Geologists pick Clark County preserve as “distinguished” site

The preserve was chosen as a Distinguished Geologic Site because of its human cultural value, geologic value, availability to the public, and easily accessibility, said Frank R. Ettensohn of UK’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Ettensohn is a past president of the Geological Society of Kentucky as well as a past president of KAS.
 
A ceremony designating the preserve as a distinguished site was held by the Geological Society of Kentucky at the preserve on June 4. Guided hikes were offered before and after the ceremony.
 

Members of the Geological Society of Kentucky hiked on the John Holder Trail as part of the day's activities.

The preserve has ties to historically important pioneers and settlers and is home to federally endangered plants. Although it’s a public site, access has been restricted since 2020 to protect natural and cultural resources. Visitors can hike on the John Holder Trail, take part in an organized hike, or arrange a scheduled hike. Find more info at lowerhowardscreek.org.
 
Appreciating a site like the Lower Howard’s Creek preserve serves as a reminder that geologic marvels are all around, Ettensohn said.
 
“This kind of stuff occurs everywhere. It just happens this is a preserve,” he said. “But you’ve got to look just below your feet and geology is everywhere. It influences our life and everything we do even though we don’t realize it. We sometimes need places like this to bring our attention to the point that geology is everywhere and our lives depend upon it.”