Friends of Griffith Woods, has committed to raising the funds to rehabilitate the tavern. During the restoration process, history and architecture students will have hands-on learning experiences in historic preservation. Eventually the tavern will be the headquarters for all the educational activities at Griffith Woods.
Our Purposes
- Facilitate preservation, restoration, and public use of the unique ecological, cultural, archaeological, and structural features of Griffith Woods, including ownership and operation of rehabilitated historic structures on the site
- Facilitate scientific and transdisciplinary research, education, and outreach at the site and at related ecological and cultural sites in the Bluegrass Region
- Support and collaborate with the Griffith Woods Management Committee, raise funds in support of activities at the site, and communicate with relevant organizations and the general public
- Provide native plants and associated restoration services for Griffith Woods and cooperators elsewhere in the central Bluegrass Region