BEREA, Ky. (AP) — An organization says it’s purchased land in central Kentucky to protect a rare plant that isn’t found anywhere in the world except Jefferson and Bullitt counties.
The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust says the Kentucky glade cress is considered rare because of its limited range.
The trust says it purchased 54 acres in Bullitt County where the chairman of its board, Marc Evans, discovered the plant more than 25 years ago while working with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.
The trust said in a news release the plant was listed federally as a threatened species in 2014 and that its numbers continue to drop. The release cited habitat destruction from urban sprawl as the primary reason for the decline.
The trust said it has preserved thousands of acres of wildlands.
(Image Source: Department of Fish and Wildlife)