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 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 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., Jun. 7 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 visiting 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. Tue., Jun. 10 10:30am Woodland Walk NATURE STATION 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 we may find along the way. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station. Fri., Jun. 13 1:30pm Myths, Legends, & Misconceptions NATURE STATION Find out the real stories about some of our most misunderstood wildlife such as wolves and snakes. You will have a chance to meet these creatures up close as we explore why they have gotten such bad reputations. Program free with NS admission. Sun., Jun. 15 1:30pm Father's Day Hike NATURE STATION Celebrate your father or grandfather by bringing the whole family out for a 1-mile guided hike in the woodlands around Nature Station. Along the trail we'll look for birds and other wildlife, and trees and flowers too. Afterwards, we'll make a craft for dad inspired by our hike. Program free with NS admission. Tues., Jun. 17 10:30am Woodland Walk NATURE STATION 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 we may find along the way. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station. Tues., Jun. 17 2pm Pocket Full o'Possum NATURE STATION 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 persimmons! Program free with NS admission. Thu., Jun. 19 2pm Creature Feature: Bobcat NATURE STATION Get a look at one of our most secretive animals, the bobcat! About 200 roam the woods of LBL, but they are rarely seen. Learn about the habits of this elusive feline as you enjoy a close look at our resident bobcat. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Jun. 21 1:30pm Slithery Snakes NATURE STATION Snakes, they make some people smile and give others the shakes. But how well do you know them beyond their scaly skin? Meet several of our resident snakes up-close as we explore their unusual lives and their creepy reputations. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Jun. 21 6:30-8:30pm Hundreds of Herons Canoe Trip LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED Enjoy the sights and sounds of a colony-nesting site for night herons and cattle egrets. Also keep your eyes open for other wildlife as we paddle on Lake Barkley. Bring binoculars, cameras, and your enthusiasm for our feathered friends! Weather permitting. $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. Tues., Jun. 24 10:30am Woodland Walk NATURE STATION 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 we may find along the way. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station. Thurs., Jun. 26 2pm Creature Feature: Venomous Snakes NATURE STATION Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes all make their home here in Land Between The Lakes. During this presentation, we'll teach you how to recognize our native venomous snakes and how to share the outdoors safely with these misunderstood creatures. Then watch as we feed our live resident snakes their weekly meal. Program free with NS admission. Fri., Jun. 27 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 visiting 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. Tue., Jul. 1 10:30am Woodland Walk NATURE STATION 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 we may find along the way. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station. Tue., Jul. 1 2pm Let's Get Snappy! NATURE STATION Did you know that Kentucky Lake is home to a type of turtle that can weigh over 200 pounds? Visit the Nature Station as we take a closer look at our resident alligator snapping turtle, and its smaller cousin the common snapper, while they enjoy chow time. Program free with NS admission. Thu., Jul. 3 10:30am Storytime with 'Possum NATURE STATION Bring the little ones for this unique storytime program! Your kids will love to explore the world of the opossum as we read a story about an opossum and then meet a live opossum up close. We will also make an opossum craft that your kids can take home. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission. Thu., Jul. 3 2pm Leave it to Beaver NATURE STATION 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. Sit back and stay dry as we take a closer look at the role of the beaver during this indoor presentation. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission. Thu., Jul. 3 6:30-8:30pm Sunset Beaver Marsh Hike NATURE STATION Join the Nature Station staff for a 2-mile hike around Hematite Lake looking for wildlife and wildflowers. This time of the evening is the best time to see beavers, herons, waterfowl, and songbirds. We will end the night enjoying the sunset from Hematite Dam. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Hematite Lake Trailhead. Fri., Jul. 4 1pm Truly American Animals NATURE STATION 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 this country's identity. Program free with NS admission. Fri., Jul. 4 2:30pm Let the Turtle Race Begin! NATURE STATION We all know that the turtle can beat the hare, but what if it was just a turtle race? 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. Sat., Jul. 5 11am Wildlife Viewing Tips for LBL NATURE STATION 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. Sat., Jul. 5 2pm Creature Feature: Bald Eagle NATURE STATION 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. Sat., Jul. 5 7-9:30pm The Night Shift NATURE STATION Who comes out at night to enjoy the delights of darkness? You do! Join us for this special after-hours program and meet some notorious nocturnal creatures such as owls and an opossum. Also, catch a glimpse of the NS animals by starlight and take part in fun activities that range from mild to wild to just plain batty! Program free with same day NS admission, or $2/$3 for evening program admission only. Last check-in at 8:30pm. Tue., Jul. 8 2pm Truly Talon-ted NATURE STATION 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. Thu., Jul. 10 2pm Creature Feature: Red Wolf NATURE STATION The endangered red wolf - is it on the road to recovery? Take advantage of this opportunity to get a good look at this elusive predator. We will share the story of how our native southeastern wolf is fighting back from the brink of extinction. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Jul 12 All Day Cool & Crawly Critters Day NATURE STATION Hey kids! Celebrate nature with an up-close-and-personal look at big bugs, slender snakes, terrific turtles, and more! Learn about the strange and unusual critters of LBL and the world from the scientists and naturalists who study everything from insects to mammals. Enjoy animal games, crafts, jokes, and lots of cool and crawly critters at the Nature Station. *Ideal for Home Educators. $3/$4. Sun., Jul. 13 1:30pm Survival of the Fittest NATURE STATION Is that opossum dead? Do turtles hold their breath all winter long? Animals have some amazing ways of staying alive. Today 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. Tue., Jul. 15 2pm Tales of Scales NATURE STATION 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. Wed., Jul. 16 6:30-9pm Moonlight Canoe Trip NATURE STATION Enjoy the setting of the sun and the beginning of an evening under the moon as we paddle the waters of one of Lake Barkley's scenic bays. We'll watch for shoreline wildlife such as herons and osprey as the sun goes down and then listen for others 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. Thu., Jul. 17 2pm Creature Feature: Barred Owl NATURE STATION 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. Thu., Jul. 17 2pm Hummingbirds for Kids NATURE STATION 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. Program free with NS admission. Tue., Jul. 22 2pm Pocket Full o'Possum NATURE STATION 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 persimmons! Program free with NS admission. Thu., Jul. 24 2pm Creature Feature: Alligator Snapping Turtle NATURE STATION Wiggle! Wiggle! Chomp! 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. Thu., Jul. 31 2pm Creature Feature: Screech Owl NATURE STATION Imagine surviving on your own in the wild if you were only 8 inches tall and weighed a quarter of a pound! Welcome to the world of the screech owl! Meet our resident screech owl and see how such a small fry can be a big winner in nature. Program free with NS admission. Sat. and Sun., Aug. 2 & 3 9am-4:30pm on Sat. 10am-3pm on Sun. Hummingbird Festival NATURE STATION 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 help them in your own backyard. And of course, delight in watching more hummingbirds in one place than you can even count! *Ideal for Home Educators. $3/$5. Please call 270-924-2020 for more detailed information. Tue., Aug. 5 2pm Let's Get Snappy! NATURE STATION Did you know that Kentucky Lake is home to a type of turtle that can weigh over 200 pounds? Visit the Nature Station as we take a closer look at our resident alligator snapping turtle, and its smaller cousin the common snapper, while they enjoy chow time. Program free with NS admission. Thu., Aug. 7 10:30am Storytime with Owl NATURE STATION Bring the little ones for this unique storytime program! Your kids will love to explore the world of owls as we read a story about an owl and then meet a live owl up-close. We will also make an owl craft your kids can take home. *Ideal for Home Educators. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Aug. 9 7-8:30am Breakfast with the Hummingbirds NATURE STATION 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 a slide presentation about the lives of hummingbirds. $3/$5. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Sun., Aug. 10 1:30pm Back from the Brink NATURE STATION Did you know the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list last year? Join this 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. Tue., Aug. 12 2pm Truly Talon-ted NATURE STATION 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. Thu., Aug. 14 2pm Creature Feature: Bobcat NATURE STATION Get a look at one of our most secretive animals, the bobcat! About 200 roam the woods of LBL, but they are rarely seen. Learn about the habits of this elusive feline as you enjoy a close look at our resident bobcat. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Aug. 16 5:30-8pm Lake Barkley Sunset Canoe Trip LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. We will search for wildlife visiting the lake at twilight such as osprey, egrets, deer, and songbirds. Weather permitting. $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. Sun., Aug. 17 1:30pm Flight of the Hummingbird NATURE STATION Catch up with the hummingbirds as they make their migration to Central America. Join us for an indoor presentation about how these tiny fliers survive such a big journey and how we can help them. Then spend some time viewing these "ruby gems" as they buzz around the backyard. Program free with NS admission. Tue., Aug. 19 2pm Tales of Scales NATURE STATION 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. Thu., Aug. 21 2pm Creature Feature: Red-Tailed Hawk NATURE STATION Meet the Nature Station's resident hawk, the red-tail. Discover why the red-tail has become the most successful hawk in the Eastern United States. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Aug. 23 1:30pm New to the Neighborhood: Wildlife on the Move NATURE STATION What was that? I've never seen that before! Armadillos, coyotes, and pelicans are becoming more common to Land Between The Lakes. Get the scoop on these and other critters that are "new to the neighborhood" during this presentation. Program free with HP admission. Sat., Aug. 23 5:30-8pm 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 visiting 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. Sun., Aug. 24 1:30pm Slithery Snakes NATURE STATION Snakes - they make some people smile and give others the shakes. But how well do you know them beyond their scaly skin? Meet several of our resident snakes up close as we explore their unusual lives and their creepy reputations. Program free with NS admission. Tue., Aug. 26 2pm Pocket Full o'Possum NATURE STATION 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 persimmons! Program free with NS admission. Thu., Aug. 28 2pm Creature Feature: Red Wolf NATURE STATION The endangered red wolf - is it on the road to recovery? Take advantage of this opportunity to get a good look at this elusive predator. We will share the story of how our native southeastern wolf is fighting back from the brink of extinction. Program free with NS admission. Sat., Aug. 30 5:30-8pm 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 visiting 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. Mon., Sep. 1 1:30pm Totally Turtles - NATURE STATION Turtles are fascinating! We'll take a look at some of LBL's more common and unusual species. At feeding time, we'll get a closer look at two of the largest species found in this region, the common and alligator snapping turtles. Program free with NS admission.