Uncategorized
Big South Fork Receives Grant to Help Support Centennial Challenge
Oneida, Tennessee: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area recently received a grant to support the park’s Centennial Challenge: 100 Miles for 100 Years. In honor of the National Park Service’s Centennial year, Eastern National expanded their funding program to include additional opportunities for programs and initiatives that help visitors connect with America’s national…
Read MoreDespite Recent Rains, Fire Threat Remains
Frankfort, Ky. (March 14, 2016) – The Kentucky Division of Forestry reminds Kentucky landowners and homeowners that wildfires can strike any time where grass and brush are dry enough to burn. Each year wildfires needlessly threaten thousands of lives and destroy homes and structures. “Despite our wet weather, 102 fires have burned 1,000 acres since…
Read MoreCounty Night Life
Photos by Eugenia Jones An evening stroll in McCreary County can be a very interesting–especially when one goes herping (…searching for reptiles and amphibians.) A recent late evening herping trip around the Barren Fork Heritage Trail provided a perfect opportunity to see an abundance of critters including four toed salamanders, millipedes, snails, newts, spring peepers,…
Read MoreRalph Baker Inducted Into 12th Region Boys Basketball Hall Of Fame
The first organized game of basketball Ralph Baker played was at Smithtown, Ky on an outdoor court. His last game was in Madison Square Garden in New York City. I asked Ralph which was the bigger thrill. He confessed it was the game at Smithtown. Ralph was one of 5 brothers to play varsity basketball…
Read MorePRIDE awards grant to McCreary County Extension Council
SOMERSET — Eastern Kentucky PRIDE announced today that a $500 grant was awarded to the McCreary County Extension Council for an environmental education project with local students. The council will use the grant to help pay for its Environmental Education Camp for 80 seventh-grade students who attend McCreary County Middle School. The camp is scheduled…
Read MoreBlue Heron Loop Centennial Challenge Healthy Hike
Oneida, Tennessee: Get out and explore the national park in YOUR backyard, Big South Fork! In celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial birthday, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be conducting a healthy hike along the Blue Heron Loop on Saturday, March 26, at 10:00 a.m. (ET). Join Ranger Mary Grimm…
Read MoreThe Koger family aim to preserve history and build tourism with historic Barthell Coal Camp
When Harold “Sonny” Koger opened the restored Barthell Mining Camp in the spring of 1999, his desire was to preserve a piece of McCreary County’s coal mining history-a history rapidly being forgotten. Since his own father, Austin, had worked in the coal mines for forty-eight years, Sonny was familiar with the grueling work. Born at…
Read MorePlant and Vegetable Diseases
Photo by Eugenia Jones McCreary County Extension Agent Greg Whitis, along with Plant Pathologist Specialist Nicole Gauthier and Associate Plant Pathologist Kim Leonberger, presented “Plant and Vegetable Diseases” at the first of four gardening programs offered through the local extension office. Future programs include Apple Tree Grafting on March 14, Growing Fruit at Home…
Read MoreBig South Fork Announces Second Annual Photo Contest
The National Park Service (NPS) invites photographers to submit entries for an exhibit at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The NPS is looking for striking digital images highlighting the spectacular views, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life in the park. Images may show wildlife, plant life, natural landscapes,…
Read MoreGreenwood forum held
Kentucky Heartwood Director Jim Scheff shared information and answered questions during a recent public forum regarding the Greenwood Vegetation Management Project (GVMP). The GVMP has been proposed by the U. S. Forest Service to establish woodlands, restore short leaf pine, and maintain wildlife openings. The project targets the Daniel Boone National Forest in…
Read More