Spring Wildflower Update and Derby Day Celebration

Black Locust

Virginia Spiderwort

Spring is well on its way at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. Trees with notable flowers are the Flowering Dogwood, which should hold its blooms through the weekend, and Black Locust, which are just beginning to bloom. Throughout the park the following flowers have been seen in bloom: Dwarf Dandelion, Bluets, Small Bluets, Yellow Wood Sorrel, Long-leaf Bluet, Violet Wood Sorrel, Lyre-leaved Sage, and Philadelphia Fleabane. Two notable wildflowers that can be found on the park's Indian Bluff Trail are Virginia Spiderwort and Pennywort.






The most notable migrating songbird to be spotted at the park is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.The best place to spot the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at the park is at the bird feeders around the dining room. Several species of birds are nesting in the park.  Northern Rough-winged Swallows are nesting in the sandstone cliffs near the park's beach. American Robins, Chipping Sparrows, Eastern Bluebirds, and Eastern Phoebes are nesting in various locations around the park.

This weekend Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is hosting the second annual Derby Day Celebration.

Spring Photography Weekend 2014: The Results

Best in Show Spring Photography Weekend 2014 Rennan Quijano of Madisonville, Kentucky

As always the photographers that participated in Spring Photography Weekend turned in some wonderful photographs.  The judges Gross Magee and Lowell Mendyk  had some tough decisions to make. In the end a tiny snail won the honor of "Best in Show."

You can view all the 1st through 4th place winners from spring photography weekend 2014 clicking here.


To see the entire list of winners click the read more button below.

Spring is in the Air and there are loads of Special Events at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park this April!

American Holly is a treat for many birds @ Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Pileated Woodpecker in American Holly

Can you find the bird enjoying berries from the American holly tree?

Nestled in the branches devouring this wonderful midwinter snack is a Pileated Woodpecker. On Saturday Afternoon (2/22/2014) I spotted a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers both at the tree and a Northern Mockingbird.  Several years ago I saw a flock of American Robins eating holly berries around the same time of year.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker that can be seen at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  If you don't see it you are likely to hear it drumming. For more information on the Pileated Woodpecker go to http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/id

Oil Painting Weekend: the final touches.

Left to Right: Lisa Weakley, Cheri Deffendoll, Gregory Baumgart, and Janie Chappell
The foursome made the trip from Indiana to paint at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

On February 22-23, 2014 twenty-four paintings were created at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. On Saturday the class painted the view from the lake overlook at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

On Sunday a smaller class painted a country scene with a barn. The painters were from all different skill levels.  Some have painted and use our class to get motivated to paint more, other have are looking for a new hobby and use the class to see if painting is something they would enjoy.    We hope to offer the weekend again in February 2015.

Carolyn Stephens of Providence, Kentucky with her first ever finished painting.

Girlfriend Getaway Cancelled

We have cancelled the Girlfriend Getaway Weekend that was scheduled for February 28-March 2nd.  We needed a minimum of 15 participants and we did not meet our minimum.

Valentine's Getaway at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Valentine's Getaway Dinner

Over twenty couples joined us for our Valentine's Getaway package this year.  The couples enjoyed a romantic dinner with piano music.  They played the Not-so-Newlywed Game for prizes which included a free one night stay certificate. 

Valentine's Getaway Couples Hike on Indian Bluff Trail

Valentine's Getaway Couples Hike 2/15/2014

On Saturday the group ventured out in the cold for a couples hike on the Indian Bluff and Pennyrile Nature Trail.

The entire group posed for a photo under the sandstone cliff on the Indian Bluff Trail.

Pennyrile Nature Trail 2/15/2014

Next, the hikers enjoyed a short portion of the Pennyrile Nature Trail. Winter hiking is great at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  Hiking stick is recommended and be careful of icy patches in the trail.