Department of Parks
Natural Bridge Offering Two Nature Weekends

SLADE, Ky. – If you’re a nature enthusiast, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is offering two nature-filled weekends for all plant and animal lovers.

Wildflower Weekend, April 19-22, is a chance for botanists, gardeners and nature lovers to enjoy the hundreds of species of native plants at Natural Bridge.  Field trips and walks will be offered for the beginner and advanced wildflower enthusiast at different times during the four-day event, starting Thursday at 4 p.m.

Speakers will offer their expertise on wildflowers and related topics on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The speakers include John Tierney, a retired state park naturalist; Patricia D. Haragan of the Louisville Olmstead Parks Conservancy; Tom G. Barnes of the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry; Maggie Whitson of Northern Kentucky University, Noelle Theres, a naturalist at Natural Bridge and Zeb Weese of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

On-site registration fee is $5 per adult and $2 per child (ages 12-17, under 12 is free).

Herpetology Weekend, May 4-5, is a way to learn about nature’s most misunderstood critters!  On Saturday, May 5, experienced herpetologists will lead field trips into the Red River Gorge to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat.  Collection is prohibited. Children’s activities will be offered at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

There will also be evening speakers on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as well as various demonstrations that will include live venomous snakes.

Registration fee is $5 per adult and $2 per child (ages 12-17, under 12 is free).

For more information about these events, visit www.parks.ky.gov or contact Brian Gasdorf at 1-800-325-1710 or email him at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the largest natural arches in the state and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest.  Natural Bridge offers lodging, cottages, and campground accommodations.  Miniature golf, hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available.  For more information call 1-800-325-1710.

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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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov