WAW - Winter Adventure Weekend

Winter Adventure Weekend 

January 24-26 at Carter Caves State Resort Park

by: Gil Lawson

OLIVE HILL, Ky. – Carter Caves State Resort Park will present a weekend of hiking, kayaking, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling, archaeological field trips, rock climbing, a zip line and other adventures with its fifth annual Winter Adventure Weekend, January 24-26, 2014.

Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides.

Each trip level is based on the difficulty and skills required. The higher the level, the more skills and special equipment are needed. Guests will be responsible for appropriate dress, water, snacks and other items.

KyPARKS Commissioner Elaine N. Walker
getting ready to do the zipline

The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2014 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $30, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. Some  trips have additional fees. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.)

There are many new trips at this year's event, including but not limited to slacklining, geocaching and a rope-making workshop. The park is also incorporating some wild caving trips in this year’s event, including one being led by old-style carbide cap lamps. Some past Crawlathon event field trips that are returning include Pit Plunging, Tygart’s Gorge Hike and Cave Trek, Lantern Trip into Sandy Cave. Some trips will be offered on Friday afternoon.

Participants will be able to submit photos in the Winter Photo Salon competition. Categories include winter adventure, caving and local nature-adventure photos. The images will be shown during the Saturday night program, and winners will be awarded ribbons.    

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

The park is off Interstate 64 at Exit 161. Take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately two miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is three miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.  The phone number for the park is 1-800-325-0059.

Sandhill Crane Tours This Winter

Barren River Hosting Sandhill Crane Tours This Winter

Nature Watch Weekends Jan. 24-25 and Feb. 7-8

by: Gil Lawson

LUCAS, Ky. –  During the colder winter temperatures you may to hear the distinct cry of migrating birds overhead. You may want to take a second look at the flock soaring above you, because it just may be Sandhill Cranes rather than Canada geese. 

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is again offering two weekends in January and February to view these beautiful birds.

Sandhill cranes are tall, gray birds reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 pounds with a wingspan of 6-7 feet.  They have two distinct features about them: one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crowned forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out, rather than tucked in towards the body.

Each year thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate. The lake’s exposed mud flats in winter provide the birds with a perfect spot to rest and socialize as they settle in for the night. Ample farmlands and wet meadows offer an abundance of food.

If you would like to learn more about these intriguing birds with a unique sound, Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers Nature Watch Weekends Jan. 24-25 and Feb. 7-8, 2014, to view these cranes as they migrate through the area.

Each weekend begins with an educational session conducted by a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Registration is $40 per adult and $20 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, a T-shirt and a choice of a Saturday sunrise or Saturday sunset tour. 

For more information, contact Jamie Avery at THIS LINK or 1-800-325-0057. When making reservations ask for the Sandhill Crane lodge room rate of $49.95 plus tax. 

The Park is surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills, on the edge of a beautiful 10,000-acre lake. There are 51 lodge rooms, 22 cottages and 99 campsites at the park. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of an upscale fish camp in the Driftwood Restaurant. If you are looking for something to do during your visit, you can play on the 18-hole golf course, hike along a nature trail, visit the marina to rent a boat, check out a fishing pole or sports equipment, browse the gift shop or just enjoy a peaceful seat overlooking the lake.

The resort is 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take Interstate 65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to U.S. 31E south.

Sandhill cranes in a field (photo by Don McCoy)

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

Meet me under the mistletoe!  Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years.  I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures.  As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that.

Several years ago, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.”  Their reply was, “I don’t know.”  After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe.  Why?  It was the “kissing thing” again!  I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.

Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants?  The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants.   Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'.  During this time of the year, look for the succulent evergreen plants hanging in the branches.

There are so many songs with lyrics about mistletoe.  Some songs that mention mistletoe include: “Blame it on the Mistletoe,” “It Must Have Been The Mistletoe,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” and  “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," just to name a few.  Why even Justin Bieber has a song out about Mistletoe. I guess there are a lot of people out there that believe in mistletoe powers.  Go figure!

I also came across this article and wanted to share it with you.  It was written in 2005 but has a lot of interesting information about “Mistletoe.”  I think you too will find it useful as you learn more about this mysterious, kissing plant.  See "Read More" below.

Before closing, I wish you and yours a splendid year filled with much happiness.  What are your waiting for?  Now get out there and find a sprig of mistletoe, so you can secure your  kiss!

John James Audubon State Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary Nov. 2

by Gil Lawson –  John James Audubon State Park will close out its yearlong 75^th anniversary celebration with a special museum event November 2.

All three parts of the historical anniversary exhibit will be on display, along with a special collection of future plans for the next 75 years.  Hors d’oeuvres, museum tours and music by Eric Scales will be on the main level of the museum from 6-7 p.m.

In the lower level, from 7-9 p.m., guests will enjoy a gourmet meal by Avarice Watson, music, a preview of short films about the park, special speakers and the unveiling of the newest print from the most recent Audubon copper plate purchase, “The American Bittern,” plate No. 337. The copper plates were used to print books that featured Audubon’s work. One print, or “re-strike,” will be auctioned off at this time. 

The American Bittern

Prints of “The American Bittern” will be available for sale after November 4 at the museum.

Michael Aakhus, dean of arts from the University of Southern Indiana, will speak. Aakhus will discuss the unique process of printing from the historical plates, which the park museum has exhibited in its gallery. This is the second plate from the Audubon collection from which Aakhus has produced restrikes.

Park manager Mark Kellen will present a multimedia program on the park history, including the recognition of key people throughout the park’s growth.

For tickets, contact: Mark Kellen, park manager, at 270-826-2247 mark.kellen@ky.gov or Kim McGrew-Liggett at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov Cost: $50 per ticket; limited to the first 100 people.

John James Audubon State Park is the site where Audubon studied and painted birds from 1810-1819. The park is equipped with cottages and a campground, and offers many recreational opportunities, including a nine-hole golf course, 6 miles of hiking trails, fishing and more. It also has a museum and nature center that interprets Audubon’s life through a collection of his paintings and memorabilia.

The park is located on U.S. 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson, ½-mile south of the U.S. 41 bridge over the Ohio River.

My Travels to Prestonsburg

My travels this week took me to beautiful eastern Kentucky.  The colors were spectacular. I guess I am rather bias since I spent 13 years as park naturalist at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park from 1992-2005.  A great park with great people….wonderful communities.

The old saying, “That photos are worth a thousand words. ” I hope you enjoy the scenic views.  A very special thanks to Mrs. JoAnn Harvey, Prestonsburg, Ky, for the pictures.  Spectacular in color.

Fall colors are peaking all around in Kentucky.  Get out there and enjoy the views with your family.  And, remember KyPARKS are great places to spend the weekend.  Visit THIS LINK and make your reservation.

Safe travels.

Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick October 18-20

Salt Festival
Journey back in time as Big Bone Lick returns to days long past. There will be numerous hands on demonstrations and activities for people of all ages; including flint-knapping, pioneer life, salt making, weaving, spear throwing, storytelling, music, and lots more. Browse the crafters' corner to see the many wondrous hand crafted items for sale; then refresh yourself and your family at the food court. While you are visiting don't forget to see our bison herd and stop by the visitor center..


For more information, please call Big Bone Lick State Historic Site at (859) 384-3522.

A Trip down the AA Highway

Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  And, Kentucky has a lot to offer in beautiful, scenic places.  Recently, I traveled the AA Highway from Grayson to Alexandria.  The colors were creating a myriad of spectacular views.  I know a lot of times we think of areas like the Red River Gorge, Pine Mountain, Cumberland Falls, when it comes to fall colors.  However, this AA Highway is a great place to view fall colors.  And, there are about five state parks in the vicinity....Kincaid Lake, Blue Licks, Carter Caves, Grayson Lake, and Greenbo.  Stay at one of these parks and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Moreover, there are quite a few covered bridges along the route that add to the beauty of this region.  I highly recommend this travel trip from Alexandria to Grayson.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

A Fall Ride along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail

Photo by Joann Harvey of Prestonsburg, Ky

Spectacular fall beauty can now be found along the Dawkins Line Rail Trail.  This 18 mile trail begins in Hagerhill, Ky (Johnson County) and presently ends in Royalton (Magoffin County) with future development to extend another 18 miles to Evanston (Breathitt County).  For additional information on biking, horseback riding, or hiking along this trail, please visit THIS LINK  You can also find directions and a trail map.

The Battle of Perryville Re-eanctment

150th Anniversary Photo by Ron Vanover

Kentucky Department of Parks News Release

Sept. 18, 2013 by Gil Lawson, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kurt Holman or Joni House, 859-332-8631

Battle of Perryville State Historic Site Commemorates 1862 Battle

PERRYVILLE, Ky. – Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site will commemorate the anniversary of the largest Civil War battle in Kentucky during the weekend of Oct. 5-6.

The weekend will include military demonstrations at 2 p.m. both days. The weekend also includes numerous speakers, living history interpreters, interaction with the soldiers in camp life demonstrations, antique and period vendors, and food vendors. There will be a special program on the “Life of the Soldier,” focusing on camp life.

The park’s museum will also have artifacts on display, as well as an exhibit called the “Hard Hand of War,” which will feature the artifacts of Dr. Robert McMeens, the regimental surgeon of the 3^rd Ohio Infantry. He literally worked himself to death and died Oct. 28, 1862, in Perryville. The museum will display his personal effects, including his surgical instruments, which have not been in Perryville since 1862.

Admission for this event is $5 per person; children 10 and under are free.

Spirit Hunters of Central Kentucky (as seen on the Travel Channel's “Ghost Adventures”) will conduct a paranormal investigation on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. Call the park at 859-332-8631 for tickets. The cost is $20 per person; not recommended for children under 12.

The Battle of Perryville on Oct., 8, 1862, was the largest and bloodiest engagement of the American Civil War fought within Kentucky’s borders. Thousands of soldiers were engaged in a desperate battle that left nearly 7,500 men killed and wounded.  The significance of the battle was considerable and not only affected the state, but also the nation.  The engagement was a Confederate victory; however, Southern forces were unable to maintain a military presence in the state and eventually withdrew into Tennessee.  The initial battlefield victory ultimately turned into a tactical loss as Union forces occupied the state thereafter.

Perryville Battlefield is 45 miles southwest of Lexington. Take U.S. 68 West to U.S. 150 West. For more information about Perryville and the events on Oct. 5-6, visit THIS LINK.. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit HERE.

Caterpillar Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

  

Hickory-horned Devil Caterpillar

Annual Caterpillar Weekend

August 23-24 

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

SLADE, KY. – Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host its 2^nd annual child-friendly Caterpillar Weekend the weekend of Aug. 23-24.

This weekend will be a unique opportunity for families to discover the diverse world of caterpillars, butterflies, and maybe even moths!  Caterpillar Weekend is a wonderful weekend for children (and adults who are kids at heart), families of all sizes, and nature lovers of all ages to participate in guided caterpillar walks, special presentations filled with fantastic photographs, face-painting, and a butterfly expedition.

Onsite registration for Caterpillar Weekend will be available throughout the weekend approximately 30 minutes prior to each activity.  The evening presentations will be held in the Magnolia Room of the Hemlock Lodge while the morning activities on Saturday will meet inside of the Hemlock Lodge Lobby.  The onsite registration fee is $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 15 & under).  Please note that parents or guardians must accompany children at all times.

Registration discounts are available to families who pre-register by calling the Naturalist Office of Natural Bridge prior to Aug. 23.  

A detailed agenda will be available upon registration.  For more information about Caterpillar Weekend, or to receive your agenda in advance, contact Tyler Morgan HERE or call 1-800-325-1710. 

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the larger and most famous natural arches in Kentucky and is surrounded by breathtaking topography and unique flora and fauna within the Daniel Boone National Forest.  Natural Bridge offers lodging, dining, cottages, and campground accommodations.  Hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available.  For more information call 1-800-325-1710 or visit THIS LINK.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is 52 miles southeast of Lexington and 2 miles off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, exit 33.

The Personal Benefits of Parks - Michael J. Bradley

Since I was born and reared about six miles from the "Falls," this article brought back some childhood memories of my days at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.  Even though it is not intentional, I think sometimes we take park opportunities like this for granted.  I hope you will find this article refreshing and perhaps it will energize you to plan and visit one of our special Kentucky State Parks in the not-too-distant future.

Visit this link on "The Personal Benefits of Parks" by Michael J. Bradley

Dawkins Line Rail Trail Officially Opens

One of 24 trestles along the first 18 miles of the Dawkins Line

RICEVILLE, Ky. —  Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear, along with trail enthusiasts and local officials, opened the first 18-mile section of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail today, June 15, 2013. The former railroad line is the newest adventure tourism attraction in Eastern Kentucky for hikers, horseback riders and cyclists.

“We want the Dawkins Line Rail Trail to attract tourists and help develop the local tourism economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “I know people are excited about the future of this trail and what it can do for this region.”

The Governor and First Lady joined with other officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony near Riceville in Johnson County, where an unimproved trailhead will be located.

Governor and Mrs. Beshear riding the Dawkins Line.

The first 18-mile leg of the trail, from Hagerhill in Johnson County to Royalton in Magoffin County, features 24 trestles and 662-foot Gun Creek Tunnel. Another trailhead is located at Royalton in Magoffin County.

“The natural beauty and rolling hillsides are perfect for hiking, cycling and horseback riding,” said Mrs. Beshear. “There’s a great demand for new trails and I believe the Dawkins Line will become very popular very soon.”

Work on the rail trail – the largest in the state -- was carried out by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The trail will be managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Parks Commissioner Elaine N. Walker getting
ready to take a ride on the Dawkins Line.

The Finance and Administration Cabinet issued a contract to BOCA Enterprises of Hagerhill for construction of the first phase and work was completed this month.

Gun Creek Tunnel (662 feet long)

State funding for the 36-mile former rail line was initially provided by the 2006 General Assembly. The purchase of the property from the R.J. Corman Railroad Group was finalized in the spring of 2011. The trail name comes from the Dawkins Lumber Company, which developed the rail line in the early 1900s for timber harvesting and transportation.

The Dawkins Line is modeled after another successful rails-to-trails project in southwest Virginia -- the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail in Virginia attracts over 200,000 visitors a year and has led to new businesses with a positive economic impact.

The Dawkins Line is for horseback riders, bicyclists, and hikers.

The 18-mile section currently has two unimproved trailheads; one near Riceville at Swamp Branch and the second at Royalton. Both have parking areas. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is open during daylight hours and motorized vehicles are prohibited.

The second phase of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail is in the planning stages.  More information about the Dawkins Line Rail Trail is available at THIS WEBSITE. 

Article From The Herald Dispatch, Ashland, Ky

Photographs from Carter Caves Wildflower Weekend

During the weekend of April 19, Carter Caves State Resort Park hosted its second annual Wildflower Weekend.  The event included featured speakers, canoe excursions, van tours, guided hikes, invasive species eradication, and cave tours.  Pictures are worth a thousand words.  Hope you enjoy the wildflower pictures.

Rue Anemone

Wild Blue Violet

Wild Ginger Flower

Blue Phlox

Blue Phlox

Carter Caves Wildflower Weekend

Goldenstar: Photo by R. Vanover

April 19-21, 2013

Spring is arriving and with that comes the beauty of wildflowers bursting with splendid beauty.  Carter Caves State Resort Park will be hosting a wildflower weekend on April 19-21.  Experienced field trip leaders and naturalists will be leading hikes to observe these "spring beauties."  In addition, there will be birding field trips, canoeing excursions, fern walks, invasive species hike and eradication, and much more.  For information about the Carter Caves Weekend, please see the PDF File link below.  It has a complete schedule of events for your review.

Carter Caves PDF Wildflower Flier

Kentucky State Naturalist's Blog: Volunteer Trail Vacations for Kentucky

View of Pine Mountain

Great news!  Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) have been chosen by the American Hiking Society for Trail Volunteer Vacations for 2013.

Natural Bridge will host the event in April 2013 and the PMSST will host the event in September 2013.  These trips are great opportunities for those people who want to give back to the outdoor world through trail maintenance.  These trips are also located in many parts of the United States.

Natural Bridge in the fall

To schedule your Kentucky trip, visit the links below.

Natural Bridge American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Link

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail American Hiking Society Vacation Link

Up The Creek With A Paddle!

Guests on a Cave Tour

Great paddling events are planned for Carter Caves State Resort Park for March, April, and May. Warm up the Spring with an adventure float down Tygarts Creek.  Known for its caves and outdoor amenities, Carter Caves State Resort Park has a dining room, cottages, lodge rooms, golf, horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

‘BYOK’ Tygart Creek Kayak Float
March 23 and May 11

This is a 6-mile kayak trip that navigates paddlers down Tygarts Creek, which cuts through one of Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorges. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. “BYOK” stands for bring your own kayak. The park provides the transportation shuttle from the Welcome Center and guides for your trip on the creek. You will see high cliffsides and the natural beauty that the spring has to offer. There will be a side trip into one of Kentucky’s largest natural limestone tunnels. Required equipment includes; kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), the correct attire for cool-weather paddling, a complete change of clothes, treaded footwear, flashlight (for natural tunnel visit), sack lunch, bottled water and a dry bag for your supplies.  Participants meet at the Welcome Center at 10 a.m. The cost is $25 per person. Limited space available; preregistration is required. Call the park’s recreation department to register, 1-800-325-0059. (This trip may be canceled due to high or low water levels or extreme weather conditions).

Paddling on Tygarts Creek

Tygart Creek ‘Regretta’ Canoe Excursion 

April 13, 14 and May 12

This is a 6-mile canoe trip that navigates paddlers through the Tygarts Creek Gorge, one of Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorges.  You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours.  Canoe experience is required. If you don’t have the experience, then you’ll know why we call this a “REGRETTA.” Along the way you’ll see high cliffsides and the natural beauty that the spring has to offer. There will also be a side trip into one of Kentucky’s largest natural limestone tunnels. A guide, canoes, paddles, life jackets and transportation to and from the creek are provided. Required equipment is warm clothes, extra change of clothes, treaded footwear, flashlight (for natural tunnel visit), sack lunch, bottled water and a dry bag for your supplies. The cost is $25 per person. Limited space available; preregistration is required. Participants meet at the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. (This trip may be canceled due to high or low water levels or extreme weather conditions).  Call the park’s recreation department to register at 1-800-325-0059.

Directions: From Interstate 64, Exit 161, take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is 3 miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

Volunteer Trail Vacations for Kentucky

Photo of Pine Mountain by Brett Bentley

Great news!  Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) have been chosen by the American Hiking Society for Trail Volunteer Vacations for 2013.

Natural Bridge will host the event in April 2013 and the PMSST will host the event in September 2013.  These trips are great opportunities for those people who want to give back to the outdoor world through trail maintenance.  These trips are also located in many parts of the United States.

Natural Bridge in the fall

To schedule your Kentucky trip, visit the links below.

Natural Bridge American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Link

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail American Hiking Society Vacation Link

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Yesterday (February 21) I traveled to the eastern part of Kentucky and took this scenic view at Pine Mountain State Resort Park.  This is the view you can get from staying in one of the lodge rooms.





Hope you enjoy the spectacular beauty.  For additional information or to book your reservation at this park, please visit this LINK.

Future Sportsman's Weekend

Join us Saturday, March 23 at Rough River Dam State Resort Park for a fun-filled event dedicated to getting youngsters interested in and actively involved in hunting, fishing, and the Great Outdoors!  Saturday is filled with hands-on activities including basic archery instruction, Explore Bowhunting activities, casting and fishing, target shooting, and educational programming by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  In addition, Grayson's Landing Restaurant will feature a Buffalo and Wild Game Buffet on Saturday evening with seatings at 4:30, 6:00, and 7:30 PM Central (reservations recommended).

Activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. CENTRAL on Saturday and continue into the evening.  Registration for activities and programs is only $10 per participant and overnight packages are available for $135 plus tax and include Saturday night lodging for two, Buffalo Dinner for two Saturday evening, breakfast for two on Sunday morning, and registration for all activities.

While all age groups are welcome, children must be a minimum age of 8 to participate in archery shooting and most activities are aimed at ages 6-12.  For more information about this exciting event or for inquiries about the Buffalo and Wild Game Buffet contact the park at 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713.

White Nose Syndrome found at Carter Caves and Kingdom Come State Parks

"I knew eventually this deadly disease would make it to our Kentucky State Parks.  It is with sadness that I share this article below. This could be one of the largest ecological disasters that we will see in quite some time."  Ron Vanover

For a better understanding about White Nose Syndrome, view the video below.

Article below from Carrie Stambaugh, The Ashland Independent

OLIVE HILL — The fatal bat disease White-Nose Syndrome has spread to Carter Caves State Resort Park.

Officials confirmed Thursday that bats collected from three caves inside the park were infected with the deadly fungal disease that has been spreading rapidly across the U.S. since its discovery in 2006, killing millions of the insect-eating mammals. Nearly 40,000 endangered Indiana Bats hibernate annually in Carter Caves, representing half of those in Kentucky, park officials say.

Bats at Kingdom Come State Park Nature Preserve in Letcher County at Mammoth Cave National Park also tested positive for the disease in January. The disease has now spread across the commonwealth, having been found in 10 counties at 25 different sites.

Carter Caves Park Naturalist Coy Ainsley called the news terrible. “We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” he said.

“Audubon  Museums, Traveling Exhibit”
75^th  Anniversary exhibit

January 28 ~February 10

As our first exhibit in the series of the “75^th Anniversary exhibits," Audubon Museum welcomes home the traveling exhibit. The exhibit has traveled across the United States for the past seven years, serving approximately 24 museums. Audubon Museum is proud to showcase these unique artifacts by exhibiting them to the public, January 28^th at the annual Friends of Audubon luncheon through February 10.

Susan Towles exhibit 

75^th Anniversary exhibit

January 28 ~April 17 

This exhibit is a brief history of Susan Towle's life and accomplishments during her years in Henderson, Kentucky.  Towels played a huge role in how the John James Audubon collection came about and the efforts to build a museum to house it.  

For further information contact: Alan Gehret, Curator or Kim McGrew-Liggett, Arts Administrator at the JJA Museum (270) 827-1893.  Visit the Park WEBLINK for additional information on cottage rentals and other park amenities.

Kentucky State Parks Looking for Campground Volunteer Hosts

Would you like to be a campground volunteer? 

by Gil Lawson - FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Parks are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts during the spring, summer and fall of 2013.

Campground hosts perform a number of duties such as checking in campers, making sure camping areas, picnic areas and bathrooms are clean, answering questions and a variety of other duties. In return, campground hosts receive free camping at the host property during their tenure.

Hosts will be given a criminal background check and should possess a valid driver’s license.

The Kentucky State Parks operate 31 campgrounds across the state from April through October.

If you are interested in applying, visit THIS LINK and look under “Park News” to download an application.

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Carter Caves Winter Adventure Weekend (WAW)

Take a ride on the "wild side." Pictured left is Kentucky Parks Commissioner Elaine N. Walker getting ready to zipline.  Also, below is video of the Commissioner enjoying her "zipline ride" at Carter Caves State Resort Park. This temporary zipline was a part of over 300 activities this past weekend. Commissioner Walker commented that, "It was one of the best organized events in our Kentucky State Parks." It was great fun for many guests at this well-attended event. Other activities included cave adventures, .22 caliber shooting, archery, canoe trips, rappelling, recreational tree climbing, birding, winter tree identification, and so much more. Mark you calendars for January 24-26, 2014 for next years event.   For additional information and to view pictures from this year's event, go to this LINK.  For other Kentucky State Park events, visit the PARKS WEBSITE. 

Video compliments of Andy Niekamp.

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Winter Adventure Weekend at Carter Caves

Planned for January 25-27 at Carter Caves State Resort Park

OLIVE HILL, Ky. – Carter Caves State Resort Park will present a weekend of hiking, kayaking, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling, archeological field trips, a zip line and other adventures with its fourth annual Winter Adventure Weekend, Jan. 25-27, 2013.  Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides.  Each trip level is based on the difficulty and skills required. The higher the level, the more skills and special equipment are needed. Guests will be responsible for appropriate dress, water, snacks and other items.

The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2013 event are available at THIS LINK. All participants must register online at this site. The non-refundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $30, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. Some of the trips have additional fees. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.)

There are many new trips at this year's event, including but not limited to a rock climbing workshop, a .22-caliber shooting workshop, nature photography workshop and a rope climbing competition, along with six new adventure presentations held on Saturday. The park is also incorporating some wild caving trips in this year’s event, including one being led by old-style carbide cap lamps. Some trips will be offered on Friday afternoon.

Participants will be able to submit photos in the Winter Photo Salon competition. Categories include winter adventure, caving and local nature-adventure photos. The images will be shown during the Saturday night program, and winners will be awarded ribbons.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

The park is off Interstate 64 at exit 161. Take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately two miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is three miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

The phone number for the park is 1-800-325-0059.

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

Meet me under the mistletoe!  Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years.  I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures.  As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that. 

Recently, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.”  Their reply was, “I don’t know.”  After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe.  Why?  It was the “kissing thing” again!  I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.

Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants?  The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants.   Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'.  In fact, it is in the same vicinity where I mentioned the Black Vultures in a recent blog.  During this time of the year, look for the evergreen plants hanging in the branches.