Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge Home of Liberty Nature Center

Lake Cumberland Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit organization based in Somerset, Kentucky, dedicated to caring for wildlife across the Lake Cumberland region. Specializing in birds of prey, the Refuge gives sick, injured, and orphaned animals a chance to recover and return to the wild. Its work follows a rescue, rehabilitation, and release process: animals receive care in partnership with local veterinarians, from fluids for dehydration to weeks of intensive treatment when needed. Once they successfully complete rehabilitation, they are released back into their natural habitat. Some releases are recorded and shared on the Refuge’s Facebook page.

Beyond wildlife care, the organization aims to educate the local community about regional wildlife and environmental stewardship, while helping student volunteers build skills for the future. Visitors can arrange a tour to see the animals, with visits available by appointment because the Refuge is largely volunteer-led. Tours cost $5 per person, and prospective visitors are asked to call or send a message in advance.