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.