Dennis Craig, the Executive Director of Blackacre State Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead, leads a unique 280-acre conservancy on the southeast side of Jefferson County. As Kentucky’s first nature preserve, it offers a distinctive urban farming experience through its garden plot program and a variety of engaging events. 

Shockingly, this is just a side gig for Craig, who works in healthcare product management for Humana and operates a small cow-calf herd. But he was born into farming in Marion County, where he helped raise cattle, tobacco, and hay. His education took him to Bellarmine University in Louisville, where he obtained his BA in Economics. He earned his MBA at Indiana University.  

Dennis has been the driving force behind Blackacre for the past four years, though he will undoubtedly say his phenomenal staff and vast volunteer network ensure program success. As the Executive Director, he manages the organization's business strategy, operations, and finances. He has also been known to jump in wherever needed, including pitching hay, directing traffic, or showing visitors and volunteers how to operate farm machinery. 

Craig remarked that he has held several roles at Blackacre over the past 20 years, as a neighbor, visitor, volunteer, member, and serving on the board of directors. 

“When the Executive Director position opened, it was a natural fit based on personal interests and proximity to the property,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect when I began, but our positive impact on the visitors and the community has been wonderful.” 

Blackacre is the home of the largest community garden in Jefferson County, with 400 plots operated by 375 families. Craig says they are from all walks of life and at least 20 different countries. Some are there to whittle down the cost of their grocery bill, while others enjoy the social and health benefits of the space. 

Those who enjoy taking care of animals can participate in the weekly summer animal feeding program, which kicked off on Kentucky Derby Day. Event-goers met many of the animals, including goats, horses, sheep, cows, donkeys, and chickens. The historic homestead also provided pioneer exhibits and demonstrations, such as soap and butter making, woodworking, and hunting and trapping. 

Thousands of schoolchildren and teachers visit annually, and Craig said they are finishing up one of their busiest school tour seasons. Schools can choose to focus on history with a homestead tour, learn about ecology in the forest or pond, or study weathering and erosion. Blackacre also recently partnered with local elementary schools to hatch quail that they released in hopes of reestablishing the population on restored prairie habitat. 

These are just a few examples of how Craig’s leadership has allowed visitors to Blackacre to have a unique, up-close experience with Kentucky agriculture and the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the industry and its benefits.  

“Our programs help introduce people to agriculture and give them insights into what happens in small-scale farming operations,” Craig said. It piques their interest in getting more involved, and some members have been encouraged to purchase their own farms or start small-scale chicken or goat operations.” 

To learn more about Blackacre State Nature Preserve and its programs, visit https://www.visitblackacre.org.