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HIKERS ON THE 2006 SHELTOWEE TRACE PROJECT
Amanda Abnee Gumbert – University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Environmental and Natural Resource
Issues Task Force
Soil Expert Click to read Amanda's journal entry
I am hiking the Sheltowee Trace to learn more about KY's natural resources and to promote the idea of learning about our great outdoors. My hope is that this project will encourage Kentuckians to turn off the television, get outside, get moving, and get their hands dirty.
Blake Newton - University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Department of Entomology
Insect Expert Click to read Blake's journal entry
Kentucky is home to over 30,000 insect and spider species, and I want to see them all. Hiking the Sheltowee Trace, which crosses so many of Kentucky’s rich and diverse habitats, is a perfect way to encounter great numbers of these creatures. I hope that my fellow hikers are patient, because I plan to photograph every insect, spider, and related critter that we find and, later, post the images on the AWAKE website for all Kentuckians to see. I also want to be able to say that I walked 110 miles!
Doug McLaren - University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Department of Foresty
Tree Expert Click to read Doug's journal entry
What an opportunity to visit the many majestic vistas of Kentucky by walking the Sheltowee Trace. As a forester and educator, this hike will provides an opportunity to have first-hand experience of seeing the timber resources that many natural resource educators have only "snap shot" glances of. The 100 mile trip will give me, as I am sure the other hikers will experience, a small fraction of the excitement and anxiety that Daniel Boone and the other explores must have experienced when they first traveled through this area. I hope that, at the completion of the hike, I can share with others a picture of Kentucky's varied, valuable and exciting natural resources that are available to everyone as they step outside and into Kentucky's diversified forests.
Eric Comley – Fayette County Extension
Reptile/Amphibian Expert and 4H Consultant
I am looking forward to hiking the Sheltowee Trace, because it is a glorious return to my childhood curiosity of finding a pathway through the woods and wanting to discover every plant and creature that will live on that trail with me for a brief moment in time. It is also meeting my expectations professionally by seeking out opportunities to train myself to better deliver lessons on Kentucky's natural resources and environmental wonders and eventually bring the kids from Fayette County 4-H programs to meet these lands and waters with open arms and an enthusiastic heart of preservation and conservation.
Kate Shanks – Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Environmental Protection Expert Click to read Kate's journal entry
I am hiking the Sheltowee Trace because I love the outdoors, and I think the best way to learn about the environment is to immerse yourself in it. Only then can you truly learn to appreciate nature and fully understand your place in it. Kentucky is one of the best places to explore the outdoors. Everywhere you turn there is a state park, local natural area or national forest to explore. Kentucky is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. I hope that more people will take the time to learn why.
Kim Alexander - EKU Center for Environmental Education
Education Consultant Click to read Kim's journal entry
I am hiking a portion of the Sheltowee to acquaint myself better with Kentucky's rich cultural and historical heritage. I also want to experience the Trace in its natural state. I hope this project brings more students into the real "unbridled spirit" of Kentucky.
Stephanie Jenkins – University of Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute
Water Expert
I am hiking the Sheltowee Trace to reconnect with Kentucky's unique landscape and resources. I am also interested in investigating the water quality of various streams we encounter over the course of the hike. I hope that all those who participate experience an educational opportunity of a lifetime.
