As I’ve said (and said, and said, and said…) there’s always something going on in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes.  Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or blisteringly cold winter – it’s always the right time to take a trip to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Below is information, from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes.  They’d also like you to know that the welcome mat never rolls up in the LBL region. It’s always out and you’re always treated like a long lost family member.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is presenting Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour on Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9am-12pm. Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service in Stewart County, TN, provides one of the area’s best wildlife viewing hotspots.

The tour is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Registration is limited. Reservations and full deposits are required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at South Welcome Station. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

“Come join us as we explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, eagles, and thousands of migrating ducks,” said Sharon Waltrip, LBL’s Program Manager for Environmental Education and Interpretation. “Morning will be our best shot at catching some great wildlife viewing opportunities!”

Related Articles:

1. Winter’s a Beautiful Thing for Bird Watchers at Land Between the Lakes Kentucky’s beautiful Land Between the Lakes is a nature lover’s...
2. Land Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Trees! Get those Christmas ornaments ready! The Land Between the Lakes...
3. Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with...

Kentucky’s beautiful Land Between the Lakes is a nature lover’s dream come true and a photographer’s Heaven on earth, year round. It’s just as beautiful in the fall and winter as it is in the spring and summer. The colors are different, and, of course, some birds have packed their bags and headed off for their vacation down south, but the nature-viewing (and photographing) are most definitely abundant.

As someone who is, admittedly, OBSESSED with watching birds and other wildlife, I have a little secret for you – you can often see more birds in the winter. Once the leafy green curtains on the trees have fallen, you can see the birds more clearly.  In our own yard, I always marvel at how many more birds I’m able to watch in the winter.

From Land Between the Lakes:

Got the winter blues? Embrace the season by joining us for one of the many wildlife-viewing van tours offered at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. During January, February, and March, there are multiple guided tours offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness some of nature’s greatest moments. Registration is required for all tours, and space is limited. Please call 270-924-2020, weekdays from 8am-4:30pm, to learn more about each tour and make your reservation.

Our ongoing Nature Watch tour series highlights many birds that call this area home during the winter. During these tours, you may see everything from pelicans to pintails!

An all-day Nature Watch tour on January 14, will take you in search of eagles and some of the 25+ species of ducks that call LBL home in the winter. We’ll also cover the fascinating story of local bald eagle recovery by visiting several unique landmarks in LBL. The cost is $40/person and includes lunch at a local restaurant.

LBL continues to offer Eagle Viewing Van Tours from 1-4:30pm on Sundays, Jan. 22, 29, and February 5. Winter is the peak season for seeing bald eagles in LBL; both our resident eagles and visiting “snowbirds” are out looking for fish around the lakes. We’ll take you to the best spots in LBL for spotting these magnificent creatures. Cost is $7/adult and $5/child.

On February 11, we will offer a special Nature Watch tour that brings you to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, just south of LBL. We will explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, and thousands of migrant ducks. The cost is $10/adult and $7/child and runs from 9am-12pm.

The month of March offers a chance to see hundreds of pelicans as they migrate through the area, as well as our resident eagles on their giant nests, incubating eggs or sheltering their chicks. Join us on either March 18 or 24, for a Nature Watch tour that highlights these two amazing species. This two-hour tour costs $7/adult and $5/child.

Winter doesn’t have to be spent inside! Join us for any of these fun wildlife-viewing tours:

January 22, 29, and February 5 – “Everything Eagles” Van Tours, 1-4:30pm
January 14 – Winter Wanderers: Eagles and Waterfowl Migration, 9am-5pm
February 11 – Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour, 9am-12pm
March 18 & 24 – Pelicans and Eagles, times vary

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Related Articles:

1. Bird Watchers, Get Ready for Winter Bird Blitz at Natural Bridge Fellow bird lovers of Kentucky, this is right up our...
2. Land Between the Lakes Offers Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour As I’ve said (and said, and said, and said…) there’s...
3. Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with...

Kentucky has endless Christmas and other holiday celebrations planned in the coming weeks.  I’ll be adding all the information to the website as it comes to me.  Apparently the Land Between the Lakes area is THE place to be in the next two months. Then again, it’s a pretty remarkable place year round.

From LBL:

Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with the Golden Pond Planetarium at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

The Golden Pond Planetarium offers shows Wed-Sun, Nov. 25 – Dec. 23.  ‘Tis the Season and Christmas Story look at the seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history.

“The skies offer celestial beauty and important lessons to be learned this time of the year,” said Jim Taylor, Director of Operations for “Friends of LBL.”  “This is a wonderful environmental education experience for both families and groups.”

Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under.  Organized groups may schedule either show at other times and receive group rates.  Please call 270-924-2020 for more information.  Show times are as follows:

‘Tis the Season                        Christmas Story

Wed-Sun, 10am, 1 & 3pm      Wed-Sun, 12 & 2pm

The Homeplace, Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day,

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.  Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/.  Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes Honors Veterans Nov. 11-13 Here’s a post filled with love. You see, I have...
2. June at the Golden Pond Planetarium June’s a pretty magical month at the Golden Pond Planetarium...
3. Land Between the Lakes Honors Veterans on Veteran’s Day Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will join...

Get those Christmas ornaments ready! The Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area is making like Santa Claus again. I know you love it when they do that as much as I do!

From LBL:

Beginning December 1, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is again giving people the opportunity to come outdoors in search of your very own cedar Christmas tree by offering Christmas tree permits.

The permit, valid December 1-24, entitles a family to cut one cedar tree at no charge.  Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained from the LBL Administrative Office, 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, and at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.  On Christmas Eve, December 24, the Visitor Center will close at 3pm.

“Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition.  Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree,” said LBL Forester, Dennis Wilson.  “The cedar tree program also helps LBL by maintaining open lands and promoting diverse wildlife habitat.”

Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in LBL except areas within sight of US68/KY80 or The Trace, cemeteries, the Nature Watch Demonstration Areas, campgrounds, lawns, or other mowed areas.

Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines when using a cut tree in their home at Christmas.

1. Choose a fresh tree.  If the needles are brown and fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
2. When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
3. Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
4. Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents or wood stoves.
5. Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition.  Never leave tree lights on while you are asleep or away from home.  LED lights are a great way to save energy.
6. Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow color, and excessive needle dropping.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.  Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/.  Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes Offers Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour As I’ve said (and said, and said, and said…) there’s...
2. Land Between the Lakes Planetarium Holiday Shows Kentucky has endless Christmas and other holiday celebrations planned in...
3. Adopt a Bison or an Elk When You Be-Friend Land Between the Lakes I’m literally obsessed with animals – with a particularly strong...

Fellow Civil War buffs and Land Between the Lake fans, grab your calendar and take notes. The Civil War is coming to The Homeplace!

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be adding a new Civil War themed program in honor of the sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The new program, “Civil War Comes to The Homeplace” will be held at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, December 3, from 10am-4pm.

My family and I LOVE The Homeplace, so any opportunity to go is met with broad smiles and enthusiasm!

From LBL:

Come visit The Homeplace as the farm goes forward in time to 1861. People on family farms, especially women and children, faced many challenges to keep the family fed and clothed and the farm operating without the help of their men folk. Learn about 1861 from the Yeoman farm family’s point of view–the secession from the United States, building of Forts Henry and Donelson in their back yard, and Federal Gunboats patrolling the rivers. Then, visit a Confederate encampment and learn how civilian soldiers coped with their new role.

“We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring the civilian civil war experience, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes: Civil War Programs at The Homeplace Battle of Fort Henry – Civil War Panoramic MapBuy This...
2. The Homeplace in Land Between The Lakes is Puttin’ By and The Snakes are Slithering In! The Homeplace is one of my favorite places in the...
3. A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes! The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized...

Here’s a post filled with love. You see, I have nothing but love for veterans and nothing but love for Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes.  When the two subjects combine for one news item, it makes me weak in the knees. It also makes me crave catfish and coffee, but that’s a whole other issue involving Willow Pond and Loves Truck stop.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will join public lands across the nation in honoring veterans on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, through Sunday, November 13, with free admission or user fee waiver at designated facilities (other fees may apply).

Land Between The Lakes will offer veterans, active and retired members of the armed forces, and their families’ free admission (with military ID) into The Homeplace, Elk & Bison Prairie (EBP), Woodlands Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium.  Veterans may pick up their free entry passes for the EBP at the Golden Pond Visitor Center Nov. 11-13 from 9am-5pm.  Also Nov. 11-13, Wranglers Campground will issue a free daily horse trailer permit; and a free vehicle permit will be issued for Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area (permits must be issued on-site at Turkey Bay and are good Nov. 11-13 only).

Whether you take a drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie, wander around the backyard at the Nature Station, learn about life on the farm in the 1850s at The Homeplace, ride the trails on an ATV at Turkey Bay, or enjoy a trail ride on horseback at Wranglers, fall is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the many recreation opportunities available at LBL!

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures.  Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/.  Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes Honors Veterans on Veteran’s Day Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will join...
2. Adopt a Bison or an Elk When You Be-Friend Land Between the Lakes I’m literally obsessed with animals – with a particularly strong...
3. Land Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Trees! Get those Christmas ornaments ready! The Land Between the Lakes...

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be offering, Nature Arts Day, on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-4pm. Join us in the backyard for the return of this popular annual event at Woodlands Nature Station (NS).

The day is filled with fun activities to welcome the coming of autumn. Visit with local artists and craftspeople as they display, demonstrate, and discuss their work. Arts and crafts will be available for purchase.

On Saturday evening, enjoy Campfire Tales from 6-8pm at NS. Gather around the campfire for an evening of marshmallow roasting and storytelling! Arrive by 6pm to see the NS’s backyard animals on your way down to the campfire. Then have a seat around the fire to enjoy family-friendly tales from professional storyteller Cassandra Culin from Louisville. Check-in begins at 5:45pm and stories begin at 6:30pm. Admission to Campfire Tales is $5 ages 13 and up, $3 ages 5-12. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and dress for a cool fall night. Reservations are requested.

“Autumn is such a beautiful time, and there is so much going on in LBL–elk bugling, leaves changing colors, fruits ripening, songbirds and monarch butterflies flying south for winter,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator at LBL. “Come to the Nature Station to experience fall and discover how local artists and craftspeople use nature as inspiration in their unique creations.”

General admission to the NS is $4 ages 13 and up, $2 ages 5-12, and free for 4 and under. The following is a complete program schedule for the weekend. For more information or to make reservations, please call 270-924-2020.

Saturday, October 1 at Nature Station

• 10am-12pm Make a Monarch Kite

• 1-4pm Basic “Sketching Animals” Workshop (sign-up day of event)

• 3pm Critter Sing-along

• 6-8pm Campfire Tales (Reservations requested.)

Come Outside and Play! at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. Friends of LBL encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for the Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Follow them on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com/. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available  by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes Autumn Nature Celebration Is there anything more beautiful than autumn in Kentucky?! Our...
2. Hummingbird Festival at Land Between the lakes Woodlands Nature Station One of my favorite places in Kentucky’s Land Between the...
3. Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes (Slideshow and Pictures) Michael and I recently had the pleasure of spending the...

There’s always something going on in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region, and September is no exception.

Saturday, September 24, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be waiving fees at participating day-use facilities in honor of National Public Lands Day (NPLD).

Description: 2010PublicLandsDay.JPGGeneral admission to The Homeplace (HP), Woodlands Nature Station (NS), Elk & Bison Prairie, and the Golden Pond Planetarium (GPP) show at 1pm will be free. Wranglers Campground will also be waiving day-use riding fees.

NPLD, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, supports the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside initiative by offering activities at sites around the country to reconnect Americans to the outdoors and encourage family recreation. LBL will join other National Forests and National Parks across the United States in participating in our nation’s largest one-day volunteer event for public lands. There will be opportunities for volunteers to participate in a shoreline clean-up or a trail maintenance project.

It is recommended, but not necessary, to call to register for volunteer work early. Registrations should be made by September 23, especially larger groups. There will be two events taking place that day. The first event is from 8:30am-3:30pm: a trail project on the Fort Henry Trail, meeting at South Welcome. The second event is from 8am-12pm: a hike/canoe/kayak shoreline cleanup at Honker Dam. Volunteers should bring lunch, a water bottle, and dress for outdoor work. For more information on these projects, check out www.friendsoflbl.org or call 270-924-2007.

“Helping Hands for America’s Lands is the 2011 theme for National Public Lands, this is an inspiring way to celebrate public lands and give back to your favorite places,” said Emily Schmadeke, Volunteer Coordinator for “Friends of LBL.” “We appreciate our awesome volunteers who donate their time throughout the year to make LBL a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable place for everyone.”

“This is a great opportunity for families, and especially groups, who want to demonstrate their appreciation for the environment,” said John Rufli, “Friends of LBL” Executive Director. “It’s a great tradition to start for families or groups that gives you the satisfaction of making a contribution to your community.”

38th Annual Camper’s Fair Returns to LBL’s Piney Campground

This is no ordinary weekend camping trip! Set up your campsite at Piney Campground’s 38th Annual Camper’s Fair, Sept. 21-25, and enjoy a variety of activities including arts, crafts, and evening entertainment. Piney is located in Tennessee on the south end of Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

Piney is open to the public at no admission fee, Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8am-4pm and Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10am-2pm, for the open house. Displays of camping equipment, RVs, and boats will be provided by area dealers. Piney campers are invited to bring arts and crafts to display at the flea market. Campers wishing to participate in the displays need to notify Piney Campground gatehouse staff upon entering the campground.

“The Camper’s Fair is a great way to celebrate the end of summer,” says Derrick Washington, Piney Campground Manager. “Campers can come out and have a good time with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you are considering getting into camping, it’s the perfect event to check out the different types of gear available.”

Piney Campground offers scenic lakefront and wooded sites, which accommodate tents and large motor homes; sites range from primitive to full hook-up. Rustic camping shelters are available as well. Campers can enjoy Piney’s hiking and biking trails, ball courts and fields, playground, and pavilion. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided. The campground also has two boat ramps, a fishing pier, a swimming beach, and bike and camping equipment rentals.

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping shelters and a limited number of campsites are available by reservation. Reservations are available 24 hours online at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-525-7077 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST.

Related Articles:

1. Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area Events During July Oxen at The Homeplace. I love this picture! @MikeSigers  took...
2. Land Between the Lakes Campgrounds Opening as Flood Waters Recede This is welcomed news for campers in the Kentucky area....
3. May Events In Land Between the Lakes Below are a list of family-oriented and fun events to...

Summer’s gearing up for its grand finale as Labor Day Weekend approaches. With record-breaking temperatures, I think most of us are practically counting the days to autumn!

As always, there are plenty of things for your family to do in the Land Between the Lakes region.

From The Friends of Land Between the Lakes:
Spend your Labor Day Weekend enjoying a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate the end of summer at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.
Join us Sept 3-5, as we celebrate LBL’s Summer Finale at Woodlands Nature Station (NS). Activities include appearances by Smokey Bear, canoe trips, nature hikes, a campfire, a watermelon feast, and much more. Visitors to the NS can also enjoy live animal programs, nature exhibits, backyard bird-watching, and nature trails.

Last year The Homeplace (HP) debuted the 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival, enjoy this popular event again on Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4, 10am to 4pm each day. Step back in time and visit with historic trades’ people as they demonstrate and sell their wares, learn about heirloom vegetables, 1850 children’s activities and games, and enjoy homemade goodies at the farmers’ market and country store. Learn how to play cricket, a popular 1800’s game, from cricket historian Tom Melville. Enjoy the old-fashioned tradition of storytelling with some of the best storytellers in our region, Jamie Futrell, Ann Roseberry, Gerry Gutfreund, and Brother Don Bailey. An added twist to the traditional storytelling festival will be stories through music, thanks to the talented Red River Breeze, Civil War Singers, and Charles Berryhill.

“LBL’s Summer Finale and the 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival are great ways to celebrate the end of summer,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “These Labor Day Weekend events, from canoe trips to pie eating contests, provide educational fun that the whole family will enjoy!”

Below is a complete list of Summer Finale and 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival activities. Some events, such as the Sunset Canoe Trip, require advance reservations or an additional fee. For complete details or to reserve your spot, contact LBL at 270-924-2020.

Saturday, Sept. 3
10am-12pm Beaver Trek (Meet at Hematite Lake Trailhead)
10am-4pm Heirloom Vegetable Display, Storytelling Festival, All-American Cricket, Farmers’ Market, Country Store, 1850 Children’s Games & Activities, & Historic Trades (HP)
1pm Story Time with Smokey Bear (NS)
2:30pm Pie Eating Contest (HP)
3pm Watermelon Feast (NS)
7-9pm Kids’ Campfire (NS-call for reservations)

Sunday, Sept. 4
11am, 1 & 3:30pmVisit with Smokey Bear! (NS)
10am-4pm Heirloom Vegetable Display, Storytelling Festival, All-American Cricket, Farmers’ Market, Country Store, 1850′s Children’s Games & Activities, & Historic Trades (HP)
11:30am Creature Feature: Red Wolves (NS)
2:15pm All Fired Up! (NS)
2:30pm Pie Eating Contest (HP)
5:30-8pm Sunset Canoe Trip (NS-call for reservations)

Monday, Sept. 5
10:30am-12:30pm“Scales n’ Trails” Hike (NS)
2:15pm Creature Feature: Bobcat (NS)

NS – Nature Station

HP – 1850′s Homeplace

Related Articles:

1. Hummingbird Festival at Land Between the lakes Woodlands Nature Station One of my favorite places in Kentucky’s Land Between the...
2. Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events! The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with...
3. The Kentucky Lake Bluegrass Festival 2008 The Bluegrass Blog has a great post about The 2008...

One of my favorite places in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes is the Woodlands Nature Station. Given the fact that I love animals, birds, butterflies, trees, and flowers to complete and utter distraction, how could it not be?! Woodlands Nature Station is a beautiful and incredibly peaceful place where you’ll lose yourself in the aforementioned lovelies.

If you’re as wild about hummingbirds as I am, the following press release from Land Between the Lakes will be of great interest.

Annual Hummingbird Festival Returns to LBL’s Woodlands Nature Station

Come out to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area and witness the migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird during the annual Hummingbird Festival Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, August 5-7, at Woodlands Nature Station (NS).

“Hummingbird migration in this area is at its peak in August,” said NS Interpreter Carrie Szwed. “A large number of hummingbirds stop here on their journey south to Mexico and Central America. During this time, up to 200 hummingbirds visit our feeders in a single day. The festival is an opportunity to be a part of this awesome event.”

The main Hummingbird Festival events take place at the NS Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to Hummingbird Festival 2011 is $5 ages 13 and up and $3 ages 5-12. Visit with NS staff and guest exhibitors to learn more about these amazing little birds and how you can help them survive their long migration. Highlights of the weekend include hummingbird banding demonstrations, a nature photography program, a native plant sale, a honeybee observation hive, activities and games for children, and live animal programs. Take-home information will be available about gardening, bird feeding, nature-friendly cleaning products, and more. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stars of the weekend, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Mark Monroe, local hummingbird banders, will give up close demonstrations throughout the day on the technique of bird banding. Banding is a way of identifying and tracking individual birds. If a hummingbird is recaptured at another study site along its migration route, the leg band number is recorded and added to a database. Biologists can then look at all the data collected over the years for clues about the habits of these tiny birds and how best to meet their habitat needs. Visitors can attend ongoing demonstrations and visit other information stations Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Other weekend activities include Dinner with the Hummingbirds on Friday, August 5, that requires reservations and full deposits due to limited space. For complete information or reservations, contact 270-924-2020. The following is a list of NS programs for the weekend:
Friday, August 5
6-8pm Dinner with the Hummingbirds
$20 per person (includes dinner and evening admission)
Saturday, August 6
9am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
10:30am Hummingbirds 101
11:30am Migration Miracles
12:30pm Hummingbirds for Kids
1:30pm Hummingbirds 101
2:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
3:30pm The Power of Pollinators
Sunday, August 7
10am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
11:30am Hummingbirds 101
12:30pm Hummingbird Folklore
1:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
2:30pm Hummingbirds 101
3:30pm Gardening for Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

If you love hummingbirds, read how to attract hummingbirds to your yard!

Related Articles:

1. Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes (Slideshow and Pictures) Michael and I recently had the pleasure of spending the...
2. Land Between the Lakes Autumn Nature Celebration Is there anything more beautiful than autumn in Kentucky?! Our...
3. Nature Arts Day Celebration Returns to Nature Station Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be...