LANCASTER, Ky. — The Nature Conservancy has bought another tract along the Kentucky River palisades to protect rare plants and animals.

        The 673-acre tract is the largest single purchase by the Nature Conservancy in the inner Bluegrass, said Mike Hatter, director of land acquisition for the nonprofit group's state office in Lexington.

        “We feel very lucky to have it,” Mr. Hatter said.

        The northern Garrard County tract was bought for $1.75 million, according to a deed filed in the Garrard County clerk's office. Most of the land will be resold in conservation easements so the property will not be developed, he said. Northern Garrard County has experienced a boom in home building since U.S. 27 over the river was widened to four lanes years ago.

        The conservancy has purchased nearly 3,000 acres along the river and its 400-foot-high limestone cliffs, which are known as the palisades. Experts say the palisades are home to more than 400 types of plants, 25 mammal species and 36 reptile and amphibian species.

        The latest tract and a 500-acre tract bought in March for $1.2 million were part of the estate of retired teacher Ruth McMurtry Wilson Beard Wiedo, who died last year at 90.

        Mr. Hatter said the conservancy intends to turn over about 250 acres of the latest purchase to the Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve, which is 360 acres maintained by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

        That preserve was originally dedicated as the Kentucky River Authority Palisades State Nature Preserve.

        Last week, the commission renamed it in honor of Mr. Dorman, a former executive director and chairman of the river authority.

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