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Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission

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Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preserve

Location: Boone County
Size: 105 acres
Access: Open to the public Open to Public

Owner:
* Boone County Fiscal Court
Managers:
* Boone County Parks
* KSNPC
Purchased with Assistance of:
* Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund

The Nature Conservancy dedicated Dinsmore Woods as a state nature preserve on May 16, 1990. The 105-acre area in now owned by Boone County Fiscal Court. The preserve protects a relatively undisturbed maple-oak-ash forest in Boone County. Prior to the conservancy's ownership, the woods had been in the possession of one family dating back to the 1830s. The maturity and species composition of this woodland are attributed in part to the fact that it has never been commercially logged. The preserve is adjacent to the Dinsmore Homestead, west of Burlington.

Features - mature maple-ash forest, spring wildflower display
Access - 1.7 mile trail, moderate
Facilities - none
Parking - limited
Activities - hiking, nature study, birding, etc.
Directions - Boone County. From the junction of I-75 and KY 18 near Florence, follow KY 18 west for 11.3 miles, turn left into gravel parking lot for the county horsemen's area. Trailhead is across KY 18.