WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
BOWLING GREEN, KY
Tentative Tours
Tour #1: Mammoth Cave Transplants & Diamond Cave
Mammoth Cave Transplants was established in 1994 by Janet Dennison and her husband David. They both worked off the farm and were nearing early retirement. They were looking for additional farm income and decided to get into growing tobacco transplants for local farmers. As farmers came in to pick up their tobacco transplants, they also wanted to buy vegetable transplants. This encouraged them to put up a small greenhouse and grow some vegetable transplants and a few flowers. Thus, their business started as a mom and pop operation. As retirement neared and sales were good, they decided to add three more greenhouses and a small office. The green houses consisted of two for flowers and two for tobacco transplants. They quickly outgrew the mom and pop idea and needed to find some help. Since that time, their operation has grown to 14 greenhouses that cover one acre of ground. They have not grown tobacco plants for several years now. They grow spring flowers, hanging baskets, ferns, and vegetable transplants. In the fall they grow several thousand mums and in the winter several thousand poinsettias. Their staff has grown to four full-time employees and six seasonal people. They sell both wholesale and retail and allow the customer to browse in the growing greenhouses and choose the plants or hanging baskets from thousands of choices. Their growing staff offers help to the customer with choices of plants if needed. They also offer custom growing for others.
Diamond Caverns has offered tours of Kentucky’s most beautiful cave for over 155 years. Presented by state-of-the-art lighting, Diamond Caverns features intricate drapery deposits lining the halls in cascades of naturally colorful calcite. Thousands of formations decorate the cathedral-like chambers. You’ll be amazed and enjoy the beauty of historic Diamond Caverns. The cave remains a comfortable 58 degrees year-round, which feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plan to wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes for the ½ mile cave tour. Today, historic Diamond Caverns is the second oldest show-cave in the Central Kentucky Cave Region, and fourth oldest operating commercial cave in the United States. The passages have been altered little despite a rich history of visitors enjoying the best decorated show-cave in the State of Kentucky. Diamond Caverns is within the Mammoth Cave Area International Biosphere Reserve and is surrounded by Mammoth Cave National Park, a World Heritage Site.
Tour #2: WKU Farm & Historic Railpark Train Museum
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Farm was purchased in 1934. The 780 acre farm is utilized by students for classes, labs, and a place to gain experience in their area of interest by working for one of the farms many operations. Livestock enterprises consist of dairy, beef, swine, equine, goats and back grounding cattle, each of which provide a solid background for both Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary careers. Additionally, a variety of crops are produced including corn, soybeans, wheat, grass hay, and alfalfa. This portion of the farm provides hands on experience for Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture and Turf Management careers as well as those interested in the various aspects of Soil Science, such as soil testing and soil judging. The farm is also used for USDA research, faculty trials, and corn and soybean trials. The farm is a tool used by a wide variety of students pursuing careers in all aspects of agriculture such as Agribusiness, Ag Education, Ag Mechanics, and composting. You will enjoy learning more about the wonderful opportunities in Agriculture at WKU!
The Historic Railpark Train Museum houses galleries of regional and national importance which were developed for the public’s interest of cultural, historic and socioeconomic importance. Behind the museum lies 450 feet of track displaying an E8 Engine, a Railroad Post Office Car, the Duncan Hines Diner – a 1949 Pullman diner, the Towering Pine – a 1953 Pullman Sleeper, the 353 Presidential Office Car –the president of the L&N personal car built in 1911, and a Chessie Class C-27 caboose. The first cars were placed there in May 2002 and community volunteers have worked hard to restore them to their original splendor. The cars are available for guided tours as well as rental for small catered community meetings on the diner, birthday parties in the caboose and many other special functions.
Tour #3: WKU Planetarium & Chaney’s Dairy
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Hardin Planetarium offers unique ongoing public shows featuring astronomy, space exploration and history. It also host several interactive exhibits which are open to the public during regular university hours. Hardin Planetarium’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning through interactive experiences that are both inspiring and factually accurate. Audiences are encouraged to engage with exhibits and live presentations that further the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science. This is truly a unque and fun experience that you will not want to miss.
Chaney’s Dairy Barn was opened in September 2003 to a public that was hungry for something different and something “udderly” wonderful. The farm itself was purchased by the Chaney family in 1888 and became a dairy farm in 1940 when James Chaney, Sr. purchased the first two registered Jerseys. The two most prized Chaney cows, Althea and Topsy, are known worldwide by the Jersey breed and earned James Chaney, Sr. the recognition of Master Breeder at the Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association in June of 2003. Now, the Chaney's Dairy Barn offers guest premium homemade ice cream made right on the premises. They also offer homemade sandwiches, burgers, french fries and soups made fresh daily. Additionally, the Barn entertains students and guests alike with unique and educational farm tours. It’s a treat for all.
Tour # 4: WKU Arboretum & WKU Farm
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Baker Arboretum was founded in 1992 by Jerry Baker and now covers nearly 115 acres. Built on a ridge of rolling hills in the outskirts of Bowling Green, the arboretum overlooks Bowling Green and the Western Kentucky University campus. Landscape architect, Mitchell Leichhardt (1924-2015), designed a tapestry of trees and art; featuring many varieties of dogwoods, magnolias and other flowering trees, woven among the conifers and Japanese maples. Visitors will enjoy year-round highlights. Not only spring and summer blooms, but also the fall color, featuring over 160 Japanese maples and the winter beauty of the conifers. Additionally, Downing Museum, which officially opened in 2009 as a part of The Baker Arboretum, displays a vast collection of artwork by the late Joe Downing as well as works by other regional, state, national, and international artists. Joe Downing was a world-renowned artist, WKU alumnus and brother of the late WKU President Dero Downing. Baker and Joe Downing were long-time personal friends who collaborated on the design of the Downing Museum.
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Farm was purchased in 1934. The 780 acre farm is utilized by students for classes, labs, and a place to gain experience in their area of interest by working for one of the farms many operations. Livestock enterprises consist of dairy, beef, swine, equine, goats and back grounding cattle, each of which provide a solid background for both Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary careers. Additionally, a variety of crops are produced including corn, soybeans, wheat, grass hay, and alfalfa. This portion of the farm provides hands on experience for Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture and Turf Management careers as well as those interested in the various aspects of Soil Science, such as soil testing and soil judging. The farm is also used for USDA research, faculty trials, and corn and soybean trials. The farm is a tool used by a wide variety of students pursuing careers in all aspects of agriculture such as Agribusiness, Ag Education, Ag Mechanics, and composting. You will enjoy learning more about the wonderful opportunities in Agriculture at WKU!
