NATURAL BRIDGE AUGUST 2008 e-VENT UPDATE
Here are some upcoming events and activities at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, KY. Please be sure to check the bottom of the page for information on trails, camping, and lodging.

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Park Naturalists: Brian Gasdorf, Noelle Grunwald, Tony Evans, Philip Oliver
Trail Supervisor: John Halsey, Jack Hollon, Henry King
Kentucky Park Rangers: Phillip Noble, Doug Wilder

http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/

1) A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM PARK NATURALIST NOELLE GRUNWALD

2) NATURALIST NOTES –
Invasive Species of the Month – Kudzu
Question of the Month – Why has the cave at Natural Bridge been gated?

3) SPECIAL EVENTS 2008

4) OTHER PARK STUFF!

5) GENERAL PARK AND AREA INFO (ACTIVITIES, SKYLIFT, RED RIVER GORGE, TRAILS, AND MORE!)

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1) A FAREWELL MESSAGE
As I sit here getting ready to send out the August e-vent update (sorry I missed July everyone but I was on vacation!) I am struck with the realization that it will be my last. I have recently accepted another position and my last day at the park will be August 14th. Some of you know that I am not from Kentucky. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Kentucky for this job several years ago after spending some time with the National Park Service. When I took the job I knew that I never intended to stay but that doesn’t make leaving this amazing park any easier. Our Trail Supervisor, John Halsey, paid me a great complement last week when he said… “Noelle, you surprised me. For someone who is not from this area, who has no ties to this place whatsoever, you surprised me because you genuinely care. You care about the resources on this park and the visitors who come to enjoy them, and that means a lot.” I don’t have to sit and tell you all what a special place Natural Bridge is because most of you already know. While it might not be Yellowstone or Yosemite it is a place that Kentuckians and all those who come to visit it should treasure for years to come. I want to thank all of you for making my time here a special one. I want to especially thank those of you who have attended one of my naturalist programs, suffered through one of my backpacking trips, or gotten poison ivy with me working on invasive species removal. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in eastern Kentucky and I know that no matter where the road will take me Natural Bridge will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks again to all of you for being a part of my experience here and Happy Trails! - Noelle

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2) NATURALIST NOTES
Invasive Species of the Month – Kudzu
Scientific Name: Pueraria montana var lobata
Native Origin: Asia
Background: Kudzu was introduced into the United States from Japan in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, where it was promoted as an ornamental and a forage crop plant. From 1935 to the mid-1950s, farmers in the South were encouraged to plant kudzu to reduce soil erosion, and the Civilian Conservation Corps planted it widely for many years. Kudzu nicknamed "the vine that ate the south," was eventually recognized as a pest weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and, in 1953, was removed from its list of permissible cover plants.
Description: Kudzu is a climbing perennial vine in the pea family (Fabaceae). The vines may extend 32 to 100 feet in length, with stems up to 4 inches in diameter. Roots are fleshy, with massive tap roots 7 inches or more in diameter, 6 feet or more in length, and weigh as much as 400 pounds. 30 vines may grow from a single root crown. The plant has deciduous leaves that are compound, with three broad leaflets up to 4 inches across; leaves alternate along stem; leaflets may be entire or lobed with hairy margins. The individual flowers, about a 1/2 inch long, are purple, fragrant and borne in upright clusters during late summer. Fruits if present are brown, hairy, flattened seed pods, each of which may contain up to ten hard seeds. Kudzu spreads mainly through runners and rhizomes and by vines that root at the nodes to form new plants. It may spread by seeds in areas where a pollinator, the giant resin bee, occurs.
Distribution and Ecological Threat: Kudzu is common throughout most of the southeastern United States and in recent years has been found in northern states as well. It is apparently able to withstand harsher winter conditions than previously thought. Kudzu grows well under a wide range of conditions and in many soil types. Preferred habitats are open, sunny areas like forest edges, abandoned fields, roadsides and disturbed areas. Kudzu grows best where winters are mild, summer temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and annual rainfall is 40 inches or more. Its vigorous growth and large leaves smother native plants; its vines kill trees through girdling and the added weight of vines can lead to uprooting trees. Once established, kudzu plants grow rapidly, extending as much as 60 feet per season, at the astonishing rate about 1 foot per day.
Prevention and Control: For successful long-term control of kudzu, the extensive root system must be destroyed. Any remaining root crowns can lead to reinfestation of an area. Mechanical methods include cutting vines just above ground level, frequent mowing and cultivation. Use of systemic herbicides is the most effective and practical method currently employed. The federal government is investigating biological control agents for kudzu.

For more information about Kudzu and other invasive species check out www.invasive.org

Question of the month – Why has the cave at Natural Bridge been gated?
This summer the most commonly asked question has not been the usual “Do people fall off the Natural Bridge?” or “What is the tree with the big leaves?” but “Why has the cave at Natural Bridge been gated?”. For many years there has been unrestricted access to a small cave that exists off of two of the main trails here at the park. There has been a state park policy in effect for quite a few years that prohibits exploration of any cave on any state park property without first obtaining a permit or going on a guided tour with a park employee. It is unfortunate for this small but fragile cave that this policy has been ignored in recent years. Within the past few years park employees have witnessed an increase in vandalism in the cave. Just as some people feel it is necessary to carve and graffiti on top of the Natural Bridge they apparently feel it is necessary to do so in the cave as well. This graffiti includes names, dates, and cuss words that are carved in, burned in, written on, and spray painted. Park employees have also witnessed an increased amount of trash in the cave. This does not only include the usual culprits such as water bottles, soda pop cans, and candy wrappers but also human waste, used feminine hygiene products, used diapers, and alcohol and drug paraphernalia. Caves are some of the world’s most remote and fragile wilderness and while the small cave here at Natural Bridge is not exactly remote it is still very fragile. Human activities that may seem somewhat harmless on the surface can quickly and permanently damage a cave, its formations, its environment, and the plants and animals that live there. Another concern of park employees was visitor safety. Caves are different than what most people are used to on the surface. Caves are unforgiving to people who are careless and unprepared. Generally, caving accidents result from lack of experience or poor judgment. The naturalist staff here at the park do not claim to be experts on caves or caving but something tells us that a group of 7 people trying to make their way through the cave by the light of one cell phone is probably poor judgment. While the park has not been notified of any serious injuries resulting from a trip through the cave (unless you count that one park ranger…) there was a feeling among park staff that it may be just a matter of time before a park visitor got seriously injured or perhaps even died in the cave.
The process of getting the gate constructed has been several years in the making. First, Roy Powers, an engineer and the leading innovator of bat-friendly cave and mine gates for the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA) was contacted. The ACCA is a non-profit organization based in Horse Cave, KY with expertise in cave conservation, restoration, gating, and education. The ACCA’s bat-friendly cave gate designs have been adopted by Bat Conservation International (BCI) and many other government agencies, and have become industry standard. Mr. Powers has designed, built, and/or supervised the construction of more than 600 cave gates throughout the country including cave gates at both Carter Caves State Resort Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. After a visit to the Natural Bridge cave, Mr. Powers agreed to design and oversee the construction of the cave gates.
In 2007 a grant application was written and submitted to the Governor’s Office for Local Development - Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Out of 125 applications the LWCF Committee and former Governor Ernie Fletcher selected the Natural Bridge Cave Gate Project to receive funding. The project was evaluated and approved by other state agencies, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the National Park Service. Construction of the cave gates occurred in May 2008 with assistance from the Kentucky Society of Natural History – Slade Chapter, the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, and the Kentucky Department of Parks.
While it is no longer possible for visitors to enter into the cave on their own, visitors can register for a guided tour with a park naturalist. These tours are offered several times throughout the week (as staffing allows) during the summer months. Tours may also be arranged in advance for groups visiting the park. The tours are limited to 10 park visitors and children 5 & under are not allowed for safety reasons. There is a small fee associated with the program for the maintenance of our equipment. The cave tours provide not only an adventurous cave experience but an educational one as well. For more information about the cave tours please contact the Park Naturalist staff at 606-663-2214 x2104 or contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov .
The Park Naturalist staff hopes that by gating the cave at Natural Bridge it will not only help prevent further damage to one of the park’s most unique features but also will ensure that it will be able to be enjoyed by park visitors for years to come.

Question of the month –What do you want to know about?
There must be something you all want to know about Natural Bridge so the Park Naturalist staff at Natural Bridge has decided that we are going to let you pick our brains. Throughout the month feel free to email us your question. When it comes time to send out the e-vent update for the month we will select one of your questions to answer. Don’t be shy! Chances are if you are wondering something about the park someone else out there is wondering it to. Please email your question to brian.gasdorf@ky.gov with “Question of the Month” in the subject line.

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3) SPECIAL EVENTS 2008
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes: Aug 9, Oct 11, and Dec 6, 2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! On these guided hikes you will get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron, and natural arches. Destinations include both well-known features as well as some of its little known secrets! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov for more information.

Invasive Species Volunteer Workshops: Sept 6, Oct 4, and Nov 1, 2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the environmental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov for more information. Volunteers will be eligible for our new Invasive Species Incentive Program.

Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshops: Sept 20-21, Sept 27-28, Nov 8-10, and Nov 15-16, 2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip 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 $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov for more information. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.

Canoeing for Beginners: November 1, 2008
Learn the basics of canoeing on the Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River at the Red River Gorge National Geologic 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 $25 per person includes canoe, paddle, life jacket and snacks. For more information contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov .

Winter Bird Weekend: December 13-14, 2008
Join us on Saturday for a variety of naturalist programs about birds including identification programs, birding hikes, bluebird box building, and children's programs. On Sunday join park naturalists and experienced birders for Audubon's 108th Christmas Bird Count. This worldwide event takes place every winter and the information collected about the status and distribution of early winter bird populations is studied by scientists all over the world! Come and spend the day hiking throughout Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area, or watching the bird feeders from the park's dining room. The data collected throughout the day will help us gain a better understanding of the numbers and species of birds that call our area home in the winter. Please contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov for more information.

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4) OTHER PARK STUFF!
SEAFOOD BUFFET - the first Friday of each month
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at the Hemlock Lodge Dining Room for $18.95 plus drink and tax!

CAMPGROUNDS – Middlefork Campground and Whittleton Campground are both open for the season. You can reserve campground sites up to one year in advance in all of the Kentucky State Parks campgrounds by going to www.reserveamerica.com

SWIMMING POOL – Open 11am – 7pm. $4/adults. $3/children. Children 2 & under are free but must wear swimming diapers. Pool parties are available for a fee.

PEDAL BOATS – Open 11:30am – 6:30pm (subject to change). Pedal boats are $11/hour $8/half hour. Hydro bikes are $8/hour $5/half hour.

SNACK BAR – Both Snack Bar 1 and Snack Bar 2 are open for the season. Please call the park for hours of operation.

MINI GOLF – Open 10am – 6pm. Fee: $3/person. Children 4 & under play for free!

BANQUET 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 1-606-663-2214.

SKYLIFT – Open from March 29th – November 2nd. For information on the privately owned Skylift including rates and times of operation please call 1-606-663-2922 or visit their website at http://www.naturalbridgekyskylift-and-giftshop.com/

OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN SQUARE DANCE – Join us every Friday and Saturday night until Labor Day on Hoedown Island! Learn traditional Appalachian square dancing, clogging, line dancing, two-step and more! Starts at 7:30pm with warm-up starting at 6:30pm. $3/adults, children 12 & under are FREE! Friday night dances start Memorial Day Weekend.
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5) SUBSCRIPTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a monthly e-mail newsletter brought to you by the Natural Bridge Park 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 monthly e-mail update just reply to this message with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject box!

If you would like general information about Natural Bridge State Resort Park, such as lodging, camping, dining, or driving directions, please visit our web-site at http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/ or call 1-800-325-1710.

For information on the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area or the Daniel Boone National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml or call the United States Forest Service's Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center at (606) 663-8100.

NATURAL BRIDGE TRAIL INFORMATION
Visitors are held responsible for their and their children's actions while in the park.

The following acts are strictly prohibited by state laws which are enforced:
Hiking with pets.
Carving or otherwise damaging rock formations.
Disturbing, capturing or killing any animal, including poisonous snakes.
Picking flowers or removing any plant material.
Collecting specimens, including those for research purposes.
Building fires or backcountry camping.
Rock climbing and rappelling.
Riding mountain bikes, ATVs, and horses.
Use of alcoholic beverages.
Hiking off-trail or on "unofficial" trails.

Things to Remember:
Shortcutting the trail leads to unsightly soil erosion. Please stay on the marked trails.
Most forest fires are caused by careless people. Please don't smoke while hiking the trails.
Do not hike alone. In case of an emergency you will need someone to summon help.
Our trails are closed each day at sunset. Hiking at night in this terrain is extremely dangerous.
Please don't be a litterbug.

For more Natural Bridge Laws, Regulations and Policies go to http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/naturalist/ and click on the Laws and Regulations link in the lower right hand corner of the page.

For Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve information go to http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship/natbridge.htm.

The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission’s Newsletter is available online. The newsletter can be accessed from KSNPC’s Home Page - http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/

For more information about park laws, rules and regulations please contact the Natural Bridge Naturalist Office and/or Natural Bridge Ranger Station at 1-606-663-2214

For a Trail Map of Natural Bridge go to http://parks.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/42C7B67C-31A1-41F2-98FE-5F1AD9DDBA7A/0/NaturalBridge.pdf . For detailed trail information please go to http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb/trails/

For a Trail Map of the Red River Gorge go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/documents/maps/rrg.pdf .

As you enjoy Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the neighboring Red River Gorge please remember to Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information about Leave No Trace check out www.lnt.org

Noelle Grunwald
Park Naturalist/KY State Advocate for Leave No Trace
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Rd.
Slade, KY 40376
606-663-2214 x2104
noelle.grunwald@ky.gov
"A day in the mountains is worth a mountain of books." - John Muir