Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Raven Run is a unique, 734-acre nature sanctuary dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades and early Kentucky history.  Part of the property was acquired with funds from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund.  The sanctuary is a City of Lexington park, and is thus accessed free of charge.                                                   

Over 10 miles of hiking trails provide access to streams, meadows, and woodlands characteristic of the area.  Numerous 19th century remnants of early settlers, as well as over 600 species of plants, allow visitors to become acquainted with and appreciate the natural world.  Raven Run also accommodates over 200 species of birds throughout the year.

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Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives Raven Run has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and the Green Team

  • Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

  • Include sustainability tips in a monthly newsletter.
  • Include a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
  • Highlight sustainability efforts or initiatives at career fairs or career days.
  • Provide volunteers for community environmental projects annually.
  • Host an environmental event at your location.
  • Sponsor an environmental booth at an existing community event.
  • Participate in, present at or attend a sustainability workshop.

Energy Efficiency

  • Establish a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
  • Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees or install an inline water heater.
  • Replace incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights (25-50% replacement).
  • Establish a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
  • Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing that requires Energy Star rated appliances and electronics.
  • Establish a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
  • Install power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
  • Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
  • Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting room, and other infrequently used areas.
  • Install or upgrade to energy efficient fans.
  • Install energy efficient (i.e. Energy Star) rated windows in all conditioned spaces.
  • Insulate roof to control energy loss.
  • Take measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
  • Assess building envelope and address any leaks.
  • Perform external lighting audit.
  • Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Implement a basic recycling program.
  • Provide clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins must be paired with a waste bin.
  • Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
  • Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Establish a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two-sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
  • Establish an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
  • Create a landfill diversion goal.
  • Replace at least 50% of paper stock with post-consumer recycled paper.

Water Conservation

  • Conduct a water audit within the last three years. Monitor and record water usage, check indoor and outdoor pipes and fixtures for drips and leaks.

Water Quality

  • Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
  • Perform a stormwater pollution survey on your property with BGGS staff or other qualifies professional.
  • Establish preventative maintenance program for sanitary sewer lateral lines on your property.
  • Coordinate or participate in a community litter clean-up.
  • Install outdoor ash trays to prevent cigarette litter, and make pocket ash trays available to staff who smoke.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

  • Participate in a community reforestation project.
  • Assess the ecosystem services of trees on property using the National Tree Benefits Calculator.
  • Establish a native species-only plant replacement policy for tree and shrub planting.
  • Remove all invasive species from property.
  • Establish an Integrated Pest Management policy to reduce use of pesticides in the landscape.
  • Establish environmentally friendly lawn care policies to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
  • Plant a pollinator garden.
  • Plant a rain garden.

Sustainable Purchasing

  • Establish a policy for reducing the toxic chemicals/materials in your workplace.
  • Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing locally, if available.

Transportation Efficiency

  • Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
  • Conduct a commuter or employee transportation survey.
  • Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
  • Install a bike rack with sufficient space for at least 10% of your employees.
  • Place bicycle storage closer than any other designated parking spot.
  • Provide employee shower and dressing room facility.

Innovation

  • Install a 300-gallon or above water catchment system.
  • Generate energy from renewable resources such as solar or wind power on-site.
  • Agroforestry demonstration with KSU.
  • Chimney swift tower for bird habitat.
  • Bat boxes.
  • Tons of native planting.
  • 104 environmental education events.

Member since 2023