Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

Would you like to attract more butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden? If so, join the Nature Station staff for a tour of our gardens. We'll begin with a presentation on common butterflies and the ruby-throated hummingbird, and then go outside for a tour of the Nature Station gardens. Program free with NS admission.

Visit with the Nature Station's resident opossum while she enjoys chow time. Discover more about this unusual mammal that carries its babies in its pouch, "plays 'possum," and loves to eat almost anything! Program free with NS admission.

Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

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 that visits the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Did you know that one bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a single night? Discover surprising facts about these beneficial but misunderstood creatures, and learn how to attract them to your yard, during this indoor presentation. We'll also head out to our bat houses to listen for any squeaking bats up there. Program free with NS admission.

Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

For hundreds of years people and purple martins have shared an intertwined history. Take an up-close look at our martin colony, learn how these voracious insect eaters depend on the kindness of strangers, and see how you can attract these birds to your yard. Program free with NS admission.

Opossums are often referred to as "big rats," but they are actually one of the most unique mammals in North America! Being a marsupial, they have a pouch like a kangaroo. Learn more interesting facts about opossums and meet our resident marsupial mascot. Program free with NS admission.

What lives in a pond besides fish? Let's find out! We'll use nets and magnifiers to explore a pond in search of critters like crayfish, dragonflies, turtles, and tadpoles. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission. Limited to first 30 people. Register at NS front desk that day. Weather permitting.

Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters in search of feathered friends. On this trip, we will look and listen for songbirds, herons, egrets, osprey, and more. We will also paddle to some birding hotspots not accessible by land. Beginner birders and paddlers welcome. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Meet the Nature Station's resident red-tailed hawk up close. Discover why the red-tail has become the most successful hawk in the Eastern United States. Program free with NS admission.

Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

You've probably heard of the popular TV show Mythbusters. Well, let's have our own version at the Nature Station. We'll test out some commonly held beliefs about animals and see if they are true or myths that need to be busted! Program free with NS admission.

Why is the bald eagle called "bald" when it has feathers on its head? Which owl is called the "hoot owl"? We'll give you a tour of our resident animals and explain how they got their names. Program free with NS admission.

Join us in the backyard of the Nature Station for our popular annual event, Nature Arts Day. Discover how local artists and craftspeople use nature as inspiration in their unique creations. Visit with local artists and craftspeople as they display, demonstrate and discuss their work. Art and crafts will be available for purchase. Program free with NS admission.

Hey Dads, come celebrate Father's Day with your family at the Nature Station. We will be telling inspiring stories about the doting fathers of the furred, feathered, and scaled worlds. Program free with NS admission.

Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home in Land Between The Lakes. We'll teach you how to recognize native venomous snakes and how to share the outdoors safely with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our live resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

Chirp! Tweet! Caw! Ever wonder how to tell which birds are singing in your yard? Join one of the Nature Station's bird-loving staff as they stroll through the backyard in search of a variety of easy-to-learn birds. Program free with NS admission.

Did you ever wonder how some reptiles can hear with no ears? Or how owls can fly without making a sound? Or how to tell male and female turtles apart? Find out as we sleuth out the answers to some of nature's questions through fun activities and up-close observations. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Paddle out to an island that has become a colony-nesting site for night herons, cattle egrets, cormorants, and more! It's an incredibly unique experience for bird enthusiasts. Make sure to bring binoculars and cameras! $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

You may not always see animals when you are out in the woods, but you often see signs that they have been around, like their footprints. We'll visit several of our animals on exhibit, such as our bobcat and coyotes, and show you how to identify their tracks so you can search for them on your next hiking trip. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Let's go for a hike on one of our favorite trails! This 1-mile guided hike will take us through the woods, along a lakeshore, and by the edge of a field. As we hike, we will search for signs of wildlife and point out several native trees. Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

Rat-a-tat-tat…Who was that? Discover how to recognize our local woodpeckers by sight, sound, and behavior. Then test your skills as we watch for woodpeckers at the backyard feeders and share tips for attracting these animated birds to your own yard. Program free with NS admission.

Smokey will be making appearances throughout the day. Bring the kids to meet Smokey and pose for some great pictures! Program free with NS admission.

Would you like to find out some "hot spots" for viewing wildlife in LBL? Who better to ask than the staff who work here! Attend this brief slide show to discover the best places and times to look for your favorite local wildlife. Program free with NS admission.

Sunset is a beautiful time to hike around Hematite Lake. Join Nature Station staff as we take a leisurely walk around the lake, looking for wildlife such as herons and beavers, and admire the splendor of a sunset over the lake. By the time we hit the last leg, we'll see the greatest fireworks show in nature- lightning bugs! Program free to all LBL visitors. Weather permitting.

Learn more about our great American plants and animals by trying your hand at a special scavenger hunt around the Nature Station. Figure out all the answers and you will get a prize! *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Let's celebrate Independence Day weekend by taking a closer look at our national symbol, the bald eagle. Visit with our resident eagle as we share the story of this magnificent bird. Program free with NS admission.

How do nocturnal animals like owls, bobcats, frogs, and bats get around so well in the dark? Let's discover the world of nature at night! We'll explore special abilities such as night vision, echolocation, and daytime camouflage that native critters use to survive. Plus, see how your skills match up. You'll also get to meet some live nocturnal critters up close. Program free with NS admission.

Distinctly North American animals such as the wild turkey, red wolf, and bald eagle have played important roles in our nation's history and culture. Meet some of these truly American creatures and find out how they have helped to shape our country's identity. Program free with NS admission.

We all know that the turtle can beat the hare, but what if only turtles were racing? Which turtle species would win? Let's stage an official turtle race and find out! Meet the competitors, learn what makes each turtle different, and vote for the one you think will win. Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy an LBL sunset and the beginning of an evening under the moon as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. We'll watch for shoreline wildlife such as herons and osprey as the sun goes down and then listen for nocturnal creatures under the light of the stars and moon. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

A what? A whistle-pig? First hint: it's not a pig! Second hint: it can whistle! Third hint…well, now that would make it too easy! You'll have to come to this program and meet a real whistle-pig to find out. His crazy antics will make you "chuck-le"! Program free with NS admission.

There are over 25 species of snakes in LBL, only four of which are venomous. We'll teach you how to recognize some common native snakes, including the venomous ones, and how to share the outdoors with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our live resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

Hey kids! Celebrate nature with an up-close-and-personal look at big bugs, slender snakes, terrific turtles, and more! Stop by anytime to learn about the unusual, but awesome animals of LBL from the scientists and naturalists who study them. Enjoy games, crafts, jokes, and lots of cool and crawly critters at the Nature Station. *Ideal for Home Educators. $3 children/$4 adults. Includes NS admission.

Have you ever had beetles for lunch? How about ants? Well, here's your chance…sort of! This meal might sound gross, but you'll find out that eating bugs can be quite a treat. Bring your sweet tooth, and your imagination! Program free with special event admission.

Hey kids! Did you know bees can dance? Or that male honeybees do not have any stingers? Step into the world of a family of bees, learn about their life cycle, and see how a beehive works as we play some "buzz-worthy" games. We'll also take a look at our live honeybee colony and try to spot the Queen! Program free with special event admission.

It's officially tick season at LBL, so stop by the Nature Station to learn about the biology of ticks, the diseases they transmit, and how to avoid being bitten! Program free with special event admission.

Summer is a great time to see a variety of butterflies in our backyard gardens. We will teach you how to identify some common species and then go outside to see how many of these backyard beauties we can spot. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

Eww…gross…but fascinating! Discover the important role vultures play as nature's clean-up crew, while we also dispel a couple of common myths. We'll also take a look at our resident vultures as they enjoy their afternoon meal. Program free with NS admission.

Can you flap your wings as fast as a hummingbird? We'll put your skills to the test to see how good of a hummingbird you would be. Also, help us put out feeders in the gardens, watch the hummingbirds enjoy their feast, and make a craft to take home. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Step into the Nature Station theater as we have some fun with fossils. Check our collection of local fossils such as crinoids, brachiopods, and corals. Learn about how fossils form, how to identify them, and what they tell us about the past as you take part in several hands-on activities that the whole family will enjoy. Program free with NS admission.

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 that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Hey kids! How would you like to have your very own bug box? These handy boxes are great for holding bugs while you examine them up close. Join us as we build and paint our own bug boxes. Participants might also be interested in the "Insect Safari" program at 2pm. $2 per bug box. NS admission not included. Reservations are required because materials are limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Let's discover the miniature world of butterflies, beetles, and other insects. Using nets, bug boxes, and magnifying glasses, we will explore the backyard gardens to search for these often overlooked creatures. Participants might also be interested in the "Build a Bug Box" program earlier in the day. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Visit with the Nature Station's resident opossum while she enjoys chow time. Discover more about this unusual mammal that carries its babies in its pouch, "plays 'possum," and loves to eat almost anything! Program free with NS admission.

What's that owl hooting in the distance? If you live near the woods, it might well be a barred owl. Get an up-close look at our resident barred owl and discover how this secretive bird of prey survives as a hunter of the night. Program free with NS admission.

Over 100 years ago, the area that is now the Environmental Education Area was a bustling, dirty industrial site that included limestone and iron ore mines, charcoal hearths, farms, workers' homes, and businesses. Step back in time as we bring the Center Furnace industry and community back to life during a visit to the Center Furnace. Program free with NS admission.

Rise and shine hummingbird fans! Spend the morning with some great breakfast company, the hummingbirds! Enjoy a continental breakfast while we watch our tiny friends have a feeding frenzy of their own. Then sit back for an indoor presentation about the lives of hummingbirds. $3 children/$5 adults. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, salamanders, and turtles. We'll introduce you to several "ambassadors" from the cold-blooded world as we explore the fascinating ways these slimy and scaly critters survive. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

The beaver is one of our most important wildlife species in Land Between The Lakes. It provides habitat for wood ducks, turtles, snakes, and fish. Take a bite out of beaver life as we learn about this unique creature and why it is always so busy! *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

People aren't the only ones in LBL who use lures to catch fish. So do alligator snapping turtles! Let's take an up-close look at our resident snappers and see why they are such good "fishermen." Program free with NS admission.

Celebrate the migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird this weekend at the Nature Station! We'll kick things off on Friday with a daytime workshop about how teachers and interested citizens can participate in a hummingbird research project. On Friday evening, enjoy dinner in our backyard gardens while you watch the busy hummingbirds flit about among the flowers. The main festival activities take place Saturday and Sunday, as the annual Hummingbird Festival gets into full swing. See the listings below for more information. Check back on this website for further updates about the weekend's activities and programs.

Do you watch for the first hummingbird of the season, grow plants that attract hummingbirds, or just like to watch hummingbirds at your feeders? Then the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) workshop is for you! Be a part of this exciting hummingbird study program that lets you use your hummingbird observations to assist in hummingbird research. Bill Hilton, Jr., of Operation RubyThroat, will teach you how to become certified to collect data about hummingbirds and share it with scientists, students, and others across the GLOBE network. Workshop is recommended for ages 13 years and up. $10 per person. Includes light snacks and workshop materials. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Bring a sack lunch.

Have you ever dined out while surrounded by dozens of hummingbirds? Join Bill Hilton, Jr., Director of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History and Operation RubyThroat, as he demonstrates the process of banding hummingbirds. Also, enjoy a tasty catered dinner as you relax amidst the backyard gardens and watch these flying jewels have a feeding frenzy of their own. ($Price TBA). Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

If you like hummingbirds, then Nature Station is the place for you this weekend! Ruby-throated hummingbirds flock to the Nature Station in huge numbers during early August as they visit our flowers and feeders to fuel up for their amazing journey south. Join Bill Hilton, Jr., of Operation RubyThroat, as he demonstrates hummingbird banding and discusses hummingbird migration and biology. Enjoy a variety of programs, demonstrations, and activities focused on hummingbirds and other backyard wildlife and how you can welcome them to your own backyard. Take home a wildlife-friendly plant from our native plant sale. And of course, delight in watching more hummingbirds in one place than you can count! *Ideal for Home Educators. $3 children/$5 adults. Includes NS admission.

A what? A whistle-pig? First hint: it's not a pig! Second hint: it can whistle! Third hint…well, now that would make it too easy! You'll have to come to this program and meet a real whistle-pig to find out. His crazy antics will make you "chuck-le"! Program free with NS admission.

There are over 25 species of snakes in LBL, only four of which are venomous. We'll teach you how to recognize some common native snakes, including the venomous ones, and how to share the outdoors with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our live resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

Most birds in LBL build their nests by May, and their young will fledge the nest by August. However, a few common birds, namely American goldfinches, may still be sitting on their eggs as late as July, August, and even early September. Find out why some birds have unusual nesting habits and learn to identify these birds at all stages of life, as well as their nests. Program free with NS admission.

Pack up the pooch and head to LBL for a hike! Before heading out onto Hematite Trail, stop by our informational booth at the trailhead. You'll learn about proper trail etiquette for us and our furry friends, as well as how to keep your pets safe on the trail in the summer heat. There will also be a limited number of giveaways! At 10:30, a Nature Station staff member will lead an optional dog-friendly, interpretive hike around the trail. *Leashes required for all dogs*. Program free to all LBL visitors. Begin at the Hematite Lake Trailhead. Weather permitting.

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 that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Canines communicate in many different ways. We will teach you how to understand their language. Visit with our resident coyotes and wolves and discover how they communicate through body language and behavior. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

Get a look at one of the most secretive animals in the forest, the bobcat! About 200 bobcats roam the woods of LBL, but they are rarely seen. Learn about the habits of this elusive feline as you enjoy a close encounter with our resident bobcat. Program free with NS admission.

Do opossums actually "play dead?" Do turtles hold their breath all winter long? Animals have some amazing ways of staying alive. We'll take a look at critters big and small and learn about their unique adaptations that help them survive. Program free with NS admission.

Love 'em or hate 'em, rattlesnakes are a critical part of the LBL ecosystem. Find out more about this misunderstood creature (in the safety of our theater!). Learn about their natural history, conservation and what to do if you run into one on the trail. Program free with NS admission.

Turtles are totally fascinating! Come take a look at some of LBL's more common and unusual species. We'll even visit two of the largest species in this region, the common and alligator snapping turtles, during their afternoon feast. Program free with NS admission.

Visit with the Nature Station's resident opossum while she enjoys chow time. Discover more about this unusual mammal that carries its babies in its pouch, "plays 'possum," and loves to eat almost anything! Program free with NS admission.

Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home in Land Between The Lakes. We'll teach you how to recognize native venomous snakes and ways to share the outdoors safely with these misunderstood creatures. Then, stick around to watch as we feed our resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission.

When it comes to our national symbol, bald is beautiful! Join us for a talk on the status of bald eagles and tips on viewing them in the wild as we visit with our resident eagle during chow time. Program free with NS admission.

Owls are nature's perfect hunters of the night. Join us for an exploration of the fascinating world of owls. Meet one of our resident owls up close and see how its superb senses help it survive. We'll put your senses to the test too! Then, discover how scientists learn about owls' eating habits as we take apart owl "pellets." *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

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 that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

"Is it hot out here or is it just me?" We have all heard about how climate change affects wildlife in the Arctic, but what about wildlife right here at home? While we may be sitting in the cool comforts of our theater, we'll take a deep look at how rising temperatures are affecting our local wildlife. Program free with NS admission.

Enjoy face-to-face encounters with the master hunters of the bird world, the raptors! By meeting several species of owls and a hawk, you'll see first-hand how these birds use stealth, speed, and superior senses to rule the skies. Program free with NS admission.

People aren't the only ones in LBL who use lures to catch fish. So do alligator snapping turtles! Let's take an up-close look at our resident snappers and see why they are such good "fishermen." Program free with NS admission.

Did you know that we used to have red wolves roaming this area? What happened to them? Learn the story of one of the most incredible animals to inhabit the South and why they now face the threat of extinction. We'll also discuss the difficult, but hopeful road to recovery for this species. Program free with NS admission.

Opossums are often referred to as just "big rats," but they are actually one of the most unique mammals around! For one, they are the only marsupial in North America, which means they have a pouch just like a kangaroo. Learn many more interesting facts about opossums in this program and meet our resident marsupial mascot. Program free with NS admission.

Did you know that the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007? Join us for a tour featuring critters that have journeyed "back from the brink" of extinction, such as the bald eagle, white-tailed deer, red wolves, and more. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission.

Spend a fun-filled weekend enjoying a slew of summertime activities with the Nature Station and The Homeplace. Join the Nature Station for programs focused on nature's remarkable decomposers, enjoy a staff-led canoe trip, and take part in a howling competition! Visit The Homeplace for some old time music and an ice cream social. Let's make the most of the last official weekend of summer.

Smokey will be making appearances throughout the day. Bring the kids to meet Smokey and pose for some great pictures! Program free with NS admission.

Fire plays an important role in nature, but how? Let's find out what Smokey Bear says about fires as we discover how harmful or helpful fires can be in nature. We'll do this by playing some fun water games and trying on real firefighting gear. Bring your camera! Program free with NS admission.

Cool off with a slice of mouth-watering watermelon after a day outside. What better way to end our last summer Saturday than by enjoying this favorite summer fruit! Program free with NS admission.

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 that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Can you howl like a red wolf? Take part in a friendly competition to see who can best imitate the howl of an endangered red wolf as we learn how wolves communicate. Prizes will be awarded to all participants, with a special award for the winner. Program free with NS admission.

Rotting meat? Roadkill? Yep, the vultures at the Nature Station love all kinds of dead stuff, known as carrion. Visit with our resident vultures as we discover the biology and behavior of Mother Nature's clean-up crew. Also, enjoy watching their antics as we feed them their daily meal. Program free with NS admission.

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 that visit the lake at twilight such as osprey, herons, beavers, and songbirds. 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 and for meeting location. Weather permitting.

Join us for a Fungal Foray! We'll search high and low on a nearby nature trail for unique and marvelous mushrooms and other fungi. Where can you find "Turkey Tails?" Should you pop "Puffballs?" We'll answer these questions and more as we seek out some of nature's most extraordinary decomposers. Program free with NS admission. Weather permitting.

Let's explore a stream for fish, insects, and other creeky critters. Learn how scientists can tell if a stream is healthy by looking at the creatures that live in it. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. *Ideal for Home Educators. $3 per person (does not include NS admission). Registration limited. Reservations and full deposit required. Call 270.924.2020 to reserve your space. Weather permitting.