Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

10/30/2026

🌿 Celebrating 50 Years of Preserving Kentucky’s Natural Heritage! 🌿

Today, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

For five decades, the OKNP has worked to protect the Commonwealth’s unique natural communities, rare species, and special places that make Kentucky’s landscape so extraordinary.

During today’s celebration, Tony Hatton, Deputy Secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, reflected on the importance of preserving these treasured places:

“I am an old soul, and you don’t have to be an old soul to appreciate the quiet places that aren’t surrounded by concrete and chaos,” said Hatton. “A place that is quiet, has inherent beauty, and a deep history are infinitely more valuable than they might appear to be on the face, for that I greatly appreciate what you do.”

Here’s to 50 years of protecting the places that connect us to Kentucky’s natural beauty, history, and heritage — and to the continued work of preserving them for generations to come!

10/30/2026

Fans are headed to Keeneland this weekend for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and our Emergency Response Team has been working behind the scenes to help keep everyone safe.

The team has set up air monitors around the venue, which can detect heightened levels of carbon monoxide, VOCs, radiation and more. If you see EEC personnel around the track checking equipment, know they’re thinking about air quality and public safety so you can focus on other things — like having a great time and winning big!

10/29/2026

💧Become a water-saving hero! 💧

Every drop counts—protect Kentucky’s water by taking the KY Water Hero Pledge today. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference for our communities and our environment.

Sign the pledge and join fellow Kentuckians in conserving one of our most precious resources:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/95c67141ebc44572aca23be0ff01b843

Let’s make every drop matter!

10/29/2026

Proud parent moment from EEC!

Lindsey and Blake Bibbee work hard every day to protect Kentucky’s environment, and now their son is following in their footsteps—he dressed just like them for Career Day!

We think he’s got some incredible role models. moment!

10/28/2026

Do you know how much water you can save just by running full loads?
During this time of year, things dry up in Kentucky and we all need to do our part to save this precious resource. Learn more at bit.ly/H2OHEROES

10/28/2026

🚒🚑🚨 When emergencies strike, Kentucky's first responders answer the call.

On National First Responders Day, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet recognizes the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and other dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect our communities.

We're especially grateful for the wildland firefighters, emergency response teams and environmental professionals who respond to wildfires, hazardous spills and other threats to Kentucky's people and natural resources.

Their courage, commitment and service help keep our Commonwealth safe.

To all who answer the call, thank you.

10/27/2026

💧 As much of Kentucky experiences mild to severe drought conditions, every drop counts - even during the fall!

Even a small household leak can waste gallons of water. Fortunately, fixing a leaky toilet flapper is a simple way to help conserve water.

Check out this quick how-to video from the Kentucky Division of Water and see how one small fix can make a big difference! 🚽💧

10/27/2026

Great info and opportunity to see some of what we do!

For a half a century, Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves has been safeguarding and monitoring Kentucky’s natural heritage.

We’re so fortunate to have a Natural Heritage Program in Kentucky. OKNP natural areas and preserves are some of the most sensitive and majestic in the Commonwealth. The protection and stewardship OKNP provides ensures that this natural beauty is preserved for research, education, and recreation.

KNLT has enjoyed an impactful partnership with OKNP since our organization was founded in the mid-1990s. Today, our partnership includes a shared jointly funded Pine Mountain Manager position that is staffed by Lance Hostetler whose understanding and skills are invaluable to conservation in Kentucky.

Sign up for a hike with Lance to see the incredible fall colors on Pine Mountain and learn more about how OKNP and KNLT collaborate to protect Kentucky’s wildlands.

Event: Pine Mountain Fall Color Hike
Date: October 30th, 2026
Time: 11am – TBD EST
Meeting Location: Kingdom Come State Park (visitor center parking area)
Registration: Email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

About the hike: Come witness a gradient of fall colors on Pine Mountain with the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves! This event will kick off with a shuttle from Kingdom Come State Park to the nearby Lucy Braun State Nature Preserve. This less visited preserve is one of the state’s finest and is sure to give any visitor the full Pine Mountain experience. Make sure to bring a lunch, plenty of water, and good pair of hiking boots while you take in the majesty of Southeastern Kentucky.

10/26/2026

St. Matthews Plants Another Tree for Future Generations
The City of St. Matthews celebrated its commitment to trees with a ceremonial planting during its Halloween celebration at Brown Park. Council member Amy Olson read the Arbor Day Proclamation and joined Council member Jackie Vanetti, volunteer Deanne Allen, and Public Works Director Kenan Stratman for the planting.
St. Matthews will be recognized as a Tree City USA for 2026. A fitting honor for a community with a long history of tree planting and conservation. Thank you to everyone helping keep St. Matthews green and growing!

10/23/2026

Kentucky Nature Preserves at 50: Documenting and Protecting Biodiversity. For five decades, a small but might force within state government has been protecting some of the Commonwealth’s most biologically significant areas and bringing rare species back from the brink of extinction. Read more here: https://landairwater.me/2026/10/23/kentucky-nature-preserves-at-50-documenting-and-protecting-biodiversity/