The Friends of McConnell Springs works with the LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation in a partnership to restore and preserve historic McConnell Springs and to provide history and environmental education and passive recreation opportunities for the region.

Description:
The Friends of McConnell Springs, an independent non-profit 501(c)(3)organization,works with the LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation to promote, to maintain and develop, and to educate the public about historic McConnell Springs, a city-owned natural area. The park is managed by a full-time Naturalist assisted by part-time and seasonal staff. McConnell Springs is open free of charge from 9-5 daily. Tours are available for schools and other groups, and a variety of special events are offered throughout the year.

History:
McConnell Springs, an urban historic and environmental natural area, was saved from becoming an industrial site by the Friends of McConnell Springs. The Friends formed in 1993 to raise money to purchase the property and turn it over to the city. The Friends of McConnell Springs continue to support the Springs through fundraising (for a visitors' center, an education center, an amphitheatre, paved accessible trails, and other improvements), and as well as actively supporting the park and its programs. In addition, the Friends sponsor their own free annual events, like Founders' Day. Today, McConnell Springs is historically important as the founding place of Lexington; it has been used since that time for a variety of purposes, including an important 1812 era gunpowder mill. McConnell Springs' karst topography and artesian springs make it one of the more interesting geological and hydrological sites in the region.

Contact people:

Jill Taylor, Naturalist, McConnell Springs, (phone), (email) Betsy Adler, Executive Director, Friends Of McConnell Springs, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (859) 455-9733

Address:

416 Rebmann Lane Lexington, KY 40504 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mcconnellsprings.org