Home » Kentucky State Parks to celebrate National Public Lands Day with volunteer clean-up efforts

Kentucky State Parks to celebrate National Public Lands Day with volunteer clean-up efforts

Scheduled for Sept. 19, 26

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2015) — Kentucky State Parks on Sept. 19 and 26 will be participating in National Public Lands Day, a day set aside to recognize the importance of parks and encourage volunteer work.

parksNational Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, about 180,000 volunteers participated.

During last year’s celebration, volunteers in Kentucky and other states carried out projects such as removing trash, collecting invasive plants, building trails and planting trees.

“The Kentucky State Parks can carry out the mission of National Public Lands Day thanks to the assistance we receive from our volunteers across the state,” Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker said. “This day recognizes the importance of preserving our parks and the partnerships we have with volunteers, friends groups and other organizations.”

Events in Kentucky:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Sept. 19 — Trashmaster’s Classic Lakeshore Cleanup: The event consists of clean up on the shoreline from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information call 270-646-2055 or visit http://www.friendsofbarrenriverlake.org/

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day at Buckhorn: Volunteers will enhance the park through a variety of fall beautification projects, including the planting of a monarch butterfly garden, trail extension, cleanup, debris removal and more. Any adult or child (with an adult) is welcome to participate as well as scout, church, school, club or family groups. Bring work gloves. Call 606-398-7510.

General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside

Sept. 19 — Lake Cumberland Cleanup: Volunteers are invited to take part in the annual Lake Cumberland Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon at locations all over the lake in an effort to remove trash, tires, appliances, and other debris from the shoreline of Lake Cumberland. Gloves and garbage bags will be furnished. Cash prizes awarded for the most garbage collected. A picnic will follow. Participants are asked to check in on the day of the cleanup. Call 606-451-1402 for information.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Sept. 26 — Dewey Lake Cleanup: For the second year, volunteers are asked to help clean up the shoreline of Dewey Lake. More than 1,000 pounds of trash was collected last year. Meet at 9 a.m. at Terry’s Boat Ramp. Call 606-886-6709 for information.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day Volunteer Workday: Meet at the park office/welcome center at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for trail improvement projects. Groups and individuals interested in volunteering should contact Mark Kellen at 270-826-2247 or [email protected].

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sept. 19 — Lake Cumberland Cleanup: Volunteers are invited to take part in the annual Lake Cumberland Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon at locations all over the lake in an effort to remove trash, tires, appliances and other debris from the shoreline of Lake Cumberland. Gloves and garbage bags will be furnished. Cash prizes awarded for the most garbage collected. A picnic will follow. Participants are asked to check in on the day of the cleanup. Call 606-451-1402 for information.

Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville

Sept. 26 — Taylorsville Lake Clean Sweep: Volunteers are asked to meet at 8 a.m. at the state park picnic shelter at Possum Ridge. Wear old clothes, gloves and good shoes. Lunch will be served. Call 502-477-8882 or 502-477-8713 for more information.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Wickliffe

Sept. 26 — Community Day: Museum exhibits of the excavated mounds, artifacts and Mississippian culture, hands-on displays of archaeology, and family-friendly games will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Volunteers will also clean the park grounds and can register by calling 270-335-3681, or emailing [email protected]  Work begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon.  Bring your own gloves, hats, bug repellent and sunscreen. All tools, safety equipment and bottled water will be issued by the park.

William Whitley House State Historic Site, Stanford

Sept. 26 — Old Emperor at Sportsman’s Hill Interpretive Trail: Enjoy one of Kentucky State Park’s newest trails at the William Whitley House State Historic Site. The new walking trail covers what is known as “Sportsman’s Hill,” where horse racing, as we know it today, began. Because of his anti-British sentiment, Col. William Whitley ran his races counterclockwise – opposite to the clockwise tradition of the British. The site of one of the country’s earliest race track, which dates back to 1788, features a half-mile trail with six interpretive signs on the history of racing. Call 606- 355-2881.