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Land Between the Lakes Gears Up for 2012: That’s Always Welcome News!

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Oxen at The Homeplace

Beautiful Oxen at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love winter as much as anyone. I’m one of those nuts that just stands at the window staring, without even blinking, at snow. I’m also ALL ABOUT UK basketball, so this time of year is always exciting. And how much fun has Murray State been?!?! Hopefully UK, Murray State, and U of L will all go far in the NCAA Tournament.

Having said all of that, I am SO READY for spring and summer! Baseball, grilling out, gardening, hummingbirds and robins returning… and lots and lots of trips to Land Between the Lakes. How could I not be ready?

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is also SO READY for warm weather. LBL begins its 2012 operations on Thursday March 1, when they’ll open several wildly popular visitor attractions.

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Planetarium, and North & South Welcome Stations open their doors March 1, along with Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds. The Homeplace, Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday during March, and then open seven days a week beginning April 1.

One of my favorite places in the world, The Elk & Bison Prairie, remains open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round. The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Wranglers Campground, Energy Lake Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area remain open year-round as well.

“At LBL, the spring season brings fresh opportunities for environmental education. We are excited about the programs we have planned for 2012, such as the Spring Break Programs at Nature Station,” stated Sharon Waltrip, Program Manager for environmental education. “Our facilities provide opportunities for hands-on learning and encourage visitors to get outdoors to experience nature and history for themselves.”

The Golden Pond Planetarium, open daily beginning March 1, provides a full dome viewing experience complete with brand new digital multimedia equipment. Visit www.lbl.org or call 270-924-2020 for show schedule. Come join us for an exciting glimpse of the night skies filled with celestial objects, constellations, and more!

LBL’s spring calendar is full of a variety of fun programs for visitors of all ages and interests. The popular Discount Package, which offers a 25% discount on admission to multiple attractions, will be available again this year, as well as the LBL Fun Card, a discount opportunity that primarily benefits area residents and others who frequent LBL. The LBL Fun Card provides your choice of 10 admissions to The Homeplace, Nature Station, Planetarium, or a combination of all three. With no expiration date, the LBL Fun Card is good until all 10 visits have been used.

LBL honors the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access and Senior Passes along with the Golden Age and Access Passports. In addition to the 50% discount offered for the basic campsites, the Passes and Passports will also be honored at The Homeplace, Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium for 50% off general admission for the card holder.

Visitors are reminded that due to the partial collapse of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge resulting from the Delta Mariner cargo ship collision on January 26, motorist will need to take alternate routes to LBL if traveling from the west on US68/KY80. Visit our website at www.lbl.org and click on Alerts & Notices for alternate routes

Pigs at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

A few more of my friends at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

Photography Credit:  Michael (aka, the husband!)

Filed Under: Featured, Golden Pond Planetarium, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , , ,

Nature Arts Day Celebration Returns to Nature Station

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Nature Station, 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.

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, LBL, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

1850′s County Fair and Storytelling Festival, Labor Day Weekend

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Oxen at the 1850's Homeplace

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

Filed Under: LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , , ,

Hummingbird Festival at Land Between the lakes Woodlands Nature Station

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Hummingbirds at the Woodlands Nature Center, Land Between the Lakes

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!

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area Events During July

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Oxen at The HomesteadOxen at The Homeplace. I love this picture! @MikeSigers  took the picture at just the right time.

I’ve said it millions of times and, no doubt, I’ll say it again twice as much: There is no place on earth quite like the Land Between the Lakes.  No two trips to Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes are exactly the same and no one trip is less than a complete blast.  If you’ve never been, do yourself (and your family) a huge favor and plan your Land Between the Lakes vacation today. If you’ve been to Land Between the Lakes and even if (like us), you’ve been there far too many times to count – go again! As I said, no two trips are the same and you’ll inevitably see things that are different since you saw them last.

Whether it’s a week in paradise or just an overnight stay, you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.  Get yourself to Land Between the Lakes and EXPLORE your options for fun!

This is one of Kentucky’s extra special regions.  The food is outstanding, the sights (and photo opportunities!) breathtaking, the fun is outrageous, and the people are the warmest, friendliest, and most colorful people you’ll ever meet.  They’re genuinely delighted to see guests and treat them like long lost family members.

Below you’ll find a list of events going on in the Land Between the Lakes region during July. As you’ll see, there’s a lot of fun and excitement waiting for you, your family, and your camera. Don’t make the fun wait any longer… if you do, it’ll find someone else!

July 1-31

  • Planetarium Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium Daytime shows: Ages 13 & up $4; Ages 5-12: $2
  • Far Out Space Places – Mon.-Fri. at 10am and Sat. & Sun. at 4pm
  • Laser- Legends of the Night Sky – Daily at 11am
  • Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather – Sat. & Sun. at 11am
  • Two Small Pieces of Glass – Daily at 3pm
  • The Skies Above – Daily at 1pm
  • Journey to the Edge of Space & Time – Daily at 2pm

Tuesday, July 5

  • 11am Bald Is Beautiful: The Bald Eagle – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm Goodies for Groundhog – Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Ipop & 8:30pm, Laser Country Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 6

  • 1pm Flower Pounding – Homeplace

Thursday, July 7

  • 2:15pm Truly Talon-ted – Nature Station

Friday, July 8

  • 7pm Laseropolis & 8:30pm, Laser U2 Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10

  • 10am-5pm Drag Boat Races – Pisgah Bay For more info, contact 800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net

Owl at the Nature Station, Land Between the LakesAdorable Owl at The Nature Station. The animals at the Nature Station are incredibly well-cared for and loved!  These are birds and animals with injuries that could not live on their own in the wild – they’d become prey or die of starvation.  The Nature Station allows them to live their lives as pampered pets who get attention and adoration 24/7. It’s a very, very special place that no animal lover will want to miss. It’s also a wealth of education for children… of all ages!

Saturday, July 9

  • 10am – 4pm Women’s Handwork Day – The Homeplace
  • Roaming the Nights in Shining Armor: Armadillos – Nature Station
  • 1pm, 3pm Crafty Stepping Stones – Nature Station

Cost per person is NS admission + $3 per stepping stone. Reservations are required since materials are limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Kids are invited to make their own stepping stones.

  • 7pm Summer Cooler Night Fright Light & 8:30pm, Summer Cooler Night Laser Holiday Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, July 10

  • 1pm Hug a White Oak – Homeplace *International Year of Forests Program*
  • 2:15pm Insect Hike – Nature Station

Tuesday, July 12

  • 11am A Real “Hoot”-enanny – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm What in the World is a Whistle-Pig? – The Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Retro & 8:30pm, Laser Zeppelin Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 13

  • 10am Field Work – Homeplace

Thursday, July 14

  • 2:15pm Gentle Giants: Alligator Snapping Turtles – Nature Station

Friday & Saturday, July 15-16

  • 8pm (Rodeo) LBL Primitive Rodeo and Wranglers Grand Jubilee Wranglers Campground

For more info, call 270-924-2200 or 2201.

Friday, July 15

  • Ongoing from 11am-3pm Radical Reptile Booth – Golden Pond Visitor Center

Free to all LBL visitors. Stop by our booth at the Visitor Center to meet some live snakes and turtles.

  • 7pm Laser Beatles & 8:30pm, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, July 16

  • 10am-4pm COOL & CRAWLY CRITTERS DAY!* – Nature Station

$3 children/$4 adults. Includes NS admission.
Hey kids! If bugs, snakes, turtles, frogs, and other slimy, slithery, and crawly critters fascinate you, then the Nature Station is the place for you today. Many special guests will be joining us to show off the critters they study. Check out all sorts of cool and crawly critters up close and personal, and meet scientists who study them!

Saturday, July 16

  • 1pm Old-Time Music Concert – Homeplace

Come on out today, rain or shine, for an old-time mountain music concert. Be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes.

  • 7pm Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Music Show 8:30pm, The Skies Above Astronomy Program 9:30pm Summer Nights– Golden Pond Planetarium

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

May Events In Land Between the Lakes

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Beautiful deer at the Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes

Below are a list of family-oriented and fun events to enjoy in Kentucky’s beautiful  Land Between the Lakes.  The deer in the photo above are just a few of the gorgeous (and incredibly well cared for!) residents of the Nature Station. The Nature Station is a favorite spot for children of all ages.  As someone who could spend the entire day there, trust me on this one!

Friday, May 27
6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip, Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Pink Floyd Dark Side & 8:30 pm Pink Floyd The Wall Laser Lights Shows, Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29
Saturday, 10am–7pm
Sunday, 11am–6pm
The Pickin’ Party: The Homeplace Old-Time Music Festival, at The Homeplace
For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
River Days 2011 at the Nature Station: Dive in at the Nature Station as we have fun learning about our river’s heritage. Activities will include Smokey Bear appearances, live animal programs, kids’ crafts, and canoe trips.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
Ongoing throughout the weekend CSI: Critter Scene Investi-“gators” Scavenger Hunt at the Nature Station

Saturday, May 28
10:45, 12:45, 3:15 & 4:15 – Smokey Bear Appearances at the Nature Station

11 am – King of the Fishermen: The Bald Eagle at the Nature Station

1-3 pm – Crazy Quacker Kids’ Craft at the Nature Station
Ducks are an important part of our rivers. Make your own floating duck craft. Program free with NS admission.

3:30 pm – Meet the Monster: The Alligator Snapper at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle on Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Laser Spirit & 8:30 pm, Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Shows at the Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, May 29
11 am – River Owl: The Barred Owl at the Nature Station

Sunday, May 29
1:30pm Riverbank Puppet Show at the Nature Station

3:30 pm – A Serious Case of the Uglies: Strange Animals of LBL at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm Family-Oriented Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
The focus is on kid-friendly activities to get families into canoeing and wildlife viewing. $25 per canoe. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve a space. Children must be 5 years or older.

Monday, May 30
11:30 am – Let the Turtle Race Begin at Nature Station

1-3:30 pm – Pond Prowl at the Nature Station
We’ll explore below the water’s surface in search of tadpoles, crawdads, and baby dragonflies. Program free with NS admission. Limited to 30 people. Register at the NS front desk that day. Weather permitting.

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station
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