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There are over 25 species of snakes in LBL, only 4 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.  Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley.  We will search for lakeshore wildlife such as beavers, egrets, and osprey. Beginners are welcome.  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

This weekend at the Nature Station, learn all about the animals that call rivers and lakes home. Join us for onsite programs, activities, and excursions out on the water.

Ongoing throughout the weekend    Healthy Water Hopscotch - Rivers provide great habitat for a variety of wildlife, but these rivers are easily polluted. If rivers become polluted, then the quality of the habitat declines. Come join us for Healthy Water Hopscotch and learn what you can do to help protect our rivers from pollution.  Free with NS admission.

Throughout the Day    Meet Smokey Bear - Meet Smokey Bear, the official mascot of the US Forest Service, and get some memorable pictures.  Free with NS admission.

11:30am    River Invaders - It’s a bird, it’s a plane – it’s a jumping Asian carp! Join a naturalist to learn all about some of the invasive species that lurk in our rivers and what you can do to help prevent their spread.  Program free with NS admission.

1:30pm    River Tracks - Learn how to identify different wetland animals by tracks they leave behind and make a guide to help you at home.  Program free with NS admission.

3:30pm    King of the Fishermen: The Bald Eagle - Visit with our resident bald eagle and discover why our national symbol is the King...or Queen...of the fishermen.  Program free with NS admission.

 6-8:30pm    Sunset Canoe Trip - Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. We will search for lakeshore wildlife such as beavers, egrets, and osprey. Beginners are welcome.  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

11:30am     Gentle Giants: Alligator Snapping Turtles - Alligator snapping turtles may be the largest freshwater turtles in the world, but they pose a very small threat to humans despite their super strong jaws. Come learn about this mild-mannered creature that inhabits the waters of LBL as we feed our resident snappers a fishy feast.  Program free with NS admission.

1:30pm    River Critters - Have you ever wondered what types of animals you can find near the river? Join a naturalist and explore the world of river wildlife while meeting some of our resident river critters.  Program free with NS admission.

3:30pm    Wetland Snakes - Are all snakes found in the water venomous cottonmouths? Definitely not!  In fact, all snakes can swim, and some non-venomous species such as water snakes spend the majority of their time in or near – you guessed it – water!  Join us for a presentation about the variety of snakes found in wetland ecosystems and meet live examples of these misunderstood creatures.  Program free with NS admission.

6-8:30pm     Family-Oriented Sunset Canoe Trip  - Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. We will search for lakeshore wildlife such as beavers, egrets, and osprey.  Beginners are welcome.  We will focus on kid-friendly activities to get families into canoeing, wildlife viewing, and the outdoors.  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Please put your answer in the form of a question!  Jeopardy is coming to Nature Station to test your knowledge of everything RIVERS.  Challenge yourself as you work towards Final Jeopardy and win a nature prize at the end.  Program free with NS admission.

Meet one of Nature Station's resident owls up close and discover what makes these stealthy birds one of nature's most amazing night-time hunters.  Then, make your own paper owl kite that you can fly this summer.  If it's a windy day, you can even try it out right here at Nature Station!  Program free with NS admission.
 

Daily Animal Programs- Nature Station offers daily programs providing up-close looks at live native animals on exhibit, including a bald eagle, a bobcat, snakes, and more. You might even be able to see our animals during feeding time! Call 270-924-2299 to find out what time the featured animal program will occur.

“Parade of Raptors” - Daily at 4:30pm (weather permitting), come face to face with a barn owl, barred owl, screech owl, and red-tailed hawk as our staff moves these birds from their outdoor perches to their indoor shelter.

Cheep!  Cheep! Early summer is prime time for baby birds! Just right here around Nature Station grounds, we have families of purple martins, bluebirds, and barn swallows raising their young. Join one of our naturalists to learn all about how baby birds grow up in their nests, and then go for a stroll to peek inside a few real nests!  Program free with NS admission.

Our coyote puppies are turning 1 year old! Let’s put on a proper celebration for these charismatic canines. How do you throw a birthday party for coyotes? Think birthday cakes made of meat and “Happy Birthday” howled in unison. Plus, see what kinds of “scrumptious” presents our birthday boy and girl will receive. Don’t miss the fun!  Program free with NS admission.

Did you know red wolves used to roam throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and most of the Southeast? What happened to them? Visit with our resident red wolves and learn the story of one of the most incredible animals to inhabit the South. We'll also discuss how they slipped to the brink of extinction and their challenging road to recovery.  Program free with NS admission.

Would you like a guided tour of the animal exhibits in our backyard? Let one of our naturalists give you the inside scoop on the stories and habits of our resident wildlife, including the red wolves, owls, and bobcat, just to name a few.   Program free with NS admission.

Surprise, gotcha!! Stealthy animals such as bobcats, owls, and wolves sneak up and surprise their prey under the cover of darkness. Unlike ninjas, however, these animals eat the victims of their attacks. Meet a few of "nature’s ninjas" up close and discover the secrets of their wily ways. 

In honor of National Get Outdoors Day there will be Free Admission to Woodlands Nature Station!

Enjoy the beauty of a Land Between The Lakes sunset as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley’s scenic bays. We’ll search for wildlife that visits the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. Beginners are welcome!                                           $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

The forest provides a rich bounty of food for all kinds of animals, including humans. Join one of our naturalists on a 1-mile guided hike as we point out several easily-identifiable edible plants. We will discuss their value as food for wild animals, as well as their current and historic uses by humans.

In honor of National Get Outdoors Day there will be Free Admission to Woodlands Nature!

Let’s discover the miniature world of butterflies, beetles, and other insects. Using nets, bug boxes, and magnifying glasses, we will explore the backyard gardens in search of these often overlooked creatures.  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

Let’s go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees.  Program free to LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

See nature come to life in a fun and fantastical puppet show! Our cast of lovable animal characters will engage youngsters in a story about the natural world.  You are sure to smile, laugh, and learn something too!  *Ideal for Home Educators  Program free with NS admission.

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 as we explore the fascinating ways these slimy and scaly critters survive.  *Ideal for Home Educators   Program free with NS admission.

Happy Birthday!! LBL is 50 years old and we are having a party. Join us and our resident animals as we celebrate 50 years of conservation at LBL. There will be puppet shows, special live animal programs, games, crafts, and special visits by the party grand master, "Smokey Bear," throughout the day. Join us for all or any of the day’s programs and activities listed below.  Program will be held rain or shine.  Program free with NS admission

Meet Smokey Bear – Smokey will make scheduled appearances throughout the day.  Bring the kids to meet Smokey and pose for some great pictures.  Free with NS admission.

11:30am - Eagle Encounter  – Ever wanted to meet a live eagle up close and personal!? Come learn all about eagles and their conservation history from special guest Eileen Wicker, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, who will be presenting a rescued bald eagle.   Free with NS admission.

1pm - “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!” Puppet Show  –  Do you know the real story of the “Three Little Pigs”? Come to this puppet show to meet Mr. Alexander T. Wolf, who will tell his side of this classic fairy tale. Ideal for Home Educators.  Free with NS admission.

2pm - Eagle Encounter –  Ever wanted to meet a live eagle up close and personal!? Come learn all about eagles and their conservation history from special guest Eileen Wicker, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, who will be presenting a rescued bald eagle.   Free with NS admission.

3pm - Restoring Our Roots –   Travel back into LBL's history with us to discover an endangered habitat called the "Barrens."  To help us discover this threatened habitat, we will meet some live animals that make the "Barrens" their home, such as barn owl, pine snake, groundhog, turkeys, and more. In the present, you can see some of the restored “Barrens” that the Land Between the Lakes has been returning to its original glory. Ideal for home educators.  Free with NS admission.

6-8:30pm - Conservation Canoe Trip – Join us for a scenic canoe trip on one of Lake Barkley’s bays. As we search for the lake’s wildlife visitors, we will learn more about the conservation stories of some of the wild residents, such as beaver, eagle, osprey and more. Beginners are welcome!  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call (270)-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Join us for this tour featuring critters that have journeyed “back from the brink” of extinction, such as the bald eagle, white-tailed deer, red wolves, and more.  Free with NS admission.

What was that?  I’ve never seen that before!   Armadillos, coyotes, and pelicans are becoming more common to LBL. Get the scoop on these and other critters that are “new to the neighborhood”.  Free with NS admission.

A hummingbird would not catch a mouse, would it?  Nor would a hawk try to drink nectar from a flower. Find out how bird beaks help their avian owners eat certain foods. You’ll get to take part in a fun activity that explores different bird bills.  *Ideal for Home Educators  Program free with NS admission.

Let’s go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees.  Program free to LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

Rotting meat and road kill might not sound appetizing to you, but the vultures at Nature Station love all kinds of dead stuff, known as carrion. Visit with our resident vultures as we discover the biology and behavior of Mother Nature’s clean-up crew.
Program free with NS admission.

Coyotes and wolves communicate in many different ways.  We will teach you how to understand their language.  Then we’ll have a howlin’ good time as we watch our resident canines in action.  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

LBL hosts the biggest land mammal in the US (bison) and the smallest (pygmy shrew). It has the largest bird (pelican) and the smallest (ruby-throated hummingbird) in Kentucky/Tennessee. Get up close and personal with some of LBL’s monsters and miniatures, such as our giant snapping turtles and our tiny screech owl, when you visit Nature Station.  Program free with NS admission.

Join us on the longest day of the year as we take a scenic canoe trip on Lake Barkley. Come learn about the summer solstice and listen to some folklore about this astronomical event. Beginners are welcome!  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Hey Kids - Any budding wildlife photographers out there? Join us to learn tips for capturing the wild sights of nature on camera. Once you’ve learned the tricks of the trade, we’ll send you on a scavenger hunt to take photos of your favorite natural wonders in Nature Station backyard. Parents are welcome, but let the kiddos take the pics!  Program free with NS admission. Ideal for children 8-14 years old. Bring your camera or camera phone.

Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home in LBL. We’ll teach you how to recognize these native venomous snakes and how to share the outdoors safely with them.   Program free with NS admission.

Let’s go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees.   Program free to LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

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.

The International Federation of Competitive Eating, Reptile Chapter, is pleased to announce its first public event!  Watch our distinguished slate of turtle contestants go head to head in a raw fish eat-off.  Will Alligator Snapper Joey Shellnut hold on to the title?  Will Common Snapper Takeru Slow-bayachi make a surprise comeback?  Meet each contestant before the competition and cheer for your favorite as they chow down.   Program free with NS admission.

Did you know that one bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a single night? Discover surprising facts about these beneficial but misunderstood creatures, and learn how to attract them to your yard, during this indoor presentation. We’ll also head out to our bat houses to look and listen for any squeaking bats.  Program free with NS admission.

When it comes to our national symbol, bald is beautiful! While visiting with our resident eagle, we will talk about the features and behaviors that make this bird so magnificent. We’ll also discuss why the eagle is an example of a success story for wildlife conservation.  Program free with NS admission.

Did you know red wolves used to roam throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and most of  Southeast? What happened to them? Visit our resident red wolves and learn about one of the most incredible animals to inhabit the South. We'll also discuss how they slipped to the brink of extinction and their challenging road to recovery.  Program free with NS admission.

Celebrate 4th of July with a scavenger hunt inspired by our nation's flag. Search the Nature Station’s backyard for all things red, white, and blue, and you may just be rewarded with a patriotic prize!  Free with NS admission.

The Bald Eagle has been our symbol for over 200 years, but, was it the best choice? Come visit with several native animals as we investigate our founding fathers’ other choices. We will conclude our program with your vote for the “Best National Symbol Ever”!  Program free with NS admission.

After your July 4th picnics, come help us prepare the perfect picnic for Nature Station “Stars”! Learn about our animals’ favorite foods, how we prepare them, and watch as they gobble down their festive feast!  Program free with NS admission.

Would you like a guided tour of the animal exhibits in our backyard? Let one of our naturalists give you the inside scoop on the stories and habits of our resident wildlife, including the red wolves, owls, and bobcat, just to name a few.  Program free with NS admission.

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 visits the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. Beginners are welcome!  $20 per kayak. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

What was that noise? What is that smell?! Come find out which curious critters are milling about near your campsite while staying in Land Between The Lakes. The more you know about these animals, the more you’ll realize there is no need to be afraid of your nocturnal neighbors.   Program free with NS admission.

We all know the turtle can beat the hare, but what if only turtles were racing? Which turtle species would win? Let’s stage an official turtle race and find out! Meet the competitors, learn what makes each turtle different, and vote for the one you think will win.  Program free with NS admission.

Can you believe we almost had the turkey as our national symbol?  Visit with our charismatic flock of turkeys as we explore their behaviors and characteristics, which earned the appreciation of Benjamin Franklin.  Program free with NS admission.

The search to find ‘The Voice” of the Animal Kingdom is on! Join us at Nature Station for our spin-off of the hit TV show, “The Voice.” We will learn about animal communication as we watch different animal voices battle it out for the title of “Best Voice of the Animal Kingdom.” Come help us decide which animal is worthy of this grand title.  Program free with NS admission.

See nature come to life in a fun and fantastical puppet show! Our cast of lovable animal characters will engage youngsters in a story about the natural world.  You are sure to smile, laugh, and learn something too!  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

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 residents up close and become an expert on all things that slither.  Program free with NS admission.

Hey kids!  Explore the exciting world of cool & crawly critters with an up-close look at big bugs, slender snakes, terrific turtles, fun fish, and more!  Learn about these unusual and awesome animals from scientists and naturalists who study them.  Special guest Bob Tarter, of Natural History Educational Company of the Midsouth, will return to present several live animal programs throughout the day.  Also, enjoy games, crafts, jokes, visits from costumed critters, and lots of real, live cool and crawly critters to see!  Go home with a new word for these critters - COOL!  A complete schedule will be available by June 10  Program will be held rain or shine.  $5 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under.

One of the ways canines communicate is by howling. Meet two canine species, the red wolf and coyote, and learn about the importance of howling for these social animals. Then, try your hand at howling and see if you can get any of our canines to howl back!  Program free with NS admission.

Kentucky is known as “Wildcat Country” for its awesome UK basketball team, but did you know we have real wildcats, otherwise known as bobcats, roaming our woods? What amazing adaptations do bobcats have and what are your chances of seeing one in the wild? Come learn about these fantastic felines up close, as we feed our resident bobcat her daily meal.  Program free with NS admission.

Turtles are totally fascinating! Come take a look at some of LBL’s more common and unusual “heroes in a half-shell.” We’ll even visit with two of the largest species in this region, the common and alligator snapping turtles, while they feast on fish.  Program free with NS admission.  *Ideal for Home Educatiors

Snakes - they make some people smile and give others the shakes. Come learn more about the legless lives of these cold-blooded critters as we meet several live snakes up close.  Program free with NS admission.

How could such a small critter have such a complex life? Come see these amazing insects in action as we take a close look inside our working display hive. You will learn about the inner workings of a honeybee hive, what honeybees provide us, and how we can help the rapidly declining wild population of honeybees.   Program free with NS admission.

Bring your little ones for this unique storytime program! Come join us at Nature Station to explore the wonders of the natural world with a fun story and a visit from a wild animal! Program free with NS admission.

Check our collection of local fossils such as crinoids, brachiopods, and corals. Learn about how fossils form, how to identify them, and what they tell us about the past as you take part in several hands-on activities that the whole family will enjoy.  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

See nature come to life in a fun and fantastical puppet show! Our cast of lovable animal characters will engage youngsters in a story about the natural world.  You are sure to smile, laugh, and learn something too!  *Ideal for Home Educators  Program free with NS admission.

Let’s provide our resident groundhog with an enrichment activity that allows him to use his senses and search out his meal. While the groundhog is separated, you will get to hide some of his favorite treats throughout his enclosure. Then, watch as the groundhog excitedly rummages around for them.  All the while, we will discuss the natural history of this large rodent.   *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

Based upon the popular TV show Iron Chef America, we give you Iron Chef Animal! Come to Nature Station to watch our staff battle it out in our very own "Kitchen Stadium," making scrumptious snacks for our animals. Can the contestants impress the all-animal panel of judges? Who will be declared the winner of Iron Chef Animal?  Program free with NS admission.

Join us as we discover how the animals at Nature Station survive our sweltering summers and avoid overheating. With a little help from Nature Station staff, we’ll cool down some animals and give you a bit of a chill during a surprise finale (dress for rain - hee hee!)  Program free with NS admission.

How has the coyote survived so well in modern times and spread to inhabit every state in the continental US? Learn more about the adaptations of this cunning canine species and meet our resident coyotes as they devour their daily meal. Even try your hand at howling like a coyote and see if our coyotes howl back.  Program free with NS admission.

Bring your little ones for this unique storytime program! Join us at Nature Station to explore the wonders of the natural world with a fun story and a visit from a wild animal!  Program free with NS admission.

Celebrate the amazing spectacle of these tiny birds. On Friday evening, enjoy dinner in our backyard gardens amongst the hummingbirds. Then, join us for the main festival,  Sat. nd Sun. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Land Between The Lakes, this year’s Hummingbird Festival will include fun programs, exhibits,and activities centered around the history of hummingbirds, as well as the importance of protecting them into the future. See the listings below for more information.   $6 for adults; $4 for kids ages 5-12; Fee for ages 4 and under

Fri., Aug. 2:  6-8pm - Dinner with the Hummingbirds Have you ever dined while surrounded by dozens of hummingbirds? Enjoy a delicious catered meal while you sit outside amongst these feathered wonders, who are relishing in their own tasty meal at our backyard feeders.  Also, see an up-close demonstration of a tiny hummingbird being banded for the purpose of studying and conserving these amazing creatures.   $20 per person. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Sat., & Sun. Aug. 3 & 4 - 10am-4pm - Hummingbird Festival  If you like hummingbirds, delight in watching more of these flying gems in one place than you can count! This year, we will be focusing on the “Past, Present, and Future” of hummingbirds, as well as other native animals whose natural histories have been discovered through public education. Stop by anytime, as there will be a variety of programs, demonstrations, and activities going on throughout the weekend. Bring the whole family…there will be plenty for kids to do too! Be sure to check online for further updates about the weekend’s schedule of programs and activities. Program will be held rain or shine.

Turtles are totally fascinating! Come take a look at some of LBL’s more common and unusual “heroes in a half-shell.” We’ll even visit with two of the largest species in this region, the common and alligator snapping turtles, as they feast on fish.  Program free with NS admission.

Have you ever heard that you can get warts from touching a toad or that a turtle can come out of its shell? Come join us to find out if the stories you have heard about reptiles and amphibians are fact or fiction while you meet a few our resident herps up close.  Program free with NS admission.

Join us on a tour of our resident animals as we discuss where each creature falls in the web of life and who might like to eat whom for dinner (don’t worry – we won’t let that happen!). What makes some of these animals great hunters or on the flip side, prevent them from being hunted?   Program free with NS admission.

Smell, touch, taste, hear, and see nature! Join us as we explore nature with our senses and discover how our senses compare to those of wild animals.  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

Did you know red wolves used to roam throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and most of the Southeast? What happened to them? Visit with our resident red wolves and learn the story of one of the most incredible animals to inhabit the South. We'll also discuss how they slipped to the brink of extinction and their challenging road to recovery.  Program free with NS admission.

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.

Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home in LBL. We’ll teach you how to recognize these native venomous snakes and how to share the outdoors safely with them.   Program free with NS admission.

If the animals of LBL entered a fashion contest, who would you vote for? Would it be the elk as they show off such resplendent headgear? The monarch butterfly as it flaunts its red and orange coat among the flowers? How about the great horned owl for its powerful yet elegant footwear? Sit back in our theater and enjoy this animal-style fashion contest. Find out why these fashionable features are for more than just beauty. Also, cast your vote for Nature’s Top Model!  Program free with NS admission.

“Wait, was that an armadillo I just saw on the side of the road?” You’re not just seeing things if you’ve caught a glimpse of these odd animals in LBL. In recent decades, armadillos have made their way into our neck of the woods. Since we have armadillos in LBL, learn some fun facts about these unique creatures during a PowerPoint presentation.   Program free with NS admission.

Would you like a guided tour of the animal exhibits in our backyard? Let one of our naturalists give you the inside scoop on the stories and habits of our resident wildlife, including the red wolves, owls, and bobcat, just to name a few.   Program free with NS admission.

Rotting meat and road kill might not sound appetizing to you, but vultures and coyotes love all kinds of dead stuff, known as carrion. Visit with our resident vultures and coyotes as we discover the biology and behavior of Mother Nature’s clean-up crew.  Program free with NS admission.

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.   Program free with NS admission.

How much do you like bugs? Enough to eat?! You may not enjoy eating bugs, but many of our animals love to snack on them. Meet some of the Nature Station’s bug-loving animals like the opossum and turtles as they chow down on their grub. Maybe you’ll even be bold enough to crunch a cricket or two!  Program free with NS admission.

PEEE-YEW!!  What’s that smell? Some animals choose to bathe while others just plain stink! Join us at Nature Station to learn about animals that don’t have the best perfumes. You will also meet some live examples!  Program free with NS admission.

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.

A what? A whistle-pig? First hint: it’s not a pig! Second hint: it can whistle! Third hint: it can make you “chuck-le”! Still not sure? You’ll have to come to this program and meet a real “whistle-pig” to find out what kind of animal it is.  Program free with NS admission.

Help us wrap up a fantastic summer with a variety of exciting programs and games!   Enjoy a staff-led canoe trip, attend a puppet show, howl like a wolf, and much more! See the listings below for more information. Program will be held rain or shine.

11am - Hamming it Up with Honeybees!* - Did you know bees can dance? Or that male honeybees do not have any stingers? Step into the world of a family of bees, learn about their life cycle, and see how a beehive works as we play some “buzz-worthy” games. We’ll also take a look at our live honeybee colony and try to spot the Queen!  *Ideal for Home Educators.  Program free with NS admission.

1pm - Howl Your Head Off - 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!  Program free with NS admission.

3pm - Watermelon Feast - Nothing's better than watermelon on a hot day!  Come chow down, cool down, and try your luck at our annual seed-spitting contest.  Program free with NS admission.

5:30-8:00pm - Sunset Canoe Trip - View LBL's spectacular forest shoreline from a canoe.  As we paddle along a scenic bay we'll look and listen for wildlife that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds.  The trip will end with the beauty of an LBL sunset.  Beginners are welcome!  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call (270)-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location.

Help us wrap up a fantastic summer with a variety of exciting programs and games!   Enjoy a staff-led canoe trip, attend a puppet show, howl like a wolf, and much more! See the listings below for more information. Program will be held rain or shine.

Appearances Throughout the Day - Meet Smokey Bear – Visit with Smokey the Bear!  Smokey will be making scheduled appearances throughout the day.  Bring the kids to meet Smokey and pose for some great pictures.  Free with NS admission.

1pm - Puppet Playhouse Theatre - See nature come to life in a fun and fantastical puppet show!  Using cute critter puppets we will engage youngsters in a story about our native ecosystems.  Some of nature's coolest critters will be featured in this entertaining puppet show.  Program free with NS admission.

3pm - Insect Olympics - How do your athletic skills compare to those of an insect?  Join us as we play games and run races to learn more about the incredible feats insects are capable of!  Program free with NS admission.

5:30-8:00pm - Sunset Canoe Trip - View LBL's spectacular forest shoreline from a canoe.  As we paddle along a scenic bay we'll look and listen for wildlife that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds.  The trip will end with the beauty of an LBL sunset.  Beginners are welcome!  $25 per canoe. Cost does not include same day NS admission. NS closes at 5pm. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Help us wrap up a fantastic summer with a variety of exciting programs and games!   Enjoy a staff-led canoe trip, attend a puppet show, howl like a wolf, and much more! See the listings below for more information. Program will be held rain or shine.

11am - Turtle Races - We all know that the turtle can beat the hare, but what if only turtles were racing?  Which turtle species would win?  Let’s stage an official turtle race and find out!  Meet the competitors, learn what makes each turtle different, and vote for the turtle you think will win!  Program free with NS admission.

1pm - Truly Talon-ted - 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.

3pm - Wildlife Jeopardy - How much do you know about nature?  Come test your knowledge with the Nature Station's version of America's favorite TV quiz show.  Prizes will be awarded to all participants with a special prize going to the best wildlife whiz!  Program free with NS admission.