FRANKFORT, Ky. – Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in Earth Week during April with hikes, wildflower weekends and clean up efforts across the state.

The Department of Parks is among several state agencies taking part in events related to Earth Day – April 22. State government’s theme for Earth Day this year is “Environmental Leadership: Go for the Green.”

Here is a listing of Earth Week events at Kentucky State Parks. For more information about state parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.  More Earth Day activities are listed at the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet web site at: http://www.eppc.ky.gov/educationoutreach/earthday/

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Nature Photography Weekend
April 18-20

Nature Photography buffs will enjoy this weekend that features a 24 hour digital & slide competition. Photographers with all skill levels can pick up helpful tips from evening guest speakers. Plaques will be given in several categories. Registration fee: $40. Call 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Earth Day Tygart Trek

April 19

Celebrate Earth Day as we travel back in history on this 9-mile trek named for early Kentucky explorer, Michael Tygart. The moderately easy trek leads past a mid-19th century iron furnace, historic cemetery, and iron ore pits, descends into Pruitt Fork Valley, site of several pioneer homes and numerous wildflowers, and concludes along the scenic lakeshore. Begins at 9 a.m. at the lodge and ends approximately at 2 p.m. $15 registration fee includes souvenir. Contact Claire Earnhart to register and for more information.  606-473-7324 or Claire.Earnhart@ky.gov

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Eagle Nest Tour

April 19

Kentucky Dam Village will celebrate Earth Day on April 19 with a tour to the active eagle nest near the park at 10 a.m. After the tour, each participant will receive a tree seedling and information on “How to live Green.” No registration is necessary. Meet in the lobby at the Village Inn. For information, call Mary Greer 270- 362-4271 ext. 364 or email marya.greer@ky.gov.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Earth Week at Lake Barkley

April 12-19

Lake Barkley State Park, in Cadiz, is once again celebrating Kentucky and National Earth Week with a full week of nature hikes and boat tours, regional history and folk life programs, nature arts, guest speakers, live animal presentations, trail and shoreline cleanups, live entertainment, astronomy, and more!  Evening programs throughout the week and all-day and evening programs on the weekends.  All are free and open to the public.  Experience, learn, and enjoy during Barkley's Earth Week festivities! Call 1-800-325-1708 for information.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

Wildflower Weekend

April 17-20

The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species; enjoy them this weekend with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers.  Our field trips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge Geological Area!  Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region.  Register upon arrival.  $8/adult, $5/ages 12-17, free for children under 12 years old.  For more information contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1710.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Rough River Clean Up

April 22

Rough River Dam State Resort Park will be hosting a "Clean up the Park" day on April 22 in recognition of Earth Day. The clean-up will begin at the lodge entrance at 9 a.m. (CDT).  Anyone who wants to volunteer for this event should call Sheila Jones at 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713.