Community Bike Rides in Downtown Henderson

Community Bike Rides are starting up again!

The first ride of the season will be Monday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Riders should meet on the Main Street side of Central Park (next to the courthouse) and be prepared to leave at 6 p.m. The in-and-out loop will take riders down Main Street to the hospital, then across Green Street and eventually down Kimsey Lane to Larue Road. This is a relatively flat route, and there-and-back is about 10 miles. There will also be another group of riders starting at the same place and time who will ride to Zion and back, which is about 20 miles. The ride is for all skill levels and beginners are not only welcome, but encouraged!

For more info: Breck's Bicycle Shop at 270-827-5708 for more information.

Eggstravaganza at Audubon State Park

Join Kim McGrew from Audubon State Park for a morning of family fun with Funny Bunny Art, story telling with Mary Jo Huff and eggstra goodies! Dress for a mess and prepare for a great time!

The event will be held Saturday, March 27th, 10:30am -Noon. Fee is $7.00 a child, ages 3-7.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Kim McGrew at (270) 827-1893 or e-mail kim.mcgrew@ky.gov.

March Audubon Events!

As the weather warms, a trip to Audubon State Park sounds like the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon! This years marks the bicentennial of naturalist and artist, John James Audubon's arrival in Henderson. To celebrate the Friends of Audubon, Ohio Valley Art League and the Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources have planned an exciting slate of community events throughout the year. To see details of the celebration, visit www.audubon2010.com.

GOLF

For golfers, check out the 2010 State Parks Golf Trail Card. This "trail card" provided unlimited free green fees for the cardholder. (Don't forget, Audubon's Golf Course was voted Best in Henderson!) For more information, click here.

HOMEGROWN BLUEGRASS & CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

Creative types can begin preparing for the Creative Arts Festival held in May. For only $40, artists and vendors can rent a booth to showcase and sell their artworks. To register for the event as a vendor or artist, contact Kim McGrew, Creative Arts Coordinator, at (270) 827-1893. This event, held in conjunction with the Homegrown Bluegrass festival, starts May 14 from 5-9pm, and continues Sat. 15 from 9am-8pm! Artists and crafters will fill the courtyards surrounding the Audubon Museum, while visitors are invited to enjoy food, Kentucky crafts, childrens' activities and homegrown bluegrass music. Parking is $4 each day.

CHILDRENS' ACTIVITIES:

Wilderness Survival
Saturday, March 13 Noon. – 3 p.m. Meet at the Audubon Museum
Have you ever tried to make a fire without matches, find your way in the forest, or build a temporary shelter? Youth ages 10-16 will study and practice these survival skills while learning how to make use of the surrounding resources. Please call to register.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: $5.00 per person

“Eggstravaganza”
Saturday, March 27 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Join us for our annual “Eggstravaganza”. Bring those little Bunnies ages 3-7, for a Hoppin’ good time with “Funny Bunnies Art”, storyteller Mary Jo Huff, and more eggstra surprises at the John James Audubon Museum. Pre-registration is required.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Cost: $7.00

“Spring Break Bash”
Wednesday, March 31st (ages 6-8) Thursday, April 1st (ages 8-12) 10:00-2:00
Having those Spring Break Blues-NO MORE! Visit the John James Audubon State Park. Students ages 6-12 are invited to the “Spring Break Bash”, an all-day adventure just for you. Wednesday, March 31st will be for ages 6-8, and Thursday, April 1st for ages 8-12. Artist Kim McGrew and Naturalist Julie McDonald will have the day filled with awesome art and nature programs. Bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required. Limited spaces available.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov or Julie McDonald Juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: $12.00 (includes Audubon t-shirt and supplies)

We hope to see you there!
To read more about other Kentucky State Park events this spring, click here.

Ohio Valley Birding Festival Programs Announced!

The Ohio Valley Birding Festival will be held at various locations throughout the tri-state area, including John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY. Join birders and educators from throughout the region at the Tri-State Bird Festival. Learn about birds, birding, and bird habitat from some of the best birders in the field. Seminars, workshops, hikes and crafts will be available for all ages and all levels of interest. This festival is sponsored by Audubon State Park, Wesselman Nature Society, Evansville Audubon Society, and Evansville Wild Birds Unlimited.

May 1 - Audubon’s Bird Migration Walks
Programs depart from Audubon Museum. John James Audubon State Park’s Beech-Maple forest is an urban oasis for woodland and shore birds. In addition to the seven woodpecker species, several neotropical migrants make the Park their home. Species spotted on these hikes include: Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Indigo Bunting, Prothonotary Warbler, and White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireo. Share nature with your family! Bring your binoculars, field guide and notebook to identify new birds for your life list. Hours: 7:30 a.m. —9 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

May 1 - A Walk with Bluebirds
Sycamore Shelter: Audubon State Park. Discover the lives and nesting habits of Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters. The Peaks will introduce visitors to their ongoing nesting research conducted at numerous parks including Audubon State Park. Attendees may have an opportunity to see eggs and nestlings inside nesting boxes. This walking tour is moderate in difficulty and mostly on concrete. Wheelchairs can likely be accommodated by use of a vehicle. Hours: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

May 1 - Create-a-Creature from Owl Pellets
Presented by Julie McDonald, Park Naturalist. Audubon Museum. Owls hunt from dusk to dawn for many different types of prey. Learn about the owl’s habits and role in nature. Discover what critters these nocturnal hunters seek out by dissecting a sterilized owl pellet. Hours: Noon-12:45 p.m.

May 1 - Bird Photography for Identification, Documentation and Fun
Talk and Walk Program. Photographing birds blends a naturalist's skill, artistic vision, and technical understanding to capture incredible moments. During this Talk-and-Walk program, learn how to find and get close to birds, where to photograph them, and the necessary equipment and camera settings to create stunning shots. Marty Jones has photographed over 275 different species of Indiana birds including many rarities and will share what it takes to capture the moments. Hours: 1 – 3 p.m.

May 2 - Hands-on Bird Banding Workshop
Presented by Scott Kramer. Come and help us with an ongoing conservation project as we catch, identify, band, and release birds from the John James Audubon State Park. Bird banding helps us understand bird migration and movements, behavior, social structure, population growth, lifespan and survival rates . This is a great opportunity for spotting early migratory birds and connecting with nature, so bring a camera! Hours: 10:30 – noon.

May 2 - Explore Raptors
Presented by Julie McDonald, Park Naturalist. Using live birds, participants will learn the characteristics of birds of prey, their role in the ecosystem, and how interactions with humans have impacted these majestic creatures. Hours: Noon - 1 pm.

May 2 - Ten White Wonders and the Stories Behind Them
Presented by Sharon Sorenson, Evansville Courier and Press columnist. Over the seasons, our area plays host to ten especially spectacular bird species. They're all white. They're all big. And they're all handsome. Some are quite common; others are quite rare; some found their way here behind an ultralight aircraft. Enjoy photos of these distinctive birds. Test your knowledge about this "colorful" topic and learn curious facts about these white birds' lives, livelihoods, habits, and habitats. Hours: 2 – 3 p.m.

For further information about specific events in Henderson, contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or e-mail juliea.mcdonals@ky.gov. For more information on the festival, visit the Wesselman Nature Society site. All of the programs are free.

Orchestra Kentucky Presents Beatle Madness!

Join Orchestra Kentucky on March 13, when they present "Beatle Madness."

The mission of Orchestra Kentucky is simple. To change lives, one note at a time. With "Beatle Madness," they do this by bringing back the music that changed popular culture forever. Experience original arrangements of those well-known hits and orchestral accompaniments that will amaze and entertain you.

In addition to the orchestra, there will be a 9-piece "Beatle Band" whose intention is not to look like the Beatles, but to create the sound that has not only lasted, but remained relevant for more than four decades.

You can also view the event on Facebook, here.

The show will be held at the Henderson Fine Arts Center. For addition info visit www.haaa.org or call (270) 831-9800.

Audubon Cottage and Meeting Room Discounts

Now through April 1, 2010 Audubon State Park will be offering special rates on their cottages and meeting rooms. Special rates are available for state employees, seniors, AAA and Kentucky Farm Bureau members, and weekday bookings. So whether it's a wedding, shower or getaway, here's the perfect place to start your planning!

Audubon State Park has five 1-bedroom cottages and one ADA-accessible 2-bedroom cottage with double beds a living room, fully-equipped kitchen and a bath. Each of the 1-bedroom cottages has a hide-a-bed and a large stone fireplace with complementary firewood. Tableware, cooking utensils and linens are provided, with fresh linens available daily. Cottages are available by late afternoon. Check out by 11AM, Central Time. Contact park for cottage reservations. Price ranges are seasonal from $80.00 - $160.00 per night. Call for special discounts.

The Friends of Audubon Meeting Room is a 53-X-22-foot space in the basement of the Museum that is accessible by elevator and stairs. It also doubles as an art gallery with rotating exhibits on the walls. Rental of this space includes 14 tables and 190 chairs. The Meeting Room also features a catering prep kitchen that includes entrance/exit breezeways off the room, a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, sink, and prep tables. Separate Men’s and Women’s restrooms are located just outside the entrance of the room. The Meeting Room is used for business meetings, lectures, birthday parties, family reunions and wedding receptions. Special discounts are now available for weekday bookings.

The Museum Garden is a 140-X-95-foot space enclosed in a four-foot brick wall and bordered by flowerbeds. Rental of this space includes use of the Museum Porch, Museum Garden Area, and public restrooms located at the Teahouse. The Museum Garden is rented for outdoor receptions and weddings. Special discounts are now available including up to half-off for a weekday booking.
Audubon State Park is located off Highway 41 N in Henderson. The beautiful park has 705 acres and a 28-acre lake. Part of the park is a state nature preserve, and the museum proudly displays one of the world's largest collections of original Audubon artworks. Other activities to enjoy include hiking, fishing and boating.

For more information visit parks.ky.gov. For booking information call the Audubon Park Office at (270) 826-2247.

Birdhouse Contest Part of 2010 Celebration

"With all of the fresh snow, I'm sure the last thing on your mind is building birdhouses. However, the Audubon Bicentennial Committee and U.K. Cooperative Extension Service is sponsoring a birdhouse building contest in conjunction with the 2010 Audubon in Henderson Bicentennial Celebration.
-Julie A. McDonald, Audubon State Park

The Audubon Committee invites children and adults to build a birdhouse. Birdhouses may be made of any material, such as wood, metal, cardboard, ceramic or glass. All birdhouses will be displayed in the U. K. Education & Exposition building from May 10 to May 21, 2010. There are four age categories; adults from 18 years and older, 9th grade to 12th grade, 6th grade to 8th grade, and 5th grade and under.

The Birdhouse Contest will be held in conjunction with the 200th Anniversary Celebration of John James Audubon’s landing in Henderson, KY.

Entry fee is $10 for Adult division and $5 for grade 12 and under.

Now for the rules!
• Birdhouses must be no higher than 36" in height and no wider than 30" wide.
• These can not weigh more than 15 lbs.
• Winning birdhouses will be on display at downtown banks with the owner’s permission from May 21 to June 14, 2010.

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Schedule:
May 6 & 7 - 10 to noon
Birdhouses will be accepted at U. K. Exposition Building, 3341 HWY 351, Henderson, KY

May 10 to May 21
Exhibit open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May 13 - 5 to 7
Opening Reception & Award Presentation
Carol Gatlin will give a lecture on backyard birds.

May 21 - noon to 4:30 p.m.
Pick-up birdhouses

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Contact the Ohio Valley Art League at (270) 860-1930 www.ohiovalleyart.org or Audubon State Park (270) 826-2247 for more information. Julie McDonald can be reached at juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov. Other event-related activities and programs can be found by visiting the 2010 Audubon in Henderson Bicentennial Celebration web site.