| Getting Back to Nature at the Breaks - September 22nd (10:30am until Noon) |
The Breaks Interstate Park will be hosting a naturalist weekend on September the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. What better way to enjoy the park than Geocaching! The geocaching event will be held on September 22nd at shelter #2 (the Loop Trail Shelter) and is located just past the Visitor's Center. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. and last until 12 noon. After the event will be a great opportunity for grabbing some lunch and caching in the park. |
This event will be for the beginner and experienced geocachers alike. There are over 50 geocaches located in the park, from family friendly to challenging high terrain hikes! You will discover the hidden beauty of the Breaks while walking the many nature trails while searching for geocaches. You are in the mountains and will be sharing this part of the world with wild creatures including deer, snakes, turkey, and black bears. There are also poisonous plants and briers so come prepared. There is a $2 per car fee to enter the park. There is a restaurant in the park, another located outside the park, or you can bring a picnic and eat at the shelter. Overnight staying includes camping, lodge, or cabins.
| While at the Breaks Park, this weekend will also include: |
Friday
7:00 PM- Greeting and Weekend Overview-
We are very glad that you decided to spend the weekend with us exploring and learning about the plants, wildlife and natural resources that the area has to offer. This brief presentation will give you an overview of the park, its layout and activities to commence throughout the weekend. It is also a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have about the park and activities going on.
8:00 PM- Grandma Kept a Buckeye in Her Purse-
John Tierney, noted naturalist and historian, will be passing on the "stuff" his Granny told him. How she grew up, how she learned to “doctor” colds, warts, freckles, baldness, and all the others miseries known to mankind. He’ll also tell you about how it affected him later in life. This is a story that will pull at your heartstrings (or maybe not).
9:30 PM- Owl Prowl-
Because of their nocturnal habits, owls are some of the most secretive animals on the park. Get up with David Raines and Roger Mayhorn at the State Line Overlook and you will get to take a small peek into this secretive world of owls. You will learn what makes owls different from other birds of prey, learn how they hunt, what they eat, and how they communicate. You will then head out to the overlook to see if you can hear any of these animals calling. You may even be lucky enough to see one of these stealthy predators! Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY
Saturday
8:00 AM- Early Morning Birding Trip-
Have you ever seen a bird in your yard and wandered what species it was? Join David Raines and Roger Mayhorn as he guides you on a hike to visit the many bird species that call Breaks Interstate Park their home. You will learn to visually identify various bird species, as well as learn to identify them simply by hearing them sing! David and Roger will meet you at the Visitor Center and you will begin your search for the birds that live here. A short drive may be required to get to the birding location.
10:00 AM- Plant and Wildflower Hike-
These mountains are full of various species of plants and wildflowers. Some are very showy, displaying bright colors that are difficult to miss. Others are more difficult to find, but when found they are just as extravagant. Join naturalist John Tierney as he will guide you to look for and learn about the many plant and wildflower species found on the park. The trip will depart from the Visitor Center.
11:00 AM-1:00 PM- Booking Signing with Tony Scale-s
Noted author and geologist Tony Scales will be located at the Stateline Overlook, and will be selling and signing his book “The Breaks”, a great book about the history and geology of the area. He will be there for the timeframe specified above.
11:30 AM- Herpetology Field Trip-
Reptiles and amphibians are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world. Deemed slimy, scary and out to get you, many people have developed a fear of these animals. Join Breaks Interstate Park Naturalist Jayd Raines on a search for these cold blooded creatures. Anyone under the age of 16 will require an adult present as there is the possibility of encountering some of the park’s venomous snakes. Please wear appropriate close toed footwear.
1:00 PM- 4:00 PM- Lunar Samples on Display-
Now is your chance to view a piece of history. On loan for one day here at the Breaks are samples from the Moon that we are allowed to display courtesy of NASA. They will be on display in the Visitor Center during the time specified above. On hand will be geologist Amanda Dorton, who was responsible for making this all possible, to answer any questions about them that you may have.
1:00 PM- Geology Hike-
Noted Geologist and author Tony Scales will be at the Stateline Overlook to lead a hike on the Geological Trail. He will teach you about all of the geologic features that make the Breaks so spectacular, how they came about and why.
4:00 PM- Stream Ecology Fieldtrip-
The biodiversity in streams and watersheds are even more varied than the biodiversity on land. Meet with stream ecologist James Stapleton to visit a local stream and learn more about the species found in streams and the role that they play in determining water quality and pollution.
7:00 PM- Bears!-
Black Bears are now a common occurrence here in the mountains, but that was not always the case. Due to overhunting and habitat destruction, Black Bears were all but wiped out here in Kentucky and southwest Virginia. Now, they are making a triumphant return to the area and are moving closer and closer to humans every day. Johnny Wills, biologist for the VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, will be presenting this program about bears, how they are doing in the area, the problems and solutions that are now faced with bears in a more urbanized KY and VA.
8:30 PM- Colors of the Mountains-
Many people look forward to the onset of Fall just for the beautiful array of colors that our forests display as the leaves change. Dean Henson, park naturalist at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, will be presenting on this spectacular form of nature’s artwork. Among things discussed will be why these changes occur when they do and why they do.
10:00 PM- Moon Observation on Potter’s Knoll-
Today is International Observe the Moon Night. In observance of this, geologist and astronomer Amanda Dorton will be setting up her telescope so everyone can get the opportunity to observe the moon up close! This will be a fun opportunity for all ages. If you have a telescope, feel free to bring it along.
Sunday
9:30 AM- Who’s Who in the Forest?-
Meet with Dean Henson, park naturalist at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, this morning adventure. This woodland trek will highlight interesting trees, shrubs, and wildflowers; explore plant-animal communities, and consider Breaks geology. Who knows what other memorable encounters may also await us just a little further down the path. This trip will be departing from the Stateline Overlook parking lot.
