For centuries, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill has inspired, comforted and been a sanctuary to many people, plants and animals. As stewards of the property for more than 100 years, the Shakers were early conservationists and devoted land managers. Today, these traditions continue through the management of The Nature Preserve’s 3,000 acres.

Native Prairie Restoration Project
Through a partnership with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Shaker Village has restored more than 1,000 acres of native prairie grasses, enhancing the preserve’s biodiversity and providing unique wildlife habitats while returning the land to its natural beauty. The project includes planting grass and wildflower species that were prevalent in Central Kentucky prior to the Shaker’s settlement in the area, including Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Purple Coneflower, and Black Eyed Susans.

Conserving Wildlife Habitat
Over the last two years, the native prairie grasses and wildflowers have seen remarkable growth and have resulted in an explosion in wildlife, most notably wild quail coveys and both migrating and breeding songbirds. The population of Northern Bobwhite quail has increased from approximately ten coveys to more than thirty five during this time. The Northern Bobwhite has been identified by the Audubon Society as the number one declining common species on their list of common birds in decline, and in Kentucky their numbers have declined by two thirds since 1960.

Ecological Research
The Nature Preserve serves as a research station for many federal, state and private educational partners. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ ongoing song bird capture and banding project involves the capture in mist nets, banding and research tabulation of breeding song birds. The Shaker Village research station has captured over 75 species, representing the highest species diversity of the monitored stations in the state.