Earth Week in Kentucky

Feeling cynical about the 43rd Earth Day? Find both confirmation and reason for hope in this article from The Nation.

Meanwhile, Earth Week in Kentucky once again ignores the giant Big Coal elephant in the room.

Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed April 22-28, 2012, as “Earth Week in Kentucky.” This year’s celebration focuses on the Division of Forestry’s 100th anniversary with the theme of “Celebrating Kentucky’s Forests.”

“Forestry’s monumental milestone of serving Kentuckians since 1912 is certainly something to celebrate and reflect upon,” said Gov. Beshear. “Historically, the division has enforced forest fire protection laws; provided fire suppression and technical assistance to private landowners and maintained a tree seedling service.

“Today, the division also provides public education, timber harvesting and forest health inspections. It’s appropriate to celebrate Kentucky’s forestry division that creates additional public awareness of how we can become better stewards of our forests.”

For Earth Week activities:

The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) is partnering with the Kentucky Society of Natural History, Frankfort Parks and Recreation and the Kentucky Native Plant Society to celebrate Earth Week in Kentucky, April 22-28.

On Saturday, April 21, KSNPC botanist Tara Littlefield and the Kentucky Society of Natural History (KSNH) will host a 2- to 3-hour wildflower hike through Pine Creek Barrens in Bullitt County. This hike is rated as easy to moderate. Signups and questions can be directed through the KSNH website: www.ksnh.org.

KSNPC ecologist Brian Yahn will lead an easy to moderate “wildflower walk” through the mesic forest of Cove Springs in Franklin County on April 22. Everyone is invited to join Brian and Frankfort Parks and Recreation on a search for a wide variety of spring wildflowers. The walk begins at 2 p.m. and will last until approximately 3:30 p.m. No registration is required. Participants should meet at the large picnic shelter near the parking lot 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike. For more information, contact either KSNPC Ecologist Brian Yahn through email at Brian.Yahn@ky.gov or by phone at 502-573-2886. You may also phone Debbie Bramlage, Frankfort Parks and Recreation Outreach Coordinator via email: nanstheman@Yahoo.com or phone 513-300-8500.

The 32nd Annual Wildflower Weekend will be held April 27-29, in conjunction with the Kentucky Native Plant Society, at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve in Powell County. This event offers activities for the entire family.

On Saturday, April 28, KSNPC staff members will host hikes of varying levels of difficulty in search of spring wildflowers. Those interested in participating will need to sign up for the hikes after their arrival at Natural Bridge.

For more information, contact park naturalist Brian Gasdorf by e-mail at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or call Natural Bridge at 606-663-2214 or toll free at 800-325-1710, ext. 2104.