Department of Fish and Wildlife
Gourd Birdhouse Workshop At The Salato Wildlife Education Center Nov. 20

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Learn how to transform gourds into birdhouses at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 1 – 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20.

The center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, promotes wildlife conservation education through programs and workshops such as this.

Birdhouses benefit resident birds. During this workshop, Salato staff will help participants choose the right size gourd to attract the type of birds that they want, such as purple martins, wrens and chickadees. Salato Center staff will provide the gourd, paint and paint brushes for attendees to create their own masterpieces. With the holiday season right around the corner, a gourd birdhouse makes a perfect gift. The cost of the program is $15 with registration and pre-payment required.

The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, an eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.

For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center is located at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters, 1 Sportsman’s Lane (formerly 1 Game Farm Road), off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Normal hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

The Salato Center will be closed Nov. 11 for Veteran’s Day and Nov. 12 for state furloughs, a budget balancing measure. The center will also close Nov. 25-27 in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Salato Center’s seasonal winter closing is from Dec. 14, 2010 through Feb. 15, 2011.