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Kentucky Pictures of the Day: Indian Pink Flowers at the Nature Station in the LBL

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Indian Pink at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes
Few things in nature fill me with as much joy as a blooming flower. I once read something that said flowers were God smiling. Love that – all the way to the moon and back.

These beautiful flowers were in full bloom at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes last summer. The animals and birds aren’t the only beautiful things at this one of a kind place! The flowers, trees, and other ornamental plants are always a joy to see and photograph.

With Genuine Kentucky, I have the great fortune of speaking with a lot of photographers (usually amateur, like myself) around the state. Inevitably, I find a way to let them know that they simply MUST get to the Land Between the Lakes and see (and photograph) all there is to see (and photograph). Woodlands Nature Station is just one of the beautiful spots I urge them to visit.

I also strongly recommend (okay, maybe I nag) the LBL to parents, animal lovers, tree huggers, flower lovers, etc.

There is something for everyone and then some.

Am I nagging again? I’m nagging again.

{More Below…}

Indian Pink at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes
Enjoy the pictures – and get your beautiful self to the LBL as often as possible this year. Odds are I’ll see you there. I’ll be the one (more likely than not) wearing something related to the St. Louis Cardinals and taking pictures fast and furious of every bird, animal, tree, flower, and occasional smug turtle.

Indian Pink at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

Outdoor Kids Festival at Woodlands Nature Station (Land Between the Lakes)

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Deer at the Nature Station
I am positively obsessed with the Nature Station (and all of the Land Between the Lakes, actually). I watch my calendar like a hawk each spring, waiting for opening day. I love every visit – during the spring, summer, and autumn – but, if we’re being absolutely honest, my favorite time to visit the Nature Station is right about now – during the end of summer and first of fall.

There are a few reasons…

  • cooler temperatures mean you can spend more time looking around and enjoying the beautiful outdoors
  • smaller crowds
  • this is one of my favorite times of year, so combine it with one of my favorite areas… win/win!

The Outdoor Kids Festival at Woodlands Nature Station will be from  Saturday and Sunday (10 am – 5 pm), October 8th and 9th.

What better way to spend Columbus Day Weekend than with your family, learning about the great outdoors and the beautiful animals and birds that call it home. Nature Station admission is $5 ages 13 and up, $3 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under.

“Families will have a weekend full of fun outdoor activities. These activities may spark a new interest or hobby and help kids and adults enjoy a fun and educational fall break,” says John Pollpeter, Nature Station Lead Naturalist. “Visitors will learn about animal track and tree identification, compass skills, canoeing, cooking on a campfire, and much more.”

Regular visitors may benefit from Fun Cards, which offer 10 regular admissions for $35, or Discount Packages. Details can be found atwww.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/passes/.

Fourth grade students can go towww.everykidinapark.gov/, get their Every Kid in a Park pass, and get in for free. For more information, call 270-924-2299 or https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/4thGradePass_QA_2016_3_19.pdf.

{Schedule Below…}

Beautiful Skunk at the Nature Station
Saturday, October 8    

  • Throughout the day      Meet Smokey Bear (scheduled appearances)
  • Throughout the day      CSI:  Campsite Scene Investigator
  • 11am-12pm                 Getting Sneaky with Mother Nature
  • 11am-4pm                   Here Fishy, Fishy:  Basic Fishing Skills
  • 1-1:30pm                     Venom!
  • 1:30-3:30                     Make Your Own Animal Tracks Guide
  • 2-2:45pm                     Kid vs. Wild:  Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids
  • 3:30-4:15pm                Critters in the Campground
  • 4:30pm                        Parade of Raptors
  • 4:30-6:30pm                Can U Canoe? Sunset Canoe Trip

($25 per canoe; reservation required; call 270-924-2020)

Sunday, October 9

  • Throughout the day      CSI:  Campsite Scene Investigator
  • 11am-3:30pm               Cooking Over a Campfire Demonstration
  • 11:30am-12pm             For Goodness Snakes
  • 1-3pm                         Make Your Own Tree ID Guide
  • 2-3:30pm                     Help! I’m Lost and I Can’t Get Home:  Basic Compass Skills
  • 3:30-4pm                     Rut and Strut
  • 4:30pm                        Parade of Raptors

To find more information about Land Between the Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Gorgeous owl at the Nature Station

Picture of the Day: Squirrel and Friend at Woodlands Nature Station

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Squirrel and Bird at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes
If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for any length of time, you know I’m not just your run-of-the-mill animal lover. I am obsessed with all things furry and feathered. Obsessed. This is one of the reasons I spend as much time as possible in the Land Between the Lakes region. With the Elk & Bison Prairie, the Homeplace, and Woodlands Nature Station, it’s a wonder I ever actually leave once I’m there.

The wonderful thing about the Nature Station is that you see more than just the beautiful and amazing animals the center cares for and protects. You also get to enjoy and photograph countless birds, squirrels, and even the occasional skunk, if you’re lucky!

The squirrel in these pictures posed for me beautifully and his friend behind him never moved.

I actually put my phone down and just watched them for a long time. I’m sure I’ve seen too many Disney movies in my life (if there’s even such a thing as “too” many), but they honestly seemed to be hanging out with each other.

Admittedly, I spend a great deal of time encouraging you to visit the LBL – whether it’s been a while since you did so or if you’ve never been. This is an amazing part of Kentucky and the attractions are something you’ll talk about all year.

Well, let me correct myself, actually. You’ll talk about your experiences for years to come. We sat in a car surrounded by big, majestic bison (as they crossed the road) in the Prairie three or four years ago and frequently talk about it to this day.

We also talk about HUGE heirloom tomatoes we saw at the Homeplace, like, six years ago! Seriously, I’ve never seen anything like them and I think about them nearly each time I slice a fresh tomato.  We also talk about the time I practically laid on my stomach in the leaves to take a picture of a skunk at the Nature Station. I was more worried about getting a great shot than I was of being “shot” by the little stinker.

Suffice to say, whether you are into photography, animals, Kentucky, trees, travel, or making memories with your family (or, like me, you’re all about EACH one) – the Land Between the Lakes is the place to be. I promise you, you will fall head over heels in love with everything about it.

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Squirrel and Bird at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

August is Hummingbird Month at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

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Hummingbird at the Nature Station in the LBL
I have been fascinated by all birds since I was barely able to walk. They’re just as fascinating today as they were then – many, many, many moons ago. Hummingbirds (my dad’s absolute favorite bird) are always a special joy for bird lovers, aren’t they? Unfortunately, in the grand scheme of time, they aren’t around long at all. In fact, if your experience is like mine has been this year, it’s going to be even shorter because the little beauties seemed particularly late in arriving this year.

Like all good bird watching nerds, I keep a bird journal and they weren’t just days late, they were weeks late!

Next month, August, is actually peak hummingbird viewing season in many parts of the region, including the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Hundreds of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds rest and fuel up in the gardens and feeders at Woodlands Nature Station for their migratory journey south. Nature Station naturalists present special hummingbird programs throughout August included with regular admission to the Nature Station:  $5 ages 13 and older, $3 ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and younger.

Optimal hummingbird viewing begins in mid-July and lasts throughout August. The Nature Station provides a unique opportunity for up to 10 people during an Early Morning Hummingbird Photo Session. Photographers may also photograph butterflies, native wildflowers, and rescued wildlife including the red wolves and bobcat during their most active time of day. The Early Morning Hummingbird Photo Sessions begin at 9am on August 13 and 27. The cost is $10 per person. Call 270-924-2020 for reservations.

On August 20, the Nature Station opens early for Hummingbird Café. Enjoy breakfast among the native wildflower gardens and hummingbird feeding frenzy. The cost is $10 per person; call 270-924-2020 for reservations.

Nature Station visitors can enter Nature Station’s first ever Hummingbird Photo Contest by submitting a hummingbird photo taken at the Nature Station during August. Winners will have their photos displayed at Hummingbird Fest 2017. See full contest details on the web at http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/nature-station-hummingbird-photo-contest-2016/.

Hummingbird Festival Click for a larger view.
Special programs offered in August include:

 

Contact the Nature Station at 270-924-2299 with questions or for more information about Hummingbird Month.

 

Beautiful Groundhog at Woodlands Nature Station (Picture of the Day)

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Groundhog at Woodlands Nature Station in Kentucky's LBL

The cutie above is one of our favorite residents of Woodlands Nature Station in Kentucky’s LBL.  He is so cute it ought to be a sin… or a crime at the very least.

Like all of the animals, reptiles, and birds at the Nature Station, the Groundhog has a carefree life of ease.

If you don’t believe me, just look at the picture above!

The picture below isn’t too clear (it’s hard for an animal lover like me to both adore the animals and photograph them at the same time) but I had to show you his adorable eye….. He was in the process of wanting to sleep, but not wanting to miss all the crazy humans buzzing around. I’m also pretty wild about his little feet and hands.

Sigh. Too cute.

Groundhog at Woodlands Nature Station in Kentucky's LBL

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