BSF NRRA Labor Day Weekend Interpretive Programs Planned

Oneida, TN (2011-08-30) This Labor Day weekend, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a series of interpretive programs.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Snake Tales - Bandy Creek Visitor Center – Snakes are one of the most misunderstood animals of our area. There are a wide range of interesting myths and legends about snakes. Join Park Ranger Sue Duncan and her special guests to learn interesting facts about snakes in the Big South Fork. Meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

2.00 p.m. - Wet & Wild - Leatherwood Ford - Join Ranger Brenda Deaver to discover what creek critters tell us about the quality of water in our streams and rivers. We will take a close look at some of the benthic macro invertebrates found in the Big South Fork River. Meet in the gazebo at Leatherwood Ford off Highway 297. Wear creek shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - Special programs in cooperation with the McCreary County Museum - Stearns, Kentucky - Park Ranger Lynn Thornton will present two programs at the McCreary County Museum, which is located in the historic Stearns Coal and Lumber Company office building. At 1:00 p.m. Ranger Thornton will present “It Started with a Gum Tree,” a story of the creation of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. At 2:30 p.m. you are invited to listen to “Scrip: The Coal Miners Credit Card” a program about the use of company issued money, called scrip. There is no fee to enjoy these programs.

7:30 p.m. - Historic Hayride and Stories - Bandy Creek Visitor Center/Laura Blevins Homesite – Would you like to go for a hayride and have the opportunity to hear some stories of the Big South Fork? Join Rangers Dustin Beaty, Jessica Moore and Sherry Fritschi for a historic hayride through Big South Fork to hear a few stories of the past. The stories will range from family history to local Civil War history to a few fun tales. This includes the program “We Just Wanted to be Left Alone” based on a true story that happened in the Big South Fork area. The ride will begin at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time at Bandy Creek Visitor Center and will last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations must be made at the visitor center between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time the day of the program. There will be a limit of 30 occupants on the wagon, but others may drive to the Lora Blevins homeplace to listen to the story portion of the program.

8:00 p.m. - Owl Prowl - Blue Heron Campfire Circle - Join Ranger Debby Zimmerman as she talks about the four species of owls found in the Big South Fork. During the program there will be a short walk around the campground to try and call up a barred owl. Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a flashlight. Insect repellent is recommended. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Life in the Undergrowth - Bandy Creek Visitor Center – Join Ranger Bill Herman at Bandy Creek Visitor Center for a short easy walk along the nearby Oscar Blevins Trail. This program provides visitors a unique glimpse into the life of small creatures living beneath our feet on the forest floor.

7:30 p.m. - Historic Hayride and Stories - Bandy Creek Visitor Center/Laura Blevins Homesite – Would you like to go for a hayride and have the opportunity to hear some stories of the Big South Fork? Join Rangers Dustin Beaty, Jessica Moore and Sherry Fritschi for a Historic Hayride through Big South Fork to hear a few stories of the past. The stories will range from family history to local Civil War history to a few fun tales. This includes the program “We Just Wanted to be Left Alone” based on a true story that happened in the Big South Fork area. The ride will begin at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time at Bandy Creek Visitor Center and will last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations must be made at the visitor center between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time the day of the program. There will be a limit of 30 occupants on the wagon, but others may drive to the Lora Blevins home place to listen to the story portion of the program.

Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011

10:30 a.m. - Oscar Blevins Nature Hike - Bandy Creek Visitor Center – Join Ranger Bill Herman at Bandy Creek Visitor Center for a short, easy walk along the nearby Oscar Blevins Trail. This program provides visitors an opportunity to become both more aware of their surroundings and develop their powers of observation.

For further information, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 569-9778, or visit the Big South Fork website at www.nps.gov/biso.