Contribute Rare Plant Observations to Kentucky’s Rare Plant Database
OKNP serves as a central clearinghouse of information for environmental and conservation matters and maintains an inventory of flora and fauna within the Commonwealth. We use this data to assess species' conservation statuses, create distribution maps and models, and to assist agencies, researchers, and private organizations in their planning, prioritization, and management.
KRS 146.485
Rare plant observation form
OKNP Rare Plant Form
If you would like to report the occurrence of a state or federally listed plant in Kentucky, please fill out the form above and email a PDF, scan, or photo of the form to
naturepreserves@ky.gov. For individuals who are not already recognized as qualified field biologists by OKNP staff, we request that you include photos which clearly shows diagnostic characters of the species as part of the report.
iNaturalist Projects
Observations from the iNaturalist community are invaluable to our data collection efforts: not only have iNaturalist observers in Kentucky helped us confirm the continued presence of rare plant populations, they have also discovered numerous new populations throughout the state.
Kentucky Plants of Conservation Concern iNaturalist Project
Kentucky Plants of Conservation Concern
This project is managed by botanists from the OKNP for the purpose of connecting with community scientists in Kentucky. If you are an active botanizer in Kentucky, we encourage you to join the project! You don't need to be an expert botanist to contribute important observations -- all you need is curiosity and a love of nature.
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Biodiversity iNaturalist Project:
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Biodiversity Project · iNaturalist
The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Biodiversity Project is an "umbrella" collection of individual projects for over 25 public state nature preserves. We encourage you to join the projects of your favorite preserves, and contribute your own observations when you visit them. Curious about the nature preserves you've never seen before? Checking out the observations for those preserves is a great way to familiarize yourself with the biodiversity you can expect to encounter when you visit. Making iNaturalist observations in these preserves not only helps you learn about the native flora and fauna of Kentucky, it also helps OKNP better understand the biodiversity in these incredible preserves.
Become an OKNP volunteer today
Join OKNP’s Volunteer Program and contribute to non-native invasive removal, State Nature Preserves maintenance and monitoring, biodiversity surveys, prescribed fire, rare species monitoring, and more. If you would like to join as a volunteer, email
naturepreserves@ky.gov . (Website coming soon!
Visit your local natural area
Visit the Map
Use our interactive online map to find a natural area near you. In addition to conserving habitat for rare species, OKNP strives to provide passive outdoor recreation opportunities to the citizens of Kentucky and tourists alike. OKNP State Nature Preserves, Heritage Land sites, and other natural areas provide opportunities to see, hear, explore, and connect with nature in its purest state possible, and to experience what Kentucky may have looked like centuries ago. For hikers, nature photographers, bird watchers, and those seeking solitude in pockets of wild Kentucky, these natural areas are truly some of the most cherished places in the state.
Support OKNP's Natural Heritage work with a donation
Donation
Use the link above to donate directly to OKNP. Your donation helps to protect the best remaining natural areas in the state and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.
Use the Kentucky Biological Assessment Tool for your project
Request a Report
OKNP developed and maintains the Kentucky Biological Assessment Tool (KY-BAT) to help projects avoid or minimize potential impacts to rare plants, animals, and natural communities. KY-BAT is a data exploration tool that provides a biological assessment for a given project area within minutes. The tool will also allow you to create a map to download and share. See the KY-BAT page for pricing information.
