Program Update
Book your group program today by calling 270-827-1893. We schedule programs for attendees of all ages in groups of 12 or more. A copy of our programs brochure can be downloaded at the Friends of Audubon website http://www.friendsofaudubon.org/.
Join our Tiny Tots and Artist Retreat programs. They are offered almost every month. For more information contact Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov .
Trail Information
Use caution when traveling Audubon State Park trails, trails may become slippery or contain other natural risks. View Trail Descriptions.
Trail maps and park brochures can be downloaded at the Friends of Audubon website http://www.friendsofaudubon.org/.
- Check out the red-eared slider turtles basking in the summer and fall sun. They can be seen from the Wilderness Lake Trail boardwalk.
- Pardon our dust! We’re working to replace bridges and water bars on the Kentucky Coffee Tree, Eagle Glen, and Wilderness Lake trails. We’re also constructing a new (unnamed) trail that will venture into new property acquired in 2006.
Other Recreation Facility Information
An Owl by Any Other Name
By: Julie McDonald, Park Naturalist
Back in mid August a new addition to our education staff started training for his reassignment from “Wild Bird” to “Education Bird of Prey.” Right away this surprisingly calm owl took to his daily trip to the Naturalists’ office for minor healthcare, training, and to connect with the staff. Although he preferred to hang out on a bookcase, he quickly adapted to his travel crate and temporary mews (his living quarters).
With his training underway, we needed a name for our ball of fluff. So, we put the word out asking the public to “name that bird.” With 465 entries and 264 different names submitted, we were excited about the outpour of interest from young and old alike. Naturally, the most popular name submitted was “Hoot” followed closely by “J.J.” In the end, the winning owl name chosen was “Mousetrap” submitted by Mr. Barry Sauls from Robards, KY. Barry will receive a framed picture of Mousetrap and an opportunity to meet him up close.
Entries came from nine different states as well as Washington DC. The entry that came the farthest was submitted by Fred and Carol Hester from Hawaii. Niagara Elementary School, Evansville Christian School (first grade), and Henderson County High School also participated in the contest. We enjoyed the stories, photos, and drawings submitted by some individuals.
Back on February 17, Mousetrap was found in a ditch on the side of State Road 1820 (Graves County, KY.) He was hit by a car and taken to the Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Center in Louisville. Although this fully-flighted, Mousetrap unfortunately lost the use of his right eye. While this injury could make life in the wild nearly impossible, Mousetrap gained a second chance as an avian ambassador for education here at Audubon State Park.