Kentucky History and Nature June 12

Closer looks at Kentucky's history a millenium ago and its streams today are set for June 12 in Western and Central Kentucky.

Along the Mississippi River:

Family-friendly, hands-on activities and demonstrations will be presented at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12, during the annual Family Fun Day.

Wickliffe Mounds is the archaeological site of a Native American village of the Mississippian culture, dating back to 1100 A.D. This event provides a fun learning experience for kids and families while participating in crafts and skills that Native people would have used. Archaeologists learn about people in the past from physical evidence they leave behind, such as mounds and artifacts. This event demonstrates how various tools and techniques were used.

Participants can learn how Native Americans made bows and arrows and try out youth-style bows made of cane. Use blow guns, spears and atlatls and watch a flintknapper make stone tools before your very eyes. Make and take home your own pottery, corn shuck dolls and bead necklaces. Play Native American games. Discover how past cultures are studied at the archaeology adventure station. Try grinding corn with stone grinders for yourself at the Mississippian foods display. Weave together a fun bracelet at the Cherokee stick weaving table.

Call Wickliffe Mounds for more information at 270-335-3681 or visit the Kentucky State Park website at www.parks.ky.gov . The historic site park is in the Wickliffe community on highway 51/60 along the Mississippi Great River Road in Ballard County, Ky.

And in Central Kentucky:

Woods and Waters Land Trust and the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission are offering an outing to get to know (and appreciate) your streams.

This fun and educational event will be a guided outing by foot on/in Elkhorn Creek in northern Franklin County. The activity will focus on seeing the native wildlife in Kentucky 's streams including fishes, freshwater snails, freshwater mussels, and crayfishes.

The Woods and Waters Land Trust outing will be led by Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission staff. Participants should be prepared to get wet (wading shoes and swim trunks are recommended). Children are welcome. Registration is limited. There is no cost to particpate.