May 1-31 Far Out Space Places GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM Take a virtual vacation as you visit the most extreme destinations in our cosmic neighborhood. Scale the cliffs of the Mariner Valley on Mars, glide on the winds of Neptune, and visit the original lunar landing site of the Apollo astronauts. Breathtaking images that will put you in the midst of these far out space places. See Far Out Space Places daily at 10am. May 1-31 Search for Life in the Universe GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM Are we alone in the universe? Host Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek's Mr. Spock) poses this question, which has puzzled humanity since its beginning. Learn about the attempts being made to establish contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. Examine the ingredients necessary for life on our planet as we ponder the possibility of life in our solar system and beyond. See Search for Life in the Universe daily at 2pm. May 1-31 Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM A virtual adventure produced by the New Detroit Science Center. You will see an incredible view of the many forms of our earth's weather through spectacular footage, projected on our 40-foot dome. Blown Away features a journey into space to explore the sun's effect on weather conditions. See Blown Away Mon-Fri at 12 noon and Sat-Sun at 3pm. May 1-31 Explorers of the International Space Station GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM Travel with U.S., Japanese, and Russian astronauts and cosmonauts as they take command of the International Space Station. See what it's like to live on the space station and important scientific work. Before your trip is over, learn how to find the space station in your own night sky. See Explorers Sat-Sun at 11am. May 1-31 Kentucky Skies GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM Get a sneak preview of tonight's sky through the magic of our 40-foot dome, plus the expertise of our Planetarium staff, learn the constellations, the lore of the night sky, and some celestial events you can see for yourself. See Kentucky Skies Sat-Sun at 1 p.m. May 1-31 Kentucky Skies GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM Get a sneak preview of tonight's sky through the magic of our 40-foot dome, plus the expertise of our Planetarium staff, learn the constellations, the lore of the night sky, and some celestial events you can see for yourself. See Kentucky Skies Sat-Sun at 1 p.m. Organized groups may schedule planetarium shows at other times and received group rates by calling 270-924-2020. Sat. & Sun., May 3-4 Throughout the Day Carp-O-Ree Bow Fishing Tournament ENERGY LAKE United Bow Hunters of Kentucky will hold their annual bow fishing tournament at Energy Lake. Call Daniel Richardson at 270-388-5323 for information on how to be part of this event. Sat., May 3 10am-12pm and 1-4pm Sheepshearing Invited Artist: Gary Lawson, Sheepshearer HOMEPLACE It's time for The Homeplace sheep to have their annual haircut! Visit with sheepshearer Gary Lawson as he demonstrates and discusses the historic skill of hand shearing sheep. Sheepshearing demonstrations will take place on the hour. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission. Sat., May 3 11am, 2pm From Sheep to Shawl HOMEPLACE How does a freshly shorn sheep fleece become workable yarn? Lend a hand as we demonstrate and explain the many steps involved in the process. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission. Sat., May 3 1:30pm Storytelling with Smokey Bear NATURE STATION Hey parents! Bring the kids to enjoy story time with Smokey Bear. Hear Smokey's true life story and get a chance to meet the legendary bear himself. Smokey loves to pose for pictures, so be sure to bring a camera. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 3 7:30-9:30pm A Night to Hoot and Croak About NATURE STATION Let's grab a few flashlights and explore the outdoors at night! Meet some of our resident owls and frogs up close. Then we'll go for a fun night hike through the woods and to the lakeshore to look and listen for these nocturnal creatures in the wild. *Ideal for Home Educators. $2/$3. Evening program only. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Sun., May 4 1pm Spinning Wool HOMEPLACE Join us as we card and spin our sheep's wool into yarn that will later be knitted into warm winter garments. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission. Sun., May 4 1:30pm A Wolf's Tale NATURE STATION Get a chance to see the Nature Station's shy red wolves and discover the story of this endangered species. We'll fill you in on the ongoing project to rescue red wolves from the brink of extinction and their status today. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 9am-12pm and 1-4pm 11am and 2pm - mini seminars Herbs In My Garden Invited Artist: Denise Berryhill, Herbalist HOMEPLACE In every garden in the 1850s, a section was reserved for both culinary andmedicinal herbs. The traditional uses of these herbs were taught to the next generation. Today, local herbalist and owner of Briarwood Gardens, Denise Berryhill, will be our teacher. Two mini seminars will be offered to discuss the traditions and uses of herbs. Briarwood Gardens live herbs and herbal products will be available for purchase. Program free with HP admission. Sat., May 10 10am to 4pm Beginning Dulcimer Workshop BRANDON SPRING GROUP CAMP Got a dulcimer, but don't know how to play it? Want a dulcimer, but want to know more about them before you buy one? Then this is the workshop for you! Long time dulcimer teachers, Susan and Kelly Amsden, will teach the basics of dulcimer playing during this daylong workshop. $30, lunch included. Registration and full deposit required. Limited to 12 participants. For more information and to reserve your space call 270 924-2020. Sat., May 10 MIGRATION CELEBRATION NATURE STATION If you like birds at all, this is the day for you at the Nature Station. We will be celebrating International Migratory Bird Day, the annual holiday on the second Saturday of May that honors earth's most amazing international travelers, the migratory birds. *Ideal for Home Educators. Sat., May 10 All Day Backyard Bird Scavenger Hunt NATURE STATION Calling all kids! Want to learn your backyard birds? Follow the clues and answer the questions on this scavenger hunt, and you'll be on your way! You'll earn a prize too. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 10am Basic Birding NATURE STATION Before venturing into the woods, take a look at our backyard feeders as we learn some of the more common backyard birds. Then, join us for a short hike as we try to spot more elusive woodland birds. We'll teach you the basics to get you hooked. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 11:30am The Bald and the Beautiful NATURE STATION Here at the Nature Station, you can see many different types of birds. During this program, we'll give you an up-close look at several of our raptors and explain how they use some amazing skills to survive in the wild. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 1pm What Does the Man in the Moon Say? HOMEPLACE Let's see, is the moon waxing or waning and is Cancer in the right place? Find out as we look to the signs of the zodiac to find out the best time to plant vegetables, cut hair, and do other tasks around the home. Program free with HP admission. Sat., May 10 1:30pm The Search for Osprey NATURE STATION The Search for Osprey - Nature Station Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit by joining us for a 1-mile guided hike to search for the osprey, a fishing hawk that nests on Lake Barkley. We'll also explore the plants, birds, and other wildlife we see along the way. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 2:30pm Not-So-Silly Goose NATURE STATION "Oh, it's just a Canada Goose." Many of us may take these common birds for granted, but they are truly amazing! From communication to migration and more, this indoor presentation will cover a host of fascinating facts that highlight the uniqueness and splendor of the highly successful Canada Goose. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 10 5-8pm Marsh Sunset Canoe Trip ENERGY LAKE Explore the waters of scenic Energy Lake and the lush and winding wetlands beyond it. Enjoy an evening paddle as we watch and listen for beavers, osprey, herons, frogs, and songbirds. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at Energy Lake Boat Ramp. Sat., May 10 10am-4pm National Astronomy Day GOLDEN POND PLANETARIUM & OBSERVATORY Hands-on activities and resources for kids and adults inside and outside the visitor center. Learn about the size of planets, distances in the universe, and viewing the world through different colored filters. Program free to LBL visitors. Sun., May 11 1pm Harvesting Hickory Bark HOMEPLACE It's spring again and the sap has risen, the perfect time to strip hickory trees of their useful bark. Witness this traditional event while learning how the bark will be used and what will become of the rest of the tree that it came from. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with paid admission. Sun., May 11 2pm Mother's Day Hike and Craft NATURE STATION Celebrate your mother or grandmother by bringing the whole family out for a guided hike. We'll look for wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife as we enjoy a 1-mile hike. Be sure to bring your camera because we'll finish by making natural picture frames for mom. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 17 9am-12pm and 1-4:30 pm Broom Making Invited Artist: Jack Martin, Broom maker HOMEPLACE Nationally know broom maker, Jack Martin, will be demonstrating traditional broom making. Jack, who was taught broom making by his grandfather, makes traditional brooms on broom making machine built by his great-grandfather. Jack's handmade brooms will be available for purchase. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with paid admission. Sat., May 17 1-4pm Behold, the Bison! SOUTH BISON RANGE Stop by the South Bison Range during your travels today. Staff will be on hand to share some bison banter, let you view the bison through spotting scopes, and fill you in about the natural and cultural history of these truly American animals. Program free to LBL visitors. Sat., May 17 1:30pm Welcome Back, Hummingbirds! NATURE STATION They're back! Our beloved ruby-throats have made their amazing flight from Mexico and Central America, and now they are here. Sit back and enjoy a presentation about the incredible lives of these tiny wonders and watch them as they buzz around the backyard. Sun., May 18 1pm Splitt'n Sticks HOMEPLACE The lowly tobacco stick was one of the most necessary tools of tobacco farming. It was split from hickory or white oak and was roughly dressed on the shaving horse with a drawknife and rasp. Come see how it was made and used on a 19th century farm. Program free with HP admission. Sun., May 18 1:30pm Totally Turtles NATURE STATION Can turtles really live to be 100 years old? We'll find out as we explore the fascinating lives of these shell-bound critters and meet some live examples. Program free with NS admission. Sat.-Mon., May 24-26 RIVER DAYS NATURE STATION & HOMEPLACE Explore the adventurous waters of rivers! At the Nature Station, step back into the world of Tom Sawyer, a boy who grew up alongside the river. Have adventures, learn outdoor skills, and encounter the world as you might have done if you had lived in Tom Sawyer's days. At The Homeplace, enjoy cultural programs focusing on the importance of rivers to a 19th century farm. Sat., May 24 11am Surviving in Nature NATURE STATION Playing the woods is so much fun! Tom Sawyer thought so too, and he learned some survival skills while he was at it. Join us as we build forts (wilderness shelters) and learn how to predict the weather by watching the sky. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 24 1-3pm The Jumping Frog of Trigg County NATURE STATION Hey kids! Learn how to make your own origami jumping frog. Practice getting your frog to jump as far as you can for a jumping frog race. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 24 1pm The Peddler's Visit HOMEPLACE A musical jingle of pots and pans underlined the cry, "The Peddler is coming". Take the challenge and see if you can pick out the correct wares that were available for purchase in this area because of the river traffic of the 1850s! *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission. Sat., May 24 3pm Barkley's Beasts: BIG & small NATURE STATION Discover the critters that live in Lake Barkley like alligator snappers, slithering snakes, and fantastic frogs. Meet these members of the wet & wild crew up close and personal. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 24 6-8:30pm Sunset Canoe Trip NATURE STATION Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley's scenic bays. We'll search for wildlife such as herons, osprey, and beavers. Beginners are welcome. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Sun., May 25 7-9:30am Early Morning Canoe Trip NATURE STATION Calling all early birds! Early morning is one of the best times to spot wildlife. Enjoy the morning's natural chorus while we go for a peaceful paddle on the lake. Continental breakfast items provided. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Sun., May 25 11am Tall "Tails" NATURE STATION Tom Sawyer's aunt always told tall tales about river wildlife. We will share some of our favorite wildlife lore as we introduce you to some river-dwelling critters up close. Find out if any of the tall tales are true. Program free with NS admission. Sun., May 25 1pm Beat the Heat: Water Games NATURE STATION With no air conditioning, Tom Sawyer and his friends had to beat the heat somehow. We bet it involved getting WET! Visit the Nature Station as we play some old-fashioned games, but get soaking wet and have lots of fun in the process. Program free with NS admission. Sun., May 25 1:30pm Ratting on the Rivers HOMEPLACE Fishing, hunting, and trapping on local rivers and their tributaries were significant pursuits for many early residents. Come see fish traps and learn early methods of catching and trapping river bounty. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with HP admission. Sun., May 25 2-3:30pm Go Fly a Kite NATURE STATION Kids in the past would often spend a summer day flying kites. Visit the Nature Station to make your own kite, and spend your afternoon outdoors practicing to fly it. Program free with NS admission. Sun., May 25 6-8:30pm Sunset Canoe Trip NATURE STATION Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley's scenic bays. We'll search for wildlife such as herons, osprey, and beavers. Beginners are welcome. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Mon., May 26 10am- 12pm Southern Fried Fish HOMEPLACE Visit with the ladies in the kitchen of the Double Pen House as they fry up a mess of fish fresh from the river to feed the to the hardworking farm hands for dinner. Program free with HP admission. Mon., May 26 11am Cookin' Over the Campfire NATURE STATION Time to brush up on some outdoor cooking skills! We will demonstrate a few methods for cooking over a fire that you can try on your next camping trip. Stop by for a taste of what outdoor cooking is all about. Program free with NS admission. Mon., May 26 1:30-3:30pm Frogs, Toads, & Salamanders . . . Oh My! HEMATITE LAKE TRAIL Join this staff-led safari to trek through the forests and wetlands of the 2-mile Hematite Lake Trail to uncover the dark hiding places of our favorite slimy creatures, the amphibians! We'll see what we find if we keep our eyes peeled, watch our step, and get a little wet and muddy. It'll be toad-ally awesome! Program free to LBL visitors. Meet at Hematite Lake Trailhead. with NS admission. Mon., May 26 3pm "Spooky" Species NATURE STATION Ol' Tom Sawyer was not afraid of much, but he probably got frightened at night sometimes by the hoot of an owl or the howl of a coyote. Take a stroll in the backyard with us as we introduce you to some nocturnal animals and talk about how they might "spook" us. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 31 7-9am Breakfast with the Birds NATURE STATION Rise and shine bird fans! Spend the morning with some great company, our backyard songbirds. Enjoy a continental breakfast while you watch the goldfinches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, orioles, and others have their own feeding frenzy. Then join us for a stroll down to the lake to search for a few more. $3/$5. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Sat., May 31 1:30pm Nature Station Grand Tour NATURE STATION We'll introduce you to the Nature Station's resident wildlife, including owls, a bald eagle, bobcat, deer, coyotes, and endangered red wolves. Learn why these animals live at the Nature Station and how their relatives survive in the wild. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission. Sat., May 31 1pm Chair Caning HOMEPLACE Watch the hickory bark we harvested earlier this month transform into a beautiful woven chair bottom. Program free with HP admission.