Nature sanctuaries celebrate and protect land in its purest and most untouched form. Kentucky has incredible nature preserves, including Floracliff, Raven Run, and Bad Branch State Nature Preserve. I love visiting nature preserves and appreciate those who tirelessly work to keep Kentucky land in great shape for future generations. The Hazeldell Meadow Nature Preserve in Somerset, Kentucky, is a stunning and unique nature sanctuary that's absolutely glorious for a serene day trip in the Bluegrass.

The Nature Conservancy purchased Hazeldell Meadow in 1997, determined to protect and restore the land's unique features.

Hazeldell Meadow is 39 acres large and is a rare type of land with features of both a prairie and grassland, called a highland rim wet barren. The nature sanctuary is Kentucky's only highland rim wet barren community.

The Nature Conservancy has created opportunities for rare Kentucky plants to grow at Hazeldell Meadow Nature Preserve.

Strategic burning made way for bushy bluestem and sundew to grow. Sundew, which has a 50-year lifespan, is the only carnivorous plant native to Kentucky and catches insects like mosquitoes and gnats in its sticky leaves.

In 2009, The Nature Conservancy sold Hazeldell Meadow to Pulaski County, where it is located.

The organization still assists Pulaski County in maintaining the land. Visitors are now welcome at the preserve guests years of limiting visitors due to the fragile nature of the land.

A 1.5-mile hiking trail passes through Hazeldell Meadow.

The trail is considered easy and shows visitors the unique plants and animals that live in the nature sanctuary. Doesn't the path look peaceful and inviting?

Orchids, Saint John's wort, Saint Peter's wort, and Southern big club moss are some plants keen eyes may spot throughout the preserve.

Salamanders, frogs, birds, and other animal species also thrive in Hazeldell Meadow.

Hazeldell Meadow is in Somerset, Kentucky, a city with about 12,000 residents.

Somerset is a great town to explore. It is known for its proximity to Lake Cumberland, a local waterpark called Somersplash, and a fantastic winery called Cedar Creek Vineyards.

Visit the websites of The Nature Conservancy and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet for more information about the Hazeldell Meadow Nature Preserve.

Have you visited the Hazeldell Meadow Nature Preserve? Is there another nature sanctuary in Kentucky that you enjoy visiting?

Before hiking at Hazeldell Meadow, check out our list of must-have hiking accessories.