Department of Parks
Natural Bridge to Host Two Spring Nature Weekends Geared to Plant and Reptile Lovers

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 17-19, is a chance for gardeners, nature lovers and botanists 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 many different times during the three-day event, starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
 
Speakers will offer their expertise on wildflowers and related topics on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The speakers include Neil Pederson, assistant professor of biological sciences at Eastern Kentucky University, Tara Littlefield, botanist with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC), and Marc Evans, an ecologist retired from KSNPC and coauthor of the recently released book, Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky.
 
On-site registration fee is $10 per adult, $3 for ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 and under.
 
Herpetology Weekend, May 1-2, is a way to learn about nature’s most misunderstood critters.  On Saturday, May 2, experienced herpetologists will lead field trips at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 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 at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as various demonstrations that will include live venomous snakes!
 
On-site registration fee is $10 per adult, $3 for ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 and under.
 
For more information about these events, visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb 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 larger 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 located 52 miles southeast of Lexington and 2 miles off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, exit 33.

 
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The Kentucky Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov