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Land Between the Lakes Offers Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Land Between the Lakes

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!”

 

Filed Under: Featured, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Winter’s a Beautiful Thing for Bird Watchers at Land Between the Lakes

January 12, 2012 By

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.

Filed Under: Featured, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Trees!

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: LBL, News Tagged With: ,

The Civil War Comes to The Homeplace on December 3

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Homeplace Civil War Program

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.

 

Filed Under: Events, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

Nature Arts Day Celebration Returns to Nature Station

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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

September 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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

August 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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

July 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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!

May 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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: , , , ,
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