Breaks Interstate Park Wildflower Report for 5/17/2013

Yellow Lady Slippers

Wildflowers are abounding all over the park. A wide variety can be seen on every trail in the park. Various colors of Violets, May Apple, Showy Orchids, Yellow Lady Slippers, Dwarf Crested Iris, Catawba Rhododendron are all in full bloom and showcase a spectacular display of color along our many trails and roads. Solomon Seal, False Solomon Seal and Jack in the Pulpit are also in bloom and can be seen on the Laurel Branch Trail in between the Ridge Trail and the Geological Trail.






Rattlesnake Plantain leafing out.

Rattlesnake Plantain can be seen along the Lake Trail and Cold Spring Trail and although it still has some time before coming into bloom, its’ beautiful leaves are always a treat to see poking up through the forest’s leaf litter.

There is still more to come so stay tuned. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by the park on Saturday, May 18th for National Kids to Parks Day. There will be fun for everyone!



For additional information on the flowers currently in bloom at the park, you can reach me by emailing me HERE

Albino Squirrel Takes Up Residence at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Albino Squirrel by Troy Smoot

 Albinism is a genetic trait characterized by the complete or partial loss of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism is a trait that can be seen in any type of vertebrate.  In some species of animals albinos do not live as long as others of their kind because they are more susceptible to being eaten by a predator.

The albino squirrel that has been seen at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a complete lack of pigment.  The squirrel is an Eastern Gray Squirrel.  It has been seen interacting with other squirrels.  They do not seem to notice that it is different.

Wildflowers and Birds at Lake Barkley

This is the perfect time to make your way to Lake Barkley State Resort Park.  The rain will make it's way out of western Kentucky today and the forecast for the weekend will be warm and sunny.  The flowers and birds are abundant this week too.
Wildflower highlights include Fire Pink, Lyre-leaved Sage, phlox, and columbine.

Columbine blooming in one of Lake Barkley's wildflower gardens

The Columbine is blooming in abundance in one of our wildflower beds located on the east wing of the lodge.

The symphony of birds has been outstanding this week too.  Wood Thrushes can be heard in the morning and early evening hours around the cottage loop and campground, and hummingbirds can be seen darting back and forth between feeders.  A number of warbler species  can be heard on the park too including Tennessee, Prothonatary, Black-and-White, Yellow-throated, Chats, and Northern Parulas.  Our Birding on Barkley event is sold out for Saturday but I'll post our sightings.

WILDFLOWERS: Pine Mountain SRP - May 4

Wild Geranium

At Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville, the mountain hollows are abundantly adorned with wildflowers.   Among the myriad of blossoms to be viewed at this time are wild geranium, golden ragwort, dwarf larkspur, erect trillium, large-flowered trillium, yellow trillium, rue anemone, hairy buttercup, large-flowered bellwort, pennywort, violet wood-sorrel, Jacob’s ladder, purple phacelia, foamflower, stonecrop, wood vetch, wood-betony, Canada violet, arrow-leaved violet, birdfoot violet, downy wood violet, common blue violet, sweet white violet, long-spurred violet, wild ginger, little brown jug, wild ginger and star chickweed.  Pink lady's slippers have been observed flowering in certain locales and the yellow buckeye is in bloom.

In secluded coves a deep green carpet speckled with the scarlet accents of partridgeberry is eye-catching on the forest floor beneath the hemlocks. The dogwoods are at full flower and the redbuds are leafing out as their color fades.

Now is the time for wildflower photographers to flock to the mountains to capture spring greenery and blossoms in their full glory.  An abundance of water and seasonably mild temperatures with ample sunshine has goaded spring into producing some of the healthiest displays of native flora in recent years.  The time is right.  Come to the mountains and see it for yourself!