LBL CALENDAR | Aug.
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August 1- August 31
Times Vary

Five Shows Planetarium Shows                   
Golden Pond Planetarium

Ages 13 & up $4; 5-12: $2; and 4 & under free.

August 1- August 31

Far Out Space Places
Golden Pond Planetarium

Visit the most extreme destinations in our cosmic neighborhood. Scale the cliffs of the Mariner Valley on Mars, glide on the winds of Neptune and visit the original lunar landing site of the Apollo astronauts. See "Far Out Space Places" Monday through Friday at 10am and Sat. & Sun. at 4pm.

August 1- August 31

Explorers of the International Space Station
Golden Pond Planetarium

See what it's like to live on the space station and do important scientific work. Before your trip is over, learn how to find the space station in your own night sky. See "Explorers" daily at 11am.

August 1- August 31

NEW - The Skies Above
Golden Pond Planetarium

Experience the sky above your homes as it will appear tonight with stars, constellations, and other celestial phenomena. Hear stories about the stars and how they were named. See "The Skies Above" daily at 1pm.

August 1- August 31

NEW - Journey to the Edge of Space & Time
Golden Pond Planetarium

Come along on a fantastic voyage to the edge of all we know; to black holes, giant galaxy clusters, and to the universe's earliest moments and even parallel universes, which challenges our imaginations. See "Journey to the Edge of Space & Time" daily at 2pm.

August 1- August 31

Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather
Golden Pond Planetarium

See incredible views of our earth's weather through spectacular footage. Features a journey into space to explore the sun's effect on our weather. See "Blown Away" daily at 3pm.

August 1- August 31     

Evening Shows: Summer Nights
Golden Pond Planetarium

$2/$5. Evening program only. See one of our daytime shows, and then go outside to the observatory for a look at the real night sky. See "Summer Nights" Saturdays at 8pm, doors open at 7:30pm.

Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2
9am-4pm on Saturday; 10am-2pm on Sunday

Hummingbird Festival*
NATURE STATION

Click HERE for brochure

If you like hummingbirds, then Nature Station is the place for you this weekend! Ruby-throated hummingbirds flock to the Nature Station in huge numbers during early August as they visit our flowers and feeders to fuel up for their amazing journey south. Join Bill Hilton, Jr., of Operation RubyThroat, as he demonstrates hummingbird banding and discusses hummingbird migration and biology. Enjoy a variety of programs, demonstrations, and activities focused on hummingbirds and other backyard wildlife and how you can welcome them to your own backyard. Take home a wildlife-friendly plant from our native plant sale. And of course, delight in watching more hummingbirds in one place than you can count! *Ideal for Home Educators. $3 children/$5 adults. Includes NS admission.

Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2
10am-5pm

Drag Boat Races
Pisgah Bay

For more info, contact 800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net

Saturday, August 1
1pm

Leaving the Corners of the Garden for the Fairies
HOMEPLACE

The corners of the garden are the perfect place for fairies to live. Visit the "Fairy Corner" of The Homeplace vegetable garden and discover its benefits as well as its beauty. See if you can find any "wee folks" at home. Program free with HP admission.

Sunday, August 2
1pm

Visit with Grandma
HOMEPLACE

What's up at Granny's house? Come sit a spell and talk awhile; but don't be surprised if she first finds you a few chores for you to do around the house. Program free with HP admission.

Tuesday, August 4
11am

What in the World is a Whistle-Pig?
NATURE STATION

A what? A whistle-pig? First hint: it's not a pig! Second hint: it can whistle! Third hint…well, now that would make it too easy! You'll have to come to this program and meet a real whistle-pig to find out. His crazy antics will make you "chuck-le"! Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 4
2:15pm

Creature Feature: Snakes of LBL
NATURE STATION

There are over 25 species of snakes in LBL, only four of which are venomous. We'll teach you how to recognize some common native snakes, including the venomous ones, and how to share the outdoors with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our live resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

Thursday, August 6
1pm

Better Late Than Never: The Late-Nesting Birds of LBL
NATURE STATION

Most birds in LBL build their nests by May, and their young will fledge the nest by August. However, a few common birds, namely American goldfinches, may still be sitting on their eggs as late as July, August, and even early September. Find out why some birds have unusual nesting habits and learn to identify these birds at all stages of life, as well as their nests. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 8
9am-12pm

The Dog Days of Summer Hike
Hematite Lake Trail

Pack up the pooch and head to LBL for a hike! Before heading out onto Hematite Trail, stop by our informational booth at the trailhead. You'll learn about proper trail etiquette for us and our furry friends, as well as how to keep your pets safe on the trail in the summer heat. There will also be a limited number of giveaways! At 10:30, a Nature Station staff member will lead an optional dog-friendly, interpretive hike around the trail. *Leashes required for all dogs*. Program free to all LBL visitors. Begin at the Hematite Lake Trailhead. Weather permitting.

Saturday, August 8
1pm

The History Behind the Dog Days of Summer
HOMEPLACE

The phrase, "Dog Days" refers to the hottest, most sultry days of the summer. But there were also popular beliefs which held that the "Dog Days" were an evil time when seas boiled, wine soured, and dogs grew mad. Stop by the breezeway for some relief from the heat and learn a bit more of the reasoning behind these old sayings. Program free with HP admission.

Saturday, August 8
6-8pm

Sunset Canoe Trip
Location TBA

Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley's scenic bays. We'll search for wildlife that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. Beginners are welcome! $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Sunday, August 9
1-4pm

Herbal Medicine: Treating Dog Days Maladies
HOMEPLACE

Illnesses abounded during the unwelcome dog days of summer. The long summer's suffocating heat and humidity caused food and water to turn bad, people to weaken, and insects to bite and sting. The results were fevers, rashes, and other maladies. At a time when medical help was days away, farm women had to learn how to treat and cure their family's illnesses. This afternoon learn the local plants that were used for medicine and how the healing properties were extracted into teas, poultices, salves and more. Program free with HP admission.

Sunday, August 9
1pm

Communicating with Canines*
NATURE STATION

Canines communicate in many different ways. We will teach you how to understand their language. Visit with our resident coyotes and wolves and discover how they communicate through body language and behavior. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 11
11am

Truly Talon-ted
NATURE STATION

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 11
2:15pm

Creature Feature: Bobcat
NATURE STATION

Get a look at one of the most secretive animals in the forest, the bobcat! About 200 bobcats roam the woods of LBL, but they are rarely seen. Learn about the habits of this elusive feline as you enjoy a close encounter with our resident bobcat. Program free with NS admission.

Thursday, August 13
1pm

Survival of the Fittest
NATURE STATION

Do opossums actually "play dead?" Do turtles hold their breath all winter long? Animals have some amazing ways of staying alive. We'll take a look at critters big and small and learn about their unique adaptations that help them survive. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 15
7-9am

Daybreak on the Elk & Bison Prairie
ELK & BISON PRAIRIE

Join us bright and early for a guided van tour of the Elk & Bison Prairie in search of American bison and elk, as well as other wildlife that call this prairie home. Along the tour, we will also stop to look at native grasses and learn about the restoration. $3 children/$5 adults. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Weather permitting.

Saturday, August 15
1-4pm

2nd Annual Storytelling Festival
HOMEPLACE

Since ancient times, telling stories was a way of passing on family history and folklore form one generation to another. In keeping with that ancient tradition, The Homeplace will host its second annual Storytelling Festival featuring talented storytellers with tales for the young and the young at heart. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome on the farm. Program free with HP admission.

Saturday, August 15
2:15pm

The Role of the Rattlesnake
NATURE STATION

Love 'em or hate 'em, rattlesnakes are a critical part of the LBL ecosystem. Find out more about this misunderstood creature (in the safety of our theater!). Learn about their natural history, conservation and what to do if you run into one on the trail. Program free with NS admission.

Sunday, August 16
1pm

All Dressed Up and No Place to Go
HOMEPLACE

Why did women wear corsets and long sleeved high neck dresses; men long sleeved shirts and vests- even in summer? Boys wore dresses until they were breeched- what does that mean? Find out the answers to these questions and check out what you might be wearing in the mid-19th century. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission.

Sunday, August 16
2:15pm

Totally Turtles
NATURE STATION

Turtles are totally fascinating! Come take a look at some of LBL's more common and unusual species. We'll even visit two of the largest species in this region, the common and alligator snapping turtles, during their afternoon feast. Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 18
11am

Pocket Full of ‘Possum
NATURE STATION

Visit with the Nature Station's resident opossum while she enjoys chow time. Discover more about this unusual mammal that carries its babies in its pouch, "plays ‘possum," and loves to eat almost anything! Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 18
2:15pm

Creature Feature: Venomous Snakes
NATURE STATION

Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home in Land Between The Lakes. We'll teach you how to recognize native venomous snakes and ways to share the outdoors safely with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

Thursday, August 20
1pm

"Bald" Is Beautiful: The Bald Eagle
NATURE STATION

When it comes to our national symbol, bald is beautiful! Join us for a talk on the status of bald eagles and tips on viewing them in the wild as we visit with our resident eagle during chow time. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 22
2:15pm

Investigating Owls*
NATURE STATION

Owls are nature's perfect hunters of the night. Join us for an exploration of the fascinating world of owls. Meet one of our resident owls up close and see how its superb senses help it survive. We'll put your senses to the test too! Then, discover how scientists learn about owls' eating habits as we take apart owl "pellets." *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 22
1pm

Black Patch Blues: Late Season Tobacco Chores
HOMEPLACE

Known as the 13 month crop, raising dark fired tobacco is a succession of endless jobs. Today we will be suckering or worming. Old-timers claimed to bite the heads off of tobacco worms. Joins us and you can too! Program free with HP admission.

Saturday, August 22
6-8pm

Sunset Canoe Trip
Location TBA

Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley's scenic bays. We'll search for wildlife that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. Beginners are welcome! $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Sunday, August 23
1pm

Puttin' by the Garden
HOMEPLACE

Summer fruits and vegetables had to be preserved for winter months; however, before home canning became popular, preserving was a slow tricky job. Visit the ladies of The Homeplace as they "put-by" the garden and orchard harvest. Program free with HP admission.

Sunday, August 23
2:15pm

Climate Change Right Here at Home
NATURE STATION

"Is it hot out here or is it just me?" We have all heard about how climate change affects wildlife in the Arctic, but what about wildlife right here at home? While we may be sitting in the cool comforts of our theater, we'll take a deep look at how rising temperatures are affecting our local wildlife. Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 25
11am

Truly Talon-ted
NATURE STATION

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

Tuesday, August 25
2:15pm

Creature Feature: Alligator Snapping Turtles
NATURE STATION

People aren't the only ones in LBL who use lures to catch fish. So do alligator snapping turtles! Let's take an up-close look at our resident snappers and see why they are such good "fishermen.". Program free with NS admission.

Thursday, August 27
1pm

Our Native Red Wolf
NATURE STATION

Did you know that we used to have red wolves roaming this area? What happened to them? Learn the story of one of the most incredible animals to inhabit the South and why they now face the threat of extinction. We'll also discuss the difficult, but hopeful road to recovery for this species. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 29
10am-12pm; 1-4pm

Flax Facts*
HOMEPLACE

What do Egyptians, the pilgrims, George Washington, and black slaves have in common? They all wore clothing made form linen thread. Join the staff at the Tool Barn for the multi-step process of breaking down the flax straw and then watch the spinning wheel whirl away transforming home grown flax into versatile thread. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission.

Saturday, August 29
2:15pm

North America's Kangaroo Cousin: The Opossum
NATURE STATION

Opossums are often referred to as just "big rats," but they are actually one of the most unique mammals around! For one, they are the only marsupial in North America, which means they have a pouch just like a kangaroo. Learn many more interesting facts about opossums in this program and meet our resident marsupial mascot. Program free with NS admission.

Saturday, August 29
8pm

Wizard Planetarium Program
GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM

$2 children/$5 adults.

Sunday, August 30
1-3pm

Homeplace Scavenger Hunt
HOMEPLACE

Come by the farm and get your list; but don't forget to check it twice, as you search to see just how many items you can find! Program free with HP admission.

Sunday, August 30
2pm

Back from the Brink*
NATURE STATION

Did you know that the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007? Join us for a tour featuring critters that have journeyed "back from the brink" of extinction, such as the bald eagle, white-tailed deer, red wolves, and more. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.