“ ”Back in August 2024, I remember seeing on the news that the turtle shelter at the Louisville Nature Center had been broken into and vandalized. I saw it as a chance not only to repair the damage, but to improve the shelter overall. I wanted to create a better experience for the turtles and for the people who come to see them. I still visit the turtle shelter often just to look at the project. Every time I see it, I feel a sense of appreciation and pride. I was able to help the Nature Center during a time of concern and turn a negative situation into something stronger and more secure for the future.””
Project Expectations
We expect scouts to take the lead on their project, including communication, project management, gathering volunteers, etc., rather than a parent/leader/mentor. This includes clear communication and coordination with the Volunteer coordinator and/or the Operations Specialist at LNC, and ensuring anyone helping with your project completes the required paperwork from LNC and follows our safety protocols.
We have high expectations of these projects and hope they will last for many years to come and will be built with care and thought. Attention to detail is key.
LNC is an independent small non-profit, therefore we are not able to provide funds towards the Eagle Scout/Summit Award/Gold Award project.
If at any time the expectations listed above are not met, LNC holds the right to cancel the project.
Prospective Projects
Projects in the Preserve must be approved by the Office of Kentucky State Nature Preserves. We will submit the application, however please take this into account time-wise.
- Trailhead kiosks revamp
- New benches in the Nature Play Area
- Tool shed revamp
- Repair the old overlook on the white oak trail
- Bridges on the trail
- Wildlife habitat improvements
- Structures for outdoor classroom
- Nature Play Area repairs and additions
- Build a natural fence and plant shrubs
Share your ideas with us!
Safety Protocols
All volunteers participating, child or adult, must complete the LNC Volunteer Waiver.
All volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes.
All volunteers under 18 must be with a parent or guardian while volunteering.
Volunteering outside of LNC’s hours of operation, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, must be coordinated with and approved by LNC’s Volunteer Coordinator and/or the Operations Specialist
If volunteering in the Preserve or after hours, a supervisor must have a first aid kit on hand.
Plan a Project!
Should you decide to (and we hope you do!) complete your project here; listed below are the next steps
Schedule a meeting with Janelle Vaesa to look over project ideas and take a tour of where the project would be completed.
Confirm in writing your project and get it approved by the beneficiary (Janelle). This step may also need approval from either LNC’s Executive Director, Land and Project Manager, and/or the State Nature Preserve’s Natural Areas Branch Manager. If building a project in the state nature preserve, it must be approved by the state and this can take a few months or be a quick turn around.
Once the project is approved, please contact Janelle to set up a time that works for LNC and you to complete your project. LNC is a busy place with rentals and programming. An LNC staff member will need to be present while your organization is on site.
Complete your project!
Meet with Janelle to go over your project and get your papers signed. This can happen on the day you complete your project.