BLACKACRE'S CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Preserve the Future
For more than four decades, Blackacre has been a place where people connect with the land, explore Kentucky’s agricultural heritage, and experience the beauty of this historic homestead. Today we invite our community to help preserve this place for generations to come.
Campaign Progress
Thanks to early supporters, we have already reached two-thirds of our campaign goal. With your help, we can complete the work needed to protect and strengthen Blackacre for generations to come.
Raised: $3,100,000
Goal: $4,600,000
$1,500,00 remaining toward our goal
Why Support This Campaign
Blackacre is thriving — yet standing at a pivotal crossroads.
As residential and commercial development accelerates within Blackacre’s corridor of Metro Louisville, the urgency to protect and thoughtfully expand this historic landscape has never been greater. At the same time, Blackacre is experiencing unprecedented financial stability, program growth, campus improvements, and engaged board leadership.
With strong momentum and community support, we are preparing for the future.
Protect the Land
The Preserve the Future Campaign will protect additional land, improve visitor access, and invest in the historic farmstead that makes Blackacre a special place.
Expand Education
Planned improvements will expand outdoor learning opportunities, increase accessibility, and welcome more visitors to experience Blackacre’s natural and historic wonders.
Invest in Community
For many, Blackacre provides the opportunity to first encounter farm animals, meet a new friend at camp, explore a forest trail, or discover the importance of caring for the land.
WHERE LOUISVILLE CONNECTS
A Historic kentucky farmstead
A Place Where Nature and Community Meet
Blackacre Conservancy was originally established to manage Kentucky’s first state nature preserve, created in 1979. Today Blackacre has grown into a 300-acre nature preserve and historic homestead in Louisville, featuring a remarkably preserved 18th-century working farmstead and the city’s largest community garden.
→ Home to four structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places
→ The largest property owner in the Tyler Settlement Rural Historic District
→ A destination for more than 50,000 visits each year
Mission and Vision
OUR MISSION
Preserve, Educate, Engage
To preserve Blackacre’s natural and historic features, promote outdoor environmental education, and share Kentucky’s cultural heritage with the community through events and engagement.
OUR VISION
Strengthening the Bond
To cultivate and strengthen the bond between humans, nature, and the historic Kentucky farmstead.
Preserve the future campaign
PHASE 1
Land Preservation
$3,300,000
The acquisition of the 32.5-acre Tyler-Sweeney Tract expands Blackacre and protects additional land within the historic Tyler Settlement landscape, ensuring that more of this remarkable rural environment remains preserved for future generations.
This incredible property, directly adjoining the existing preserve, includes access from Taylorsville Road and a scenic lake, creating new opportunities for outdoor education, trails, and community programs.
The addition of the Tyler-Sweeney Tract represents a rare opportunity to expand Blackacre’s protected landscape while preserving the rural character that makes this place so special.
Why the Tyler-Sweeney Tract Matters
◆ Provides critical buffering to protect Blackacre’s plant and wildlife habitat from surrounding development
◆ Secures the largest remaining undeveloped tract sharing an undivided boundary with Blackacre
◆ Creates direct vehicular access to Taylorsville Road and significantly increases roadway visibility
◆ Includes a deep-water lake (over one acre) expanding habitat protection and outdoor learning opportunities
◆ Opens the door for new educational programming, community events, and mission-aligned fundraising opportunities
PHASE 2
Essential Campus Improvements and Preservation of the Robert Tyler Cabin
$1,300,000
Robert Tyler Cabin
The Robert Tyler Cabin is a historic log structure tied to the early Tyler family settlement. Preserving it at Blackacre will protect this piece of Kentucky heritage while creating new opportunities for education and historic interpretation.
A Welcome Center rooted in History
The historic Robert Tyler Cabin will be re-erected at the Tucker Station Road entrance to serve as a visible Welcome & Visitors Center.
This project includes:
- Re-establishing the historic structure as a public-facing entry point
- Additional flushable restrooms
- Parking improvements
- Sewer or septic installation
Preserving history while improving access sends a clear message: Blackacre honors the past while preparing for the future.
Essential Amenities For a Growing Community
For years, Blackacre has welcomed thousands of visitors annually without permanent restroom facilities. As our programming grows — from camps and field trips to concerts and community gatherings — so must our infrastructure.
We plan to construct a thoughtfully designed structure featuring:
- Flushable restrooms
- Two women’s stalls
- One men’s stall and one urinal
- Drinking fountain with water bottle refill station
- Outdoor boot cleaning station
- Stationary cooking grills
- A covered pavilion with seating capacity
- A new septic system serving the facility
This investment enhances dignity, accessibility, and comfort — allowing us to serve more families, more students, and more community events.
Trails for Everyone
The Tyler-Sweeney expansion allows us to design trails that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.
Plans include:
- New scenic walking trails
- Dedicated accessible trails for visitors with physical disabilities
- A thoughtfully designed dog-friendly trail
Signage, watering stations, and responsible waste stations
These additions ensure that more members of our community — regardless of age or ability — can experience the healing power of open land.
A New, Visible Entrance
A new Taylorsville Road entrance will dramatically improve visibility and accessibility, ensuring Blackacre remains a vibrant and welcoming presence in the region.
Site improvements will include road frontage clearing, fencing, parking development, and careful landscape stewardship.
This entrance signals something powerful:
Blackacre is here to stay — and growing with intention.
Bringing The Lake to life
At the heart of the Bowlds Tract lies a lake — a natural asset ready to become a hub for outdoor learning and connection.
Planned improvements include:
- A fishing dock and shoreline restoration
- Fish stocking and habitat enhancement
- Educational signage and outdoor classroom opportunities
- A small shelter structure
- Fishing equipment to ensure equitable access
This program will introduce children to conservation, provide peaceful recreation for families, and create mission-aligned revenue that sustains the preserve.
Looking Ahead
Future planning includes:
- An English-style garden featuring Kentucky native plants
- Additional covered pavilion space for educational programming
- Continued campus-wide accessibility enhancements
Together, these projects establish a comprehensive development plan aligned with our mission — preserving land, expanding education, and welcoming all.
Help preserve Blackacre for
future generations
Every trail walked, every historic building preserved, and every child who discovers the wonder of nature at Blackacre is made possible by people who believe in protecting this special place. This campaign positions Blackacre as one of the region’s most significant cultural and natural resources. By expanding access, strengthening amenities, and strategically acquiring land, we are securing this historic landscape for generations to come. Join us by respectfully considering an impactful financial gift — ensuring Blackacre remains a place where nature, history, and community thrive together. Your support will help us reach our campaign goal.
Ways to Give
One-Time Gift
Multi-Year Pledge
Appreciated Stock
Donor-Advised Fund or Foundation
Cash or Check
Every gift moves us closer to preserving Blackacre for generations to come.
For assistance with pledges, stock transfers, or other giving options, please contact
Dennis Craig at dennisc@visitblackacre.org or (502) 266-9802.