SLADE, Ky. – Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host a special program on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 featuring a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps who worked at the park in 1930s.

J. Woodrow Sayre, 94, worked at Camp Happy Valley as a CCC member from 1933-34. The camp members built bridges, trails, shelters and stone steps as part of the work program during the Great Depression.

Sayre, who went on to earn his doctorate and worked as a teacher, principal and college professor, will speak on “1929-1934: One Man’s Experience, The Depression, The New Deal, The CCC at Natural Bridge.” Both programs are free and will start at 7:30 p.m. at Hemlock Lodge and will include photographs from his experience at the park.

Sayre’s visit to Natural Bridge coincides with the national reunion of the CCC at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin Sept. 28-30.

Natural Bridge is adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest near the Red River Gorge National Geological Area.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park features a natural sandstone arch that spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high. The park has a lodge, cottages, Sandstone Arches Restaurant, campground, mini-golf, hiking trails, nature programs and a sky lift. For information, visit www.parks.ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1710. The resort is 52 miles southeast of Lexington off the Mountain Parkway on KY 11.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov