Natural Areas
Discover the hidden beauty of Yew Dell’s natural areas
The Pollinator Meadow
A Living Landscape for Discovery and Conservation
In 2017, Yew Dell partnered with the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and the Oldham County Community Foundation to transform a former Klein family grazing pasture into a vibrant three-acre Pollinator Meadow. Located at the start of our Woodland Trails, this native grass and wildflower meadow is now a thriving habitat for essential pollinators—like honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds—that play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems and food supply.
Whether you’re relaxing with a picnic, searching for insects, or gathering ideas for your own garden, the Pollinator Meadow offers inspiration and discovery. Many of the species planted here can also be found in our plant market or at local nurseries, making it easy to bring pollinator-friendly beauty home. By exploring our meadow and planting similar landscapes, you help support stronger, healthier pollinator populations.
Be sure to also check out the Pollinator Backpack from our gift shop for fun, educational activities to do in the pollinator meadow and around the grounds (available spring – fall).
The Woodlands
With more than a mile of scenic hiking trails, two peaceful lakes and abundant wildlife, Yew Dell’s Woodland Trails offer the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
Once active pastures and farm fields during the Klein family’s time, these natural areas have been shaped by more than 30 years of regrowth. Remnants of that farming history are still visible—like weathered fence posts and native plants such as Eastern Red Cedar that once lined livestock enclosures. The lakes were originally created to water farm animals but now serve as a serene backdrop for exploration and reflection.
Today, the trails feature bridges, benches and a boardwalk—all built with the help of Eagle Scouts—and are lovingly maintained by our grounds crew and dedicated volunteers.
The Woodland Trails are open to visitors during regular hours and close daily at 3:30 p.m.
Reflection Lake
We’re grateful for the support from our friends at the
Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund for making Reflection Lake possible. This beautiful lake collects rainwater from Yew Dell’s parking lots, rooftops and other surfaces, which is then pumped to our production nursery to help grow a wide variety of plants for our gardens, research projects and plant sales.
Beyond its practical use, the Reflection Lake adds peaceful scenery and has fostered a thriving new wetland ecosystem right here in our Woodland Trails.
