FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2005) – The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) will host a leisurely hike through the Cove Spring Park in Franklin County on Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. EDT.

Brainard Palmer-Ball, a terrestrial vertebrate zoologist, will lead the hike. It will focus on spring songbirds and wildflowers.

Meet at the Cove Spring Park parking lot off US 127 just north of Wilkinson Boulevard at 9 a.m. Only a pair of binoculars is required and no registration is necessary. If you need directions, contact the Commission at 502-573-2886.

More information about the Commission and its mission to protect Kentucky’s natural heritage can be obtained by mail (KSNPC, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601-1403), by telephone (502-573-2886 or toll free 877-214-6173) or on the Internet (www.naturepreserves.ky.gov).

Kentuckians will join others across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 22.  Spearheaded by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, a number of state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations have joined together to celebrate Earth Day.  Some of these partners have organized environmental activities throughout the month of April while others are providing information and resources on protecting Kentucky’s environment.

This is the second year in a row for a month-long, organized campaign in celebration of Earth Day.  Among activities planned are hikes, special events, college campus programs, collection of cell phones for recycling and demonstrations of new, environmentally friendly technology.  Visit the state Earth Day Web site at www.environment.ky.gov/earthday to learn more about Kentucky's Earth Day celebration.