Buckhorn Lake Naturalist and Recreation Blog

NOTE: Article compliments of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

On the verge of another season of winter hibernating bat surveys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and partners estimate that at least 5.7 million to 6.7 million bats have now died from white-nose syndrome. Biologists expect the disease to continue to spread.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is decimating bat populations across eastern North America, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent at many sites. First documented in New York in 2006, the disease has spread quickly into 16 states and four Canadian provinces. Bats with WNS exhibit unusual behavior during cold winter months, including flying outside during the day and clustering near the entrances of caves and mines where they hibernate. Bats have been found sick and dying in unprecedented numbers near these hibernacula.

“This startling new information illustrates the severity of the threat that white-nose syndrome poses for bats, as well as the scope of the problem facing our nation. Bats provide tremendous value to the U.S. economy as natural pest control for American farms and forests every year, while playing an essential role in helping to control insects that can spread disease to people,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “We are working closely with our partners to understand the spread of this deadly disease and minimize its impacts to affected bat species.” READ MORE

Bald Eagle Perched at Lakside
Occasionally, something wonderful happens to allow for a delightful departure from the predictable routine of everyday life. So, it must have been on a whim of nature that a majestic, fully mature bald eagle first discovered Buckhorn Lake on its southerly winter migration and chose to take up temporary quarters.

This is the third year the amazing bird has returned to soar and pinwheel over the waters of Buckhorn Lake, and is typically on hand from mid-October until early December. The bird seems to be comfortable living near the heart of the park and is somewhat predictable in its behavior. Park staff note that guests regularly observe the eagle from the lodge balcony between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30 am, soaring in great circles over the waters of the lake looking for food below, or perched in lakeside trees.Read More...

Kentucky State Parks To Participate in 2011 National Public Lands Day by Gil Lawson, Communications Director, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Parks will be participating in National Public Lands Day on Sept. 24, 2011, a day set aside to recognize the importance of parks and encourage volunteer work.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, some 170,000 volunteers worked in 2,000 locations in every state. The purpose of this day is to keep the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps alive and to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

During last year’s celebration, volunteers across the country carried out more than $15 million in improvements by removing trash, collecting invasive plants, building trails and planting trees.

In a proclamation, Gov. Steve Beshear noted the importance of public lands. “Public lands provide locally accessible natural and cultural resources for environmental learning, wildlife appreciation, and recreation,” Beshear said in the proclamation.

NOTE: At BUCKHORN STATE RESORT PARK, Volunteers will participate in a variety of projects to beautify the park, including but not limited to raking, pruning, trash pickup and tree planting. Please contact Sue Thomas HERE to sign up for the event.

BULL ELK


2011 ELK TOURS
Enjoy dinner and a presentation the day before your scheduled ELK TOUR. There will be a bagged breakfast on the day of the tour. The Tour will be early in the morning and transportation is included in the package. Please come prepared for cold weather, wet and/or icy conditions and expect to walk in muddy conditions.

September 24-25
October 15-16
October 22-23
November 12-13
December 10-11

For additional information, call 1-800-325-0058.

NOTE: Photo compliments of Trinity Shepherd, park naturalist at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.

Buckhorn has two trails. Both are located on the same hill, beginning at the same point, within yards of the lodge.
One is the Leatherwood Trail, which is about a ½ mile circular trail. The other is a 1 ½ mile self-interpretative trail, that ends across from the Shelter House Road. You can follow the park road back to the lodge. There are trail guides for the Moonshine Hollow Trail at the front desk. Keeping in mind that the trails may be steep in spots, both trails have a unique beauty.

Around the end of March – May, one may see a variety of wildflowers at Buckhorn, particularly at the end of Moonshine Hollow Trail. Jack-in-the-pulpits, trilliums, wild gingers, bloodroots, geraniums, and solomon’s seals can be seen just to name a few.

You will notice 40 new dogwoods and redbuds that have been donated in memory or in honor of individuals throughout the park and planted during National Public Lands Day.

Click HERE to visit our Trail Information page.