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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: , ,

September Events in The Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

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Land Between the Lakes - Kenlake Marina at Kenlake State Resort Park Whenever you’re in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, you’ll want to visit Kenlake State Resort Park!

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.

 

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, LBL, The Homeplace 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: , ,

A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

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Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.  If I do say so myself, my husband takes amazing pictures! This one’s a favorite.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love (except maybe for the fact that there are no Starbucks). An animal lover since before I was born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another favorite destination in the wonderful Land Between the Lakes region is the Homeplace. Once again, there are plenty of animals for me to ooooh and ahhhh over. I’m all about the oooohs and the ahhhhs.

The Homeplace

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.  There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop.  To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. 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. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. 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. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Country Music, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace 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

Land Between the Lakes Campgrounds Opening as Flood Waters Recede

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Kentucky Lake

This is welcomed news for campers in the Kentucky area. One of the most attractive areas for camping in this region is wringing out the welcome mat and anxiously awaits your return!
A recent press release informs us that Land Between the Lakes is close to returning to normal after devastating rainfalls throughout Kentucky.

Camping and Lake Access opportunities are returning as flood waters recede at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Lake levels for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake are currently at 366.4 feet and dropping.

The majority of campsites are open at Energy Lake Campground; all sites will open by May 20. Hillman Ferry Campground expects to open reservations sites on May 20, and have all seasonal sites open by May 28; walk-in sites may not be available until after May 28. Piney Campground expects to open to seasonal campers May 19, and have reservation sites open by May 20. On May 20, visitors may begin making camping reservations for Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds by visiting www.lbl.org or calling 1-800-525-7077.

Friday, May 13, Wranglers Campground will have limited camping available and the Riding Stables will open. Due to storm damage and downed trees, camping space is limited. Camping will be first-come, first-served; call 270-924-2001 for availability. Wranglers will begin taking camping reservations by phone and on-line beginning May 17. A significant portion of trails are open at Wranglers, and day-use riding is currently available.

These additional LBL boat ramps, campgrounds, and lakeside campsites, trails, and day-use areas are currently open:

  • Center Furnace Trail
  • Cravens Bay Boat Ramp
  • Devil’s Elbow Boat Ramp; use caution
  • Fenton Boat Ramp; open by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 13
  • Fenton Campground; sites 17-27 open
  • Fort Henry Trails System; except Pickett Loop
  • Gatlin Point Campground
  • Ginger Bay Backcountry Area
  • Hematite Trail; via Center Furnace Trail
  • Neville Bay Backcountry Area
  • Nickell Branch Backcountry Area; use boat ramp with caution
  • North/South Trail; southern portion only
  • Pisgah Point Backcountry Area
  • Redd Hollow Backcountry Area
  • Shaw Branch Backcountry Area; very limited parking
  • Star Camp–temporarily open to camping (Backcountry Camping Permit Required)
  • Sugar Bay Backcountry Area
  • Taylor Bay Backcountry Area
  • Twin Lakes Backcountry Area; use boat ramp with caution

Open LBL day-use facilities include North Welcome Station, Nature Station via Silver Trail Road, Elk & Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium, Golden Pond Target Range, The Homeplace, South Bison Range, and South Welcome Station. Activities such as picnicking and hiking will be available in limited areas.

Due to flooded roads, access may temporarily be restricted to cemeteries. Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area is closed due to saturated soil conditions and current flooding.

Some areas remain barricaded and closed for visitor safety. Observe all closures for your safety. Citations will be issued to anyone found beyond barricaded areas. Please check the Alerts & Notices page at www.lbl.org for current information, open/closed lists, and details before coming to LBL.

Filed Under: LBL, News Tagged With: ,

Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake: Rising Levels Affect Land Between the Lakes

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Kentucky Lake

First of all, I apologize for being absent for nearly a week. The outrageous storms here in Kentucky left us without internet service for nearly a week. The storms have left their mark on many parts of Kentucky, including the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region.

Tennessee Valley Authority and the Corps of Engineers are predicting the lake level for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to rapidly rise to 372 feet by May 2nd (13 feet over summer pool). The current lake level is 363.5 feet and is predicted to rise to 368 feet by Saturday. This will greatly impact LBL’s boat ramps, campsites (campgrounds, backcountry areas, and self-service areas), trails, and roads. Efforts are underway to barricade and close all impacted areas.

Visitors to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) are encouraged to check the Alerts & Notices page on our website at www.lbl.org or to “Call Before You Haul,” 270-924-2000, for current information, closure lists, and details due to the recent storm damage and the predicted rise in lake levels.
Use caution on all roads and lakeside areas in LBL due to possible flooding from rising lake levels and overly saturated soil conditions. LBL staff warns visitors who use the trails, roads, camping areas, and boat ramps to be extremely cautious and observe all closures for your safety.

In addition, everyone is urged to use caution when crossing creeks, streams, or any areas with standing or flowing water. All low lying areas should be avoided whenever possible. Gravel roads have the potential to washout during these heavy rain events. Please use extreme caution when traveling on LBL’s gravel roads.

Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area will remain closed until further notice due to this week’s storm damage.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, LBL, News Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes: Civil War Programs at The Homeplace

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Battle of Fort Henry - Civil War Panoramic Map
Battle of Fort Henry – Civil War Panoramic Map
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Look alive, history buffs! For those of us who just can’t get our fill of history, February is the month to venture to the Land Between the Lakes area.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be hosting Civil War themed programs at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, February 12 and 19 from 10am-3pm. These programs will be offered in addition to the popular Fort Henry Anniversary Walk to be held again on Saturday, February 5, from 2:30-4pm.

In February of 1862, “Between the Rivers” was bracing for war. Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry with Federal forces moving up the Tennessee River. Relive the events before and during the siege of Fort Henry on this free guided walk around the remnants of Fort Henry’s outer fortifications. Meet at Fort Henry Hiking Trail Parking Lot at 2:30pm on February 5, dress for the weather, waterproof footgear recommended, and moderate walking required. Prior to the walk, The Homeplace will be hosting a free Fort Henry Anniversary Program from 12:30-2pm.

On February 12 and 19, learn more about what life was like in this area during the years before war came to “Between the Rivers.” 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. “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 what life was like before the war and offering a guided walk at Fort Henry during the anniversary of the battle, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

All programs will take place weather permitting, as February weather can be very unpredictable. For more information on these programs or cancellation due to weather, call 270-924-2020.

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, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Blog, Kentucky's History, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,
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