Eagle Viewing Trips in January and February

Join us in January and February for "Everything Eagles" Van tours and Eagle River Cruises.  Experienced guides will lead you to eagle viewing "hot-spots."  This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy winter wildlife viewing opportunities.  Visit our Calendar of Events at http://www.lbl.org/CALGate.asp for dates and times.  Reservations and full deposits are reuired for eagle trips.  Please call 270-924-2299 to sign up or for more information. 

LBL Donates Cedar Christmas Tree to Murray, KY

On Tuesday, November 22 LBL and partner Swift & Staley donated an eastern red cedar to the city of Murray, KY. The 28 feet tall 12 feet in diameter Christmas tree will be on display in front of the downtown court house. The USDA Forest Service has traditionally provided the tree for our nation’s capitol, known as the “People’s Tree.” This year the Stanislaus National Forest in California will harvest a red fir and deliver it to the U.S. Capitol. To learn more about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and track its progress from California to Washington D.C. visit http://www.capitolchristmastree2011.org/index.html. Anyone who is interested in getting their own LBL cedar tree to obtain a free permit to do so during the holiday season. A cedar tree permit, valid December 1-24, entitles a family to cut one cedar tree at no charge. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained from the LBL Administrative Office, 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, and at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. On Christmas Eve, December 24, the Visitor Center will close at 3pm.

Enjoy Holiday Programs at LBL

Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season by getting outdoors in LBL and take part in a variety of fun, traditional, and educational programs!

On Saturday, Nov. 26, from 1-4pm, The Homeplace celebrates Christmas in 1850.  Enjoy the smell of homemade cookies, stockings hung over the fireplace, and voices raised in song, signifying that Christmas has come to The Homeplace.  Learn to make simple Christmas decorations, collect favorite holiday recipes, and relax to the sound of old-time Christmas tunes with the Dixie Volunteers.  Later, join in singing 1800’s Christmas carols as we usher in Santa Claus who will delight everyone with tales from his past. 

The Golden Pond Planetarium offers two holiday programs Wed.-Sun., beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 23.  ‘Tis the Season and Christmas Story will allow visitors to discover cultural, seasonal, and religious rituals from around the world.  Admission is $4 ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5-12; free 4 and under.  Groups of 10 or more may make reservations by calling 270-924-2020. 

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

LBL Honors Veterans Nov. 11-13

LBL will join public lands across the nation in honoring veterans on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, through Sunday, November 13, with free admission or user fee waiver at designated facilities (other fees may apply).
LBL will offer veterans, active and retired members of the armed forces, and their families’ free admission (with military ID) into The Homeplace, Elk & Bison Prairie (EBP), Woodlands Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium. Veterans may pick up their free entry passes for the EBP at the Golden Pond Visitor Center Nov. 11-13 from 9am-5pm. Also Nov. 11-13, Wranglers Campground will issue a free daily horse trailer permit; and a free vehicle permit will be issued for Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area (permits must be issued on-site at Turkey Bay and are good Nov. 11-13 only).
Whether you take a drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie, wander around the backyard at the Nature Station, learn about life on the farm in the 1850s at The Homeplace, ride the trails on an ATV at Turkey Bay, or enjoy a trail ride on horseback at Wranglers, fall is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the many recreation opportunities available at LBL!

Celebrate Fall Frolic! Saturday, November 5

Enjoy the changing colors and cooling temperatures at LBL when you help Woodlands Nature Station celebrate the fall season, Saturday November 5, 2011.
The “changing of the season” celebration, called Fall Frolic, will feature a variety of environmental education events and fun filled activities, including fall hayrides and live music. Grab your sweater and enjoy an old-fashioned wagon ride through the woods of LBL during one of our fall hayrides. These staff-led rides will include fun learning activities and great nature-viewing opportunities with a musical twist! The 30-minute hayrides are $2 per person and leave regularly throughout the day, 10am-4pm on Saturday. Seating is limited; visitors are required to sign up at the Nature Station front desk that day. Fall hayrides will also be offered on Sunday from 11am-4pm (no music).
Smokey Bear will make appearances throughout Saturday’s Fall Frolic, so bring your camera for some great pictures with the Forest Service mascot.
Admission to NS is $4 ages 13 & up, $2 ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under. Hayrides are an additional $2 per person. The following is a list of Fall Frolic activities:

Saturday, November 5
10am-4pm Musical Fall Hayrides
11:30am “Signs of the Season” Hike
1 & 2pm Fall Music Concert—featuring Celtic music band Red River Breeze
3pm The Lorax Puppet Show