Welcome to Maywoods

Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory is a 1,700-acre natural area and wildlife refuge nestled in the Knobs; a geographical region of Kentucky. Located approximately 22 miles southwest of Richmond and the Eastern Kentucky University campus; Maywoods straddles Garrard and Rockcastle Counties' hilly terrain which is covered by second-growth oak and pine forests. Maywoods serves the student body, faculty, and staff of EKU as a place to meet for: classes and other educational programs and conferences and retreats. Research in environmental science and natural resources are conducted by EKU faculty and students at Maywoods. Community groups, public agencies, and private organizations are welcome to use Maywoods for meetings related to conservation or natural resource issues. Since Maywoods is an excellent outdoor laboratory, area schools from elementary through college are encouraged to come and use facilities for hands-on exploration of environmental topics.

Maywoods Lodge and Trails

Most activities are centered around Maywoods Lodge at the edge of Edmiston Lake. The lodge has a large, central meeting and dining room with a field stone fireplace. Lodging in dorm-style rooms is available for up to 40 people at the lodge. A deck off the front of the lodge, facing the lake, provides an excellent setting to observe wildlife. Full kitchen faciliites are available. In the evenings, overnight guests are invited to sit around the outdoor firecircle and discuss the day's events. For presentations and instructional purpose, there is audio-visual equipment available upon request.
Around the lake, limited acreage is managed as open land to provide additional wildlife habitat and space for outdoor classrooms and recreation. Self-guided trails have been constructed by the lake and in the surrounding forest to illustrate several natural themes. Fishing, along the shore, at Edmiston Lake is permitted from April to November from sunrise to sunset. Fishing from boats on the lake is prohibited. Fishermen must obtain a creel card, have a valid fishing license, and follow posted rules. Swimming and pleasure boating are prohibited.

Reservations and Usage

Reservations for groups are approved on a first-come-first-served basis and must be made through the Division of Natural Areas at Eastern Kentucky University. Overnight use of Maywoods Lodge is limited to 40 people. All groups must be education or natural resource - oriented to qualify for facility use; social meetings do not qualify. A nominal fee is charge to non-university groups for use of the lodge and for overnight stays.

For Reservations and Additional Information, Write or Call:

Division of Natural Areas Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Ave. 105 Case Annex Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 622-1476 Directions to Maywoods