Plan a Visit to the BFEC
Take a Virtual Tour
Get a preview of what you can see and explore when you arrive through the BFEC virtual tour, which includes a video, photographs and social media posts from students and visitors.
Guided Programs
A number of programs and tours take place throughout the year. Here, Biology Professor and BFEC co-founder Dr. Raymond Heithaus leads a group on an investigation of the BFEC Prairie.
Explore
With so much open space and so many things to see, there are countless opportunities to explore on your own. Every type of habitat has a unique character that is constantly changing with the seasons.
During this time of COVID-19 prevention, the grounds and 9 miles of trails at the BFEC remain open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.
We encourage you to consider an outdoor walk on one of our trails. It is not only safe to go outside as an individual or a family, but it is great for your mental, emotional and physical health.
Trail maps are available at each trail head. Please practice social distancing if you see others enjoying the outdoors.
Things To Do
Not all learning takes place with a class or in a classroom. At the BFEC we encourage independent exploration, recreation and relaxation. Visitors are welcome to:
- Wander the wildlife garden, observing birds and butterflies. Or sit and relax to the peaceful burble of our water features and the buzzing of the bees.
- Hike or jog almost nine miles of trail (view trail maps).
- Make discoveries of your own! Follow one of our self-guided tours or consult our extensive library of field guides.
visitation POLICY
- BFEC is open for day use only, dawn to dusk.
- If you pack it in, pack it out. Please don't leave anything behind.
- Do not pick, harvest or remove plants or animals.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Use designated trails only; refrain from off-trail hiking.
- Trails are for hiking only. Bikes, horses and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- No sledding.
- Please do not disturb scientific equipment, flagging or experiments.
- Fires by reservation only, in designated campfire area.
- No firearms, fireworks or alcoholic beverages.
- No hunting.
Programs
The BFEC offers regular programs that are usually free and open to the public, on topics such as wildflowers, star gazing, nature art or medicinal plants. Enjoy hayrides at our annual Fall Harvest Festival, admire local nature featured in our Knox County Nature Photography Contest or "meet" wild animals at our Earth Day Festival.
weddings, retreats & meetings: Reserve the grounds and facilities
The BFEC accepts reservations for indoor and outdoor spaces. Community groups and private events are charged a nominal fee depending on the specifics of the request. Kenyon classes, student groups and retreats can request spaces free of charge. To inquire about available spaces or rates, or to make a reservation, please contact Jill Kerkhoff at kerkhoffj@kenyon.edu or 740-427-5050.