SLADE, Ky. – The arrival of spring in the mountains of eastern Kentucky will be the setting for Wildflower Weekend April 17-20, 2008, at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species; enjoy them this weekend with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers.  There will be field trips for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts, and from short, easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge Geological Area. 

Guest speakers will share their knowledge with participants Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday night’s guest speaker is Valerie Pence, Head of the Plant Conservation Division at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.  The Saturday night guest speaker is John Snell, author and photographer of the recently released book, Red River Gorge - The Eloquent Landscape.

Register upon arrival. The program fee is $8 per adult, $5 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12 years old.  For more information contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the largest natural arches in the state and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest.  Natural Bridge offers lodging, cottages, and campground accommodations.  Miniature golf, hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available.

Natural Bridge is 52 miles southeast of Lexington and 2 miles off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, exit 33. For more information call 1-800-325-1710.

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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.