Professional News

UK's Barnes Celebrates Kentucky Nature in New Book

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2014) —  Thomas G. Barnes, extension professor and extension wildlife specialist in the Department of Forestry, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky, has published a new book, “Kentucky, Naturally: The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund at Work.” The book celebrates properties that have been purchased with the assistance of the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund within the first 20 years of the program.

Barnes, an award-winning Kentucky nature photographer, displays hundreds of photographs of the state’s protected lands in "Kentucky, Naturally."

"Photography is a medium that, particularly with natural resources, has great potential for teaching and for conservation. There's a long history of photography, going back to Ansel Adams, for protecting outstanding natural lands,” Barnes said. "Every time I step into the natural world I am reminded of how special it is to live in such a beautiful state, to still have places to roam the woods, to be reinvigorated by the sights and sounds of nature.”

The book also includes a little information about each site, such as directions to plan visits, and a list of rare species that may live there.

Barnes has spent three decades honing his wildlife photography skills throughout the Bluegrass and has authored more than 50 scientific research articles, 60 cooperative extension publications and 100 magazine articles.

His previous book, “Kentucky’s Last Great Places,” was nominated for the Kentucky Literary Award in nonfiction. Other published books include “Gardening of the Birds,” “The Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky,” “The Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky,” “The Gift of Creation- Images from Scripture and Earth” and “How to Find and Photograph Kentucky Wildflowers.”

Established in 1994, the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund provides funding for preserving and conserving natural areas that possess unique features such as: areas that are a habitat for rare and endangered species; areas important to migratory birds; areas that perform important natural functions that are subject to alteration or loss; and areas to be preserved in their natural state for public use, outdoor recreation and education.

"Kentucky, Naturally," published by Acclaim Press, is now available in local bookstores, Kentucky State Park gift shops, and on Amazon.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Rachel Knuth, rachel.knuth@cox.net, 757-971-1503; Carl Nathe, carl.nathe@uky.edu, 859-257-3200.