Department of Parks
21st Annual Herpetology Weekend is May 11-12 at Natural Bridge

SLADE, Ky. – Snakes. Frogs. Salamanders. What more could any kid want to see?

You and your family can see and learn about these animals and more during Herpetology Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, May 11-12.

The weekend is an opportunity to see and discover the mysterious world of reptiles and amphibians that reside in eastern Kentucky. This is a great weekend for children, as well as adults who are kids at heart, to visit the park and experience “herping” with biologists, ecologists, and other trained professionals.

Herpetology Weekend allows for visitors to be led into areas surrounding Natural Bridge State Resort Park, including the Red River Gorge, by professional “herpers” on Saturday, May 12, at 9 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. All field trips will depart from Natural Bridge’s Hemlock Lodge lobby. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to departure.

During the evenings of May 11 and 12, presentations by professionals in herpetology will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Woodland Center.  Speakers include Dr. Stephen Richter, a professor from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Richter will lead off the presentations on Friday evening with a talk, “Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in KY: What You Can Do to Make a Difference.” 

Also on Friday, Les Meade, an independent biologist, will present “Herping Among the Redwoods.” Although Meade is very familiar with the herps of eastern Kentucky, he currently resides in Washington state and has been able to experience herping in the western U.S.  The presentations on Saturday include Jim Anno from Cincinnati presenting “Herp Photography – tips, tricks, and techniques,” and Kristen Wiley from the Kentucky Reptile Zoo with a live show titled “Don’t Tread on Me – All about Rattlesnakes.”

On-site registration is $10 per adult and $3 per child. Registration will begin approximately one hour prior to the Friday evening presentations at the Woodland Center and will continue until all of the festivities have concluded. Field trip sign-up will open 30 minutes before trips depart. A detailed agenda will be available upon registration. For more information about Herpetology Weekend, or for an agenda of the weekend in advance, contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov 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, cottages, a restaurant, and campground. Hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available. For more information call 1-800-325-1710 or visit www.parks.ky.gov

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

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