John James Audubon to Celebrate 75th Anniversary on November 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.

State Naturalist Travels - Dewey Lake and Jenny Wiley

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.

Fall Color Update 10/22/2013

View From Lover's Leap

Well, with a camera on the fritz and a lot of rainy, ugly weather, it has been a little longer then I would have liked to get another color report out to everyone. Well, here it is!

Colors here at the park are roughly at 90%. I am seeing more reds in the leaves than I have seen in many years and this, combined with the typical yellows and oranges, are making for a great show! Every tree species is showing color with some of the most brilliant being Maples, Oaks, Dogwoods, Beech and Birch.

The nicer days that we have had in the low 70's combined with the extremely cool nights are what is helping the most to help the colors change. I am afraid, however that things won't last too long. Night time temps dropping into the 30's and even the 20's on Friday night will cause things to diminish rather quickly. I would guess peak color to happen in the next two days. I will be sure to post a report as soon as it happens.

On another note, this weekend promises to be a fun weekend as it is Breaks Park's Halloween Spectacular! Events will be going on Friday and Saturday ranging from Costume Contests and Night Hikes to Campsite Decorating Contests and Hayrides. Be sure to stop by and spend some time with us!

For more information about Fall color and the Halloween Spectacular, visit this LINK

I can be reached by contacting me HERE

Salt Festival to be held 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 View from 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.