Summer Recreation Programming Begins this Weekend

Below is a copy of our Memorial Day Weekend Recreation Schedule.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day we will be programming on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  We will also offer Senior Bingo on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

Albino Squirrel Takes Up Residence at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Albino Squirrel by Troy Smoot

 Albinism is a genetic trait characterized by the complete or partial loss of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism is a trait that can be seen in any type of vertebrate.  In some species of animals albinos do not live as long as others of their kind because they are more susceptible to being eaten by a predator.

The albino squirrel that has been seen at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a complete lack of pigment.  The squirrel is an Eastern Gray Squirrel.  It has been seen interacting with other squirrels.  They do not seem to notice that it is different.

Spring Wildflower and Wildlife Report May 4, 2013 Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Crossvine

While hiking the Lake Trail and the Clifty Creek Trail on the park the following wildflowers were seen: Daisy Fleabane, Ragwort, Bluets, Rue Anemone, Yellow Stargrass (Lake Trail), Crested Dwarf Iris (Lake trail), Bluestar, Pussy Toes, Spring Beauty, Violet sp., Dwarf Dandelion, Alumroot, Dwarf Larkspur (Lake Trail), Blue Phlox, Buttercup sp., Violet Wood Sorrel, Sweet Cicely, and Jacob's Ladder.  One notable wildflower on the Indian Bluff Trail is the beautiful Virginia Spiderwort. Lyre-leaved Sage can be seen blooming in many locations throughout the park. Crossvine (pictured above) is a beautiful trumpet shaped flower that can be seen blooming on the sides of a tree trunk. Blackberry is also beginning to bloom throughout the park and forest.

Wildlife spotted or heard on the trails this week include: Fence lizard, Ground Skink, Five-lined Skink, Green Snake, Eastern Wood Peewee, Eastern Phoebe, Summer Tanager, Scarlet, Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Wren, Ovenbird, and American Goldfinch.

A guided interpretive hike of the park's Lake Trail is being offered as part of the  Trail Town celebration on May 9th in Dawson Springs, Kentucky.  A van shuttle in Dawson Springs, Kentucky will take hikers to the park at 1:30PM.

Spring Photography Weekend Results

Best in Show 2013 Jessica Evitts of Beechmont, Kentucky

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park hosted their Spring Photography Weekend on April 19-21, 2013.  To see the rest of the contest winners click here.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park also hosts a Fall Photography Weekend.  It will be held October 18-20, 2013. Online registration is available at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Parks/photography For more information about Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's Photography Weekends call 1-800-325-1711 or click here to email the naturalist.

Spring Wildflower Season is Underway at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Wild Geranium

While on your way to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park you will notice Eastern Redbud trees in full bloom on the roadsides.  Flowering Dogwoods are also beginning to bloom.

On the Clifty Creek Trail the following species of wildflowers were found blooming: Virginia Bluebells, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Spring Beauty, Small Flowered Bluets, Early Saxifrage, Violet Wood Sorrel, Rue Anemone, Violet sp., Cut-leaf Toothwort, Prairie Trillium  Blue Phlox, Bluets, Star Chickweed, Buttercup sp., Ragwort, and Wild Geranium.

Wildlife seen and heard while on the trail include: Yellow-shafted Flicker, Eastern Bluebird,

Spring and Summer Special Event at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Spring & Summer Special Events at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

For more information on any of the following events call 1-800-325-1711 and ask for recreation or email rebeccae.clark@ky.gov

Abigal McGregor with the Easter Bunny

 Easter Eggcitement  

Date: March 31    Time: Noon - 6:00 PM

Make Easter Eggciting at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park! Schedule (Central Time): 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Buffet in Dining Room, 1:30 PM Easter Bunny Pictures ($2/picture) at lodge, 2:30 PM Free Easter Egg Hunt at lodge. Events will go on rain or shine! The egg hunt is sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile.

Spring Photography Weekend 2012 Best in Show by Timothy Blair 

Photography Weekends  

Dates: April 19-21 or Oct. 18-20     Time: 2 P.M. Friday - Noon Sunday

We strive to not only put on a good contest, but also to present information that will help participants become better photographers.  Photographs may be taken anywhere within the state park and forest. Bring your own camera. Registration: $35. Register at least one week before the event and get a $5 discount. Children 16 and under pay just $10. Lodging discount available. Online registration is available at: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Parks/photography

Watchable Wildlife March 15, 2013

Red-headed Wood Pecker by Tom Wortham

On Friday March 15th we had an unseasonably warm day here at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  I took the opportunity to check the lake trail, a 2.25 mile trail around Pennyrile Lake.  The trail was in pretty good shape, only a few trees to step over from winter storms.

The following is a list of wildlife that I saw/heard during my hike: Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina wren, Tufted Titmouse, Dark-eyed Junco, American Robin, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red bellied Woodpecker, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, Spring Peeper, Upland Chorus Frog, Southern Leopard Frog, Red-eared Slider, and Common Garter Snake.

Spring is on the way!