Activities at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and
Arches of the Cumberland Chapter of the Kentucky Society of Natural
History
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE RESORT PARK
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2010 e-VENT NEWSLETTER
A natural wonderland full of arches, rock shelters, rivers and streams, plants, animals, history and Appalachian culture.
e-VENT NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
1) WINTER/SPRING SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
2) NATURE NOTES
3) PARK FACILITIES
4) NATURAL BRIDGE - HELPFUL WEBSITE LINKS AND INFORMATION
5) RED RIVER GORGE – EVENTS, HELPFUL WEBSITE LINKS AND INFORMATION
1) WINTER/SPRING SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Click on this link for all 2010 special events at Natural Bridge: http://www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/events
Seafood Buffet Night: March 5, April 2
The first Friday of each month from 5pm – 9pm.
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at the Hemlock Lodge’s Sandstone Arches Restaurant for $21.95/adults and 9.95/child plus drink and tax!
Winter Square Dance: Feb 6
Square dancing at Natural Bridge is a 40-year tradition! Bring out the whole family, enjoy the toe tapping music and dance the night away. Square dancing begins at 7:30pm and ends around 10:00pm and is located at the Activities Center. $3/person, ages 12 & under are free.
Special Valentine’s Buffet: February 13
Natural Bridge invites you and your special valentine to the Sandstone Arches Restaurant for a Special Valentines Buffet! Our specially prepared buffet will include hand-carved roast prime rib, pecan encrusted salmon filets and glazed marmalade chicken. Soup, salad and desert bar also included. Serving from 5pm – 8pm. Adults 16.95, children 8.95 and ages 5 & under are free. Interested in staying with us? Overnight package for two is available for 129.95 and includes a lodge room and Valentines dinner buffet for Saturday, Feb 13 and breakfast on Sunday morning. Call the Hemlock Lodge at (606) 663-2214 for more information.
Mardi Gras Getaway: Feb 20
Join Natural Bridge on Saturday, February 20, 2010 to celebrate the world famous event of Mardi Gras. This annual occasion will feature a buffet of Cajun cuisine, live jazz music and colorful beads. The Cajun buffet will include a Louisiana “Dry-Rub” Roast Pork Loin, Shrimp Etouffee, Bayou Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Cajun Encrusted Fried Catfish and Alligator Beignets. Come out and celebrate the New Orleans tradition. Adults (16.95), ages 6-12 (8.95) and ages 5 & under are free. The buffet begins at 5:00pm and ends at 9:00pm. Jazz musician and vocalist, Gary Nelson, will be performing from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Gary plays the tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute. Gary has performed all over Kentucky as well as in Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and Indiana. Contact Hope Howell at hope.howell@ky.gov for more information.
Saint Patrick’s Celebration with live Celtic Music: March 20
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Hemlock Lodge’s Sandstone Arches Restaurant with a buffet-style feast featuring: Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage, Salmon Cakes with Horseradish Cream Sauce, Shepherds Pie, Roasted Parsnips with Carrots and Onions, Bubble and Squeak Potato Pancakes, Braised Turnip Greens with Irish Bacon, Irish Soda Bread and Rolls and Irish Cream Desserts. Serving time is from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Adults 16.95 and Children 8.95. The live entertainment for the evening will be Louisville’s Celtic World Music Band Keltricity. The band features music from Ireland, Scotland and French Canada, as well as versions of newer Celtic music along with the traditional. Location: Activities Center. Admission is $3.00, free for lodge, cottage and dining guests. Check out their web site at www.keltricity.com. Contact Hope Howell at hope.howell@ky.gov for more information.
Beginner Backpacking Workshop: March 27-28
Learn the basics of backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! This overnight trip is 8-10 miles with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $85 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov for more information.
Canoeing for Beginners: April 10
Learn the basics of canoeing on Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River within the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The river trip is 8 miles on an enjoyable class I section of the Red River. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration fee of $30 per person includes instruction, canoe, paddle and life jacket. For more information contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov.
Wildflower Weekend: April 23-25, 2010
The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species; enjoy them this weekend with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers. Our field trips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge Geological Area! Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region. Registration fee upon arrival, $10/adult, $3/ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 & under. For more information contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov.
Herpetology Weekend: May 7-8, 2010
Discover nature's most misunderstood critters! Experienced herpetologists will lead field trips into the Red River Gorge Geological Area to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat. Most Saturday fieldtrips will be offered at 9am and 1:30pm. Collection is prohibited. Friday and Saturday evening presentations will focus on reptile and amphibian natural history and conservation. Some demonstrations will include live venomous snakes! Registration fee upon arrival, $10/adult, $3/ages 13-17 and free for ages 12 & under. For more information contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.moran@ky.gov
2) NATURE NOTES
SEARCHING FOR WOOD FROGS
By Brian Gasdorf, Park Naturalist
Wood frogs are medium sized orange-pink-tan frogs that are known as the most cold-hardy North American frogs. Wood frogs can be found all the way into northern Quebec, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. These frogs can freeze slightly in cold temperatures, then thaw out and still be alive and hopping! With a story like that I had to search out and find some wood frogs to see them for myself.
On a relatively sunny day in mid February, I took a walk in the Red River Gorge area hoping to see and hear wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). While enjoying the unusually warm winter day, I heard what sounded like squabbling ducks in the distance. Male wood frogs sound like ducks and so I started thinking that I may have ventured out at just the right time to find these frogs in their woodland breeding pond. Downhill, I found the pond and much to my enjoyment, I could see movement at the water’s surface. I thankfully had a camera and was eager to get a few pictures of these amazing creatures.
As I slowly made my way down to the pond, I stopped and sat in the dry leaves trying not to scare the frogs to the bottom of the pond. After being still for a while, I heard the wrestling of leaves around me. At first, I just figured it was a squirrel or a bird, but soon realized that wood frogs were beginning to hop all around me and were migrating to the pond below! More frogs began to jump past me and all in all, I’d estimate that 40 frogs were hopping down the hillside towards the pond and approximately 40 or more were already in the pond!
As much as I wanted to take a picture, I resisted for a while and simply enjoyed the moment, since the migration of wood frogs isn’t something that one sees everyday. The pictures below are from that surreal experience. If you would like to find out more or hear the call of the wood frog you can visit http://bioweb.wku.edu/froglogger
If you or someone you know likes amphibians and reptiles, tell them about the Herpetology Weekend held at Natural Bridge on May 7-8, 2010. This is a unique special event dedicated to reptile and amphibian exploration and education. See the special event section above for details.
Can you find the camouflaged wood frog above?
A wood frog in leaf litter. Notice the characteristic dark mask that runs along the head.
A male wood frog calling making the characteristic squabbling duck sound. Notice the
two vocal sacs, one each side of the body. Most KY frog species have a single vocal sac.
3) PARK FACILITIES
Naturalist Programs for Groups – The park naturalist staff offer a variety of educational and experiential programs focusing on the natural history of the region. Visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/groups for group program descriptions and fees. Contact Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or 606 663-2214 to schedule a program.
Group Meeting Facilities – To reserve a meeting space or picnic shelter for your group please contact our Group Sales Coordinator Troy Gross at troy.gross@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214. Visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/meetings for more information.
Lodging – To reserve a lodge room at the Hemlock Lodge or to reserve a cottage, call 1-800-325-1710 or visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Sandstone Arches Restaurant – Located in the Hemlock Lodge the restaurant seats 175 people. The restaurant overlooks the famous “Hoedown Island,” which has been designated as the clogging capitol of Kentucky. Breakfast: open everyday from 7am – 10am. Lunch: open Monday – Saturday from 11:30am – 2pm and on Sunday from 11:30am – 3pm. Dinner: open everyday from 5pm – 8pm. (times subject to change)
Gift Shop – For the perfect memento of your visit, browse the Hemlock Lodge gift shop featuring a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs. The lodge gift shop is open year-round. Call for gift shop hours.
Campgrounds – The Middlefork Campground and Whittleton Campground are currently closed for the winter but will reopen in April. You can reserve campground sites for the spring, summer, and fall of 2010 by going to www.reserveamerica.com or call 1-888-459-7275.
Pool – The pool is currently closed, but will reopen on Memorial Day Weekend. Natural Bridge is currently looking for a mature and responsible pool supervisor that enjoys working with young adults and the public. The 2010 season runs Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. If you are interested in this position, fill out an online application at https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid=20101&siteid=5031&jobid=40468 and then contact Park Manager, Ron Vanover at ron.vanover@ky.gov or Park Naturalist, Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or you can call (606) 663-2214.
4) NATURAL BRIDGE - HELPFUL WEBSITE LINKS AND INFORMATION
General Information (1-800-325-1710)
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Trail Map (PDF)
www.parks.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/42C7B67C-31A1-41F2-98FE-5F1AD9DDBA7A/0/NaturalBridge.pdf
Trail Descriptions, Rules, & Things to Remember
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/trails/
Laws and Regulations (PDF)
http://www.parks.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/498B8AA8-37BB-48A3-A900-ADA78FBC443F/0/NB_Laws.pdf
Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve Information
http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/natbridge.htm
Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission
www.naturepreserves.ky.gov
Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics
www.lnt.org
5) RED RIVER GORGE IN THE DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST – EVENTS, HELPFUL WEBSITE LINKS AND INFORMATION
Gladie Center Special Events - All listed events (except as noted) are free and held at the Gladie Center. Dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm or check on rain dates. For more information contact the Gladie Center at (606) 663-8100 x0 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Bluebird Box Workshop: March 20 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the Gladie Center to build Bluebird Boxes. This free event is fun for all ages and helps provide nesting areas for bluebirds. Build your box and take it home to help bluebirds in your area.
Arbor Day: April 3 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get connected with trees as we celebrate Arbor Day. Free activities help you identify trees and appreciate their importance in our lives. Make tree rubbings, start a tree journal, and enjoy the outdoors.
Earth Day: April 17 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate this national event at the Gladie Center! Learn to be a good steward of the Earth with programs focused on recycling and sustainability. Visit with Woodsy Owl, become a Junior Ranger, and receive a certificate for helping care for the Gorge.
Wildflowers on the Bed: April 23-25 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Design and quilt your own quilt pattern as you learn how wildflowers inspire quilt designs. This hands-on event is free and complements Wildflower Weekend held at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. *Fee for events at Natural Bridge.
Herpetology Crafts at the Gladie Center: May 8 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Create hands-on herpetology crafts at the Gladie Center. This program complements Herpetology Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. *Fee for events at Natural Bridge.
Red River Gorge National Geological Area (606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml
Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center (606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Red River Gorge National Geological Area - Trail Map
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/documents/maps/rrg.pdf
Red River Gorge Trail Volunteers/Red River Gorge Trail Crew
www.gorgecrew.com
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE RESORT PARK – MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS
Park Manager: Ron Vanover
Assistant Park Manager: Hope Howell
Business Manager: Roberta Frazier
Park Naturalists: Brian Gasdorf, Tyler Morgan
Trail Supervisor: John Halsey
Park Rangers (Law Enforcement): Phillip Noble, Doug Wilder, Brian Brooks
Maintenance Supervisor: Bobby Means
Group Sales Coordinator: Troy Gross
Front Desk Supervisor: Jennifer Means
Housekeeping Supervisor: Sally Manns
Gift Shop Supervisor: Kathy Reynolds
Dining Room Supervisor: Tammy Trude
Chef III: Dan Baxter
Chef I: Susan Licholat
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
This e-mail newsletter is brought to you by the Natural Bridge Naturalist Staff highlighting upcoming special events at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Your e-mail address has been placed on this list at http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/naturalist or by filling out a request card at the park. To unsubscribe from this e-mail update just reply to this message with “unsubscribe” in the subject box.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Rd.
Slade, KY 40376
Phone: (800) 325-1710 or (606) 663-2214
Fax: (606) 663-5037
“Kentucky’s State Parks. 85 years of creating family memories. Come create your own!”
“Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection and making memories.”