LBL CALENDAR | October


Oct. 1-31	Far Out Space Places GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM	Visit 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.
Oct. 1-31	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" Sat. & Sun. at 11am. $2/$4.
Oct. 1-31	Kentucky Skies GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM	Sneak preview of tonight's sky! Learn the constellations, lore of night sky, and celestial events. See "Kentucky Skies" Sat. & Sun. at 1pm. $2/$4.
Oct. 1-31	Search for Life in the Universe GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM	Host Leonard Nimoy examines the ingredients necessary for life on our planet, as we ponder the possibility of life in our solar system and beyond. See "Search for Life in the Universe" daily at 2pm $2/$4.
Oct. 1-31	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" Mon. - Fri. at 12 noon and Sat. & Sun. at 3pm. $2/$4.
Thurs., Oct. 2 2pm	Tales of Scales NATURE STATION	Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, salamanders, and turtles. We'll introduce you to several "ambassadors" from the cold-blooded world. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 4 & 5 2pm	AUTUMN NATURE CELBRATION NATURE STATION	The fields and roadsides are blooming with yellow, orange, and purple. The trees are bearing their juicy fruits. Birds and butterflies are winging their way south on their annual migrations. Come out to enjoy programs, craft activities, hikes, folklore, an evening campfire, and more! Join us for any of the programs listed below, or enjoy this wonderful season on your own.
Sat., Oct. 4 Throughout the Day	Visit with Smokey Bear! NATURE STATION	Smokey will be making appearances throughout the day. Bring the kids to meet Smokey. It's your chance to take some great photos!
Sat., Oct. 4 11am-3pm	Honeybees and Honey with Beekeeper Annie Broyles NATURE STATION	Join local beekeeper Annie Broyles as she discusses the busy world of bees, how they make honey, and the life of a beekeeper. Annie will also have honey to taste and purchase (provided the summer weather has been good to the bees). Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 12pm	Birds of Prey Booking It South NATURE STATION	Late autumn is a time when many birds of prey migrate from their summer breeding grounds in the north to their winter havens in the warmer south. Meet a few of our birds of prey while we discuss why and how some raptors make these impressive journeys. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 1-4pm	Winter Weather Lore NATURE STATION	Will it be a cold or warm, snowy or dry winter? Learn to read the signs in nature that our ancestors used to predict the coming winter. Read the signs for yourself and then make your winter 2008-2009 prediction. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 1pm	A Bountiful Walk NATURE STATION	Ever wonder if that bright red berry growing on a wild plant is edible? There are wild nuts, fruits, and seeds hanging everywhere. During this 1-mile guided walk, we will discover which plants bear fruits and nuts and if they are eaten by people or animals. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 1pm	Horsepower HOMEPLACE	The use of animal power was essential to the survival of farms before the invention of modern farm machinery. However; the first animal used for draft power, the horse proved to be one of the most powerful and dependable animals used to power the farm. Today we will put our horses to work at The Homeplace. Join us to see horsepower at work. Program free with HP admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 Ongoing from 2-4pm	Make a Feeder for Your Winter Wild Birds NATURE STATION	Stop by this ongoing activity station to make a bird feeder out of natural and recycled materials to take home for your yard. The birds that visit your yard in the hard times of winter, such as cardinals, woodpeckers, and chickadees, will thank you! Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 4 6-8pm	Campfire Tales NATURE STATION	Let's gather 'round the campfire for some good old-fashioned marshmallow roasting and storytelling! From 6:00-6:30pm, stroll through the Nature Station and visit with the animals before dark. Then have a seat 'round the fire to enjoy family-friendly tales from storyteller Letitia Usher of the Blue Apple Players Children's Theater Company. Bring a flashlight and blankets or lawn chairs for your comfort. $3/$4.50. Evening program only. Reservations are required. Call 270-924-2020 to make reservations. Check-ins begins at 5:45pm.
Sun., Oct. 5 11am-2pm (optional extension to 4pm)	Family Bike Ride & Nature Viewing (Bring Your Own Bike): 4-mile ride (optional extension to 9 miles) TAYLOR BAY LAKE ACCESS	Bring your own bike & helmet and meet us for a leisurely bike ride from Taylor Bay to Honker Lake and maybe down some side roads in between. Learn about the history of the area and keep an eye out for our resident fallow deer, bald eagles, and shorebirds. Pack a lunch and water in a backpack or bike bag so we can pull over for a scenic picnic too! Program free to LBL visitors. Bring your own bike and safety helmet. Bring a lunch and water in a backpack or bike bag. Call 270-924-2299 for more information or local weather conditions. Meet at Taylor Bay Lake Access.
Sun., Oct. 5 1pm	Picking Up Pawpaws HOMEPLACE	We have gathered an autumn cornucopia from the fields and woods. You are invited to the Double Pen House to see and taste these indigenous fruits, nuts, and roots. See how they were used in recipes to enhance the table fare of the early farm families. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission.
Sun., Oct. 5 2:30pm	Life on the Forest Floor NATURE STATION	Often we overlook the great diversity of critters just below our feet, between the roots and under the leaves. Learn about venomous mammals, colorful amphibians, and clever insects as we look at the forest floor. Program free with NS admission.
Tues., Oct. 7 2pm	Recycling Relays NATURE STATION	Let's have some fun as we celebrate the great earth-friendly practice of recycling! Learn what you can do at home, at school, and at work to get more involved in recycling. Then go outside with us to compete in a fun Recycling Relay. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Thurs., Oct. 9 2pm	Creature Feature: Bald Eagle NATURE STATION	When it comes to our national symbol, bald is beautiful! Get the inside scoop 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.
Sat., Oct. 11 10 am-12pm; 1-4pm	Weaving at Home HOMEPLACE	The barn loom is humming making towels, rugs and blankets for the farm family. Learn about this fascinating process from local weaver and textile artist, Lydia Ruth Hickman. Visit with Miss Hickman as she demonstrates weaving while showing how it has, and has not changed over the years. *Ideal for Home Educators. Invited Artist: Lydia Ruth Hickman, Textile Artist. Program free with HP admission.
Sat., Oct. 11 1:30pm	Be an Outdoors-Kid Hike NATURE STATION	We're going for a 1-mile hike to learn some basic outdoor skills. We will learn how to tell which way is north, tie simple knots, identify poison ivy, and more. Join us as we turn average children into full-fledged outdoors-kids! Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 11 5:30-7pm	Evening with the Elk & Bison ELK & BISON PRAIRIE (meet at GPVC)	Enjoy a guided excursion through the Elk & Bison Prairie during the elk rut season! As the sun goes down, we'll search for active elk, resting bison, and other prairie wildlife. We'll discuss the natural history of elk and bison and fill you in about seasonal happenings in the prairie. $3. Evening program only. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at the Golden Pond Visitor Center.
Sun., Oct. 12 - Sat., 18 5:30-7pm	WOLF WEEK AT THE NATURE STATION NATURE STATION	Have you seen the red wolves that live at the Nature Station? They are part of an exciting endangered species recovery program. We are dedicating this whole week to wolves, one of our most intelligent, awe-inspiring, and rare animals. Stop by the Nature Station this week to visit with our red wolves and join the growing "pack" of wolf admirers. See below for details about wolf programs offered throughout the week.
Sun., Oct. 12 1pm	Tightening the House HOMEPLACE	Winter's cold will soon be hollering through the hollow here at The Homeplace. Join us as we "tighten the house" by preparing it against the coming winter's cold. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission.
Sun., Oct. 12 1:30pm	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 positive ways that people can help save them. Program free with NS admission.
Mon., Oct. 13 2pm	Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? NATURE STATION	From fairy tales to urban legends, wolves have been portrayed as mean and devious animals. Do they really deserve such as bad reputation? Where did these "big, bad wolf" myths come from? Find out the truth about wolves and why they are important for healthy ecosystems. Also, visit with our resident red wolves! Program free with NS admission.
Tues., Oct. 14 2pm	Tracking a National Treasure NATURE STATION	Have you ever wondered how biologists keep up with the wild animals they study? Discover some methods that scientists use to track wildlife such as red wolves. Then take a short hike and try some tracking equipment yourself. Program free with NS admission.
Wed., Oct. 15 2pm	Howlin' Fun Canine Crafts NATURE STATION	Are you cunning and crafty like a wolf or coyote? Maybe you just like making crafts. Join us as we make origami wolves and put together handy animal tracks guides. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Thurs., Oct. 16 2pm	Hide & Seek with the Coyotes NATURE STATION	During this interactive program, you'll make special snacks for our resident coyotes and hide them around their pen. Then, watch from the other side of the fence as the coyotes sniff out their treats. You will discover how these amazing animals survive in the wild while you help us with this great behavioral enrichment activity. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Fri., Oct. 17 2pm	Endandered! NATURE STATION	What does it mean to be endangered like the red wolf? Which plants and animals around us fall into this category? Visit the Nature Station as we learn more about endangered species and how they relate to you. We will also take a closer look at our resident red wolves. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 18 10am-4pm	Homeplace Wedding HOMEPLACE	10 am-12pm: Wedding preparations and trousseau viewing 1-4pm: Wedding ceremony and celebration Weddings were major social events for a between the rivers community in the 1850s. Be a part of the celebration as The Homeplace family recreates this joyful event! Come early and visit with family and relatives as they discuss the upcoming nuptials, community happenings and the politics of the day. Later, you are invited to attend the ceremony as neighbors of the bride and groom. After the ceremony, enjoy a piece of wedding cake and a cup cider. Then dance the afternoon away to 19th century fiddle tunes and join in on the wedding games to see whose wedding we will be attending next year. Finally, a shivaree of the newlyweds completes a day of fun and celebration! Program free with HP admission.
Sat., Oct. 18 11am	Wolves on the Prowl Games NATURE STATION	Have you ever stalked a white-tailed deer or ganged up on a buffalo? Jump into the life of a wolf by playing fun, interactive games. Discover if you can use some of the clever hunting strategies that wolves do! *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 18 1:30pm	Howl Your Head Off! NATURE STATION	Can you howl like a red wolf? Take part in a friendly competition to see who can best imitate the howl of an endangered red wolf as we learn how wolves communicate. Prizes will be awarded to all participants, with a special award for the winner. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.
Sun., Oct. 19 1:30pm	Race to the Canal (Mnt. Bike Race) NORTH END OF NORTH-SOUTH TRAIL	Race to the Canal is a NORBA-sanctioned, point-to-point mountain bike race over challenging and varied terrain including all classes, plus first-time racers. For more information contact Steve Wilson at 270-362-2453 or steve@woodnwave.com.
Sun., Oct. 19 1pm	Firing Dark Fired Tobacco HOMEPLACE	No aroma defines the autumn season better than firing tobacco. It was the smell of "cash crop" for the early farmer between the rivers. Join us for late season firing at our Tobacco Barn. Program free with HP admission.
Sun., Oct. 19 1:30pm	Fall Colors Hike NATURE STATION	Join us for a 1-mile guided hike to explore the changing colors of trees and look for signs of wildlife preparing for winter. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station.
Fri., Oct. 24 6-8:30pm	Snap Apple Night HOMEPLACE	Experience Pryor Creek as the early Scots-Irish settlers did by joining us at The Homeplace for an evening of 19th century fun for the whole family. We will have storytellers who will spin many tales by the light of the bonfires and for more fun there will be parlor games at the Double Pen House. Bring your friends and family for a most enjoyable Snap Apple Night! $4/$6 Evening program only. Ticket sales begin at 5:30pm. For more information call 931-232-6457.
Sat., Oct. 25 1pm	Candledipping HOMEPLACE	Candlelight was the main source of light for a mid-19th century home. Lend a hand as we dip beeswax candles, then step into a room lighted only by candlelight. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission.
Sat., Oct. 25 1:30pm	Nature's Tricksters NATURE STATION	Animals use amazing methods of mimicry, camouflage, and warning colors to survive. We will discover the wily ways of some of nature's tricksters and see some live examples. Program free with NS admission.
Sat., Oct. 25 6-8:30pm	14th Annual Howl-O-Ween GOLDEN POND VISITOR CENTER	Enjoy the non-scary side of Halloween with this kid-friendly evening program. Go for a guided night walk along a candle-lit trail through the woods and help look for our Nocturnal Neighbors. Also, make a craft, have your face painted, and warm up with some hot cocoa. Costumes welcome! $4. Evening program only. Tours begin at 6pm. Last tour leaves GPVC at 8:30pm. Dress for the weather and bring flashlights.
Sun., Oct. 26 1pm	Firing Dark Fired Tobacco HOMEPLACE	No aroma defines the autumn season better than firing tobacco. It was the smell of "cash crop" for the early farmer between the rivers. Join us for late season firing at our Tobacco Barn. Program free with HP admission.
Sun., Oct. 26 1:30pm	Slithery Snakes NATURE STATION	Snakes, they make some people smile and give others the shakes. But how well do you know them beyond their scaly skin? Meet several of our resident snakes up close as we explore their unusual lives and their creepy reputations. Program free with NS admission.