Jenny Wiley Naturalist and Recreation Blog

There's no better place to spend Valentine's Day with the one you love than at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park located in scenic Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

You and your loved one can enjoy a wonderful meal in our May Lodge dining room,with a view of inspiring Dewey Lake, while listening to the light, romantic sounds of live entertainment. Our Sweetheart's Menu is sure to please with choice of 2 entrees: All You Can Eat Catfish, 12 oz Porterhouse Pork Chop, 6 oz Sirloin, 10 oz Sirloin, Two piece Grilled Chicken Breast, side items, and soup and salad bar. Be sure to ask how you can upgrade your meal and don't forget the appetizers and drink specials.

Our Valentine's Day special will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner for 2 is only $25.00 plus tax and if you are looking for an overnight package, include a lodge room with your dinner for a total of only $75.00 plus tax. For more information call 606-889-1790 or make your package reservations by calling 1-800-325-0142.

Where: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
When: Saturday January 26, 2013
Time: 12pm to 8pm











Even though the almighty Anerican Bison (commonly known as buffalo) has been gone from Kentucky for over 150 years, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy this wonderful food source.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a buffet style meal with different entree choices that are all prepared from buffalo. Along with this meal, you can enjoy the sounds of Rob McNurlin, a country/western style singer and he plays songs of the old west.

Also, learn the ways of the Native Americans that called Kentucky home and ranged with the buffalo long ago. Jeff Hatmaker will be in full native attire as he interprets and brings history to life with dance, tales, and songs.

WOOD POPPY





Things still seem to be about 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule in the spring woods at Jenny Wiley SRP. Plants that are offers good color this week include: large-flowered trillium, pennywort, wood sorrel, blue phlox, wild geranium, foam flower, wood vetch, golden ragwort, rue anemone, squirrel corn, early saxifrage, long-spurred violets, purple violets, smooth yellow violets, wood poppy, bluets, spring beauty, lyre-leaved sage, and cut-leaved toothwort. Dogwoods are still showing vibrant white, as the rudbuds are slowly loosing color. The cottage road just above the May Lodge offers a great drive or hike for wildflowers. More adventurous folks might try the Moss Ridge, Steve Brackett, Lakeshore, or Jenny Wiley trails for a great wildflower excursion. Please click this LINK to review some of the wildflower reports from naturalists across the Commonwealth.

For additional information about Kentucky State Parks and some of the upcoming Spring and Wildflower Events, please view this SITE.

American Bald Eagle
It's hard to believe that at one point and time in our nation's history that we had an estimated population of bald eagles close to 500,000. Dwindling to only 500 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states, the bald eagle was on a quick route to extinction. Thanks to the ban of DDT, a very strong pesticide, in 1972 and tremendous conservative efforts, the bald eagle has made an unexpected comeback with an estimation of over 5000 nesting pairs in the lower 48.


If you would like a chance to see this magnificent bird of prey close to home, spend a little time at the PARK and Dewey Lake. I was able to capture these photos from the patio of the May Lodge earlier this month. I do apologize for the quality of the photos, a warm camera and cool temperatures make for tough picture taking. Although only a couple of eagles have been spotted at one time, these birds don't seem to be camera shy and sightings seem to be increasing.

Why not have a family outing or photography excursion and see if you can spot the bald eagles of Dewey Lake. Be sure to stop at the May Lodge for some great food or overnight stay. If you have fortune in capturing these majestic creatures on film, stop by the Interpretive Nature Center and let the Park Naturalist know of your sightings.

Ken Mellons

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be hosting a New Year's Eve event hosting country/bluegrass recording artist, Ken Mellons at the Wilkinson/Stumbo Convention Center. This musician will have you rocking the old year out and reeling the new year in with chart toppers such as, "Jukebox Junkie", "Working for the Weekend", "I Can Bring Her Back", and much more. This Nashville, Tennessee native blazed the charts from the mid 90's till 2004 and has come back with a new album featuring country and bluegrass sounds. Prior to Ken taking the stage, he will be joined by local talent Tim Michaels, Doug Pinson, and Tyler Stephens.

You can choose from one of our packages for your New Year's celebration which includes: $25 single/$40 couple entertainment only, $80 Couples Dinner Package, $90 Lodging & Show Package, or $125 Couples Overnight Package which includes dinner, show, and lodging. Party favors will be available along with appetizers and refreshments. Just before midnight, we will have the big screen on and watch the ball drop in New York City! Doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 7:00pm. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call the PARK at 1-800-325-0142.