Photographs and text examine the species of plants and animals native to Kentucky, exploring glades, prairies, forests, wetlands, rivers, and caves, and discussing the state's conservation efforts to preserve native species and ecosystems.

Home to sprawling Appalachian forests, rolling prairies, and the longest cave system in the world, Kentucky is among the most ecologically diverse states in the nation. Lakes, rivers, and springs have shaped and nourished life in the Commonwealth for centuries, and water has played a pivotal role in determining Kentucky's physical, cultural, and economic landscapes. The management and preservation of this precious natural resource remain a priority for the state's government and citizens. In this generously illustrated book, experts from a variety of fields explain how water has defined regions across the Commonwealth. Together, they illuminate the ways in which this resource has affected the lives of Kentuckians since the state's settlement, exploring the complex relationship among humans, landscapes, and waterways. They examine topics such as water quality, erosion and sediment control, and emerging water management approaches. Through detailed analysis and case studies, the contributors offer scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and general readers a wide perspective on the state's valuable water resources.

Transport yourself to the Bluegrass State with this photographic tribute to iconic spots from Mammoth Cave National Park to Buffalo Trace Distillery. Known for its rolling hills, scenic Thoroughbred farms, and renowned state parks, Kentucky offers enjoyment for those seeking stunning landscapes, natural wonders, small town charms, and bourbon country adventures. Follow photographers Lee Mandrell and DeeDee Niederhouse-Mandrell on a visual journey across the Bluegrass State, as they travel from Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to Mammoth Cave and National Bridge National Parks, showcasing the exquisite scenery and natural heritage along the way. Featuring more than 130 breathtaking photos, Kentucky Across the Land inspires travelers to take their own journeys to explore the history at the Lincoln Homestead State Resort Park, the untouched natural beauty of Red River Gorge and Land Between the Lakes, or the picturesque cascades along Flat Lick Creek at Flat Lick Falls.

Plant Life of Kentucky is the first comprehensive guide to all the ferns, flowering herbs, and woody plants of the state. This long-awaited work provides identification keys for Kentucky’s 2,600 native and naturalized vascular plants, with notes on wildlife/human uses, poisonous plants, and medicinal herbs. The common name, flowering period, habitat, distribution, rarity, and wetland status are given for each species, and about 80 percent are illustrated with line drawings. The inclusion of 250 additional species from outside the state (these species are “to be expected” in Kentucky) broadens the regional coverage, and most plants occurring from northern Alabama to southern Ohio to the Mississippi River (an area of wide similarity in flora) are examined, including nearly all the plants of western and central Tennessee. The author also describes prehistoric and historical changes in the flora, natural regions and plant communities, significant botanists, current threats to plant life, and a plan for future studies. Plant Life of Kentucky is intended as a research tool for professionals in biology and related fields, and as a resource for students, amateur naturalists, and others interested in understanding and preserving our rich botanical heritage.

There is no doubt that Kentucky is a beautiful state with a diversity of rural environments including mountains, streams, lakes, forests, fields and swamps. However, reports indicate that more than 105 acres of rural land every day are lost to land conversion, and the state ranks 5th highest in the projected amount of rural land that will be converted to other uses in the future. To protect the Commonwealth's natural resources and keep its wild ecosystems intact, in 1994 the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund (KHLCF) was established with great success. By 2010, this program helped to protect more than 120 properties in 67 counties totaling 85,000 acres. Kentucky, Naturally is a compilation and celebration of the properties that have been purchased with the assistance of KHLCF money during the first 20 years of the program. Award-winning Kentucky nature photographer Tom Barnes displays hundreds of beautiful photographs of the state's protected lands, and provides detailed descriptions of each site including the natural flora and fauna. Through the KHLCF and public support, Kentucky's abundant natural resources and beauty can be treasured and protected for all to enjoy.