A January article published online by National Geographic magazine named John James Audubon State Park one of its 50 favorite state parks—one in each state—in the nation.
The author framed up the article by noting there are approximately 10,000 state parks in the United States and many of them offer the same scenic beauty, geographic wonders and historic treasures as our national parks, but can be much less crowded.
In spotlighting Audubon Park, the story said the park, named for the legendary naturalist who lived here for a time period in the early part of the 19th century, “protects the woodlands and wetlands where Audubon encountered many of the bird species he would later paint.”
It tells its readers that the Audubon Museum offers the world’s largest collection of Audubon artifacts and art, including a complete set of his masterpiece “The Birds of America.”
In its time—and still today—“The Birds of America” was a wonder of natural history and art primarily because of its scientific accuracy and artistic beauty. It featured 435 life-size, hand-colored prints of North American birds, published in installments between 1827 and 1838.
The prints’ large-format is called “Double Elephant Folio” size, and the complete set is considered one of the most valuable ornithological books ever published. Fewer than 125 original copies are known to exist today.
Henderson Tourist Commission Director Abby Dixon said National Geographic’s recognition only reinforces what local folks already know about Audubon Park.
“What a proud moment for our community as we celebrate this gem being recognized on the national stage,” she said, noting that the exposure for the park came through ongoing work in her office with the magazine, its editors and its writers.
“The meaningful connections and relationships that we nurture over the years can open doors to incredible opportunities, like seeing Audubon State Park featured by National Geographic.”
The National Geographic article suggests that state parks may be more accessible to many people. For some, it can require an effort to reach a national park.
It offers this tidbit from the National Association of State Park Directors:
In addition to their scenic beauty and more than 20 million protected acres, state parks feature a vast array of recreation options: A quarter million campgrounds; 52,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails; thousands of lakes and rivers; more than 140 skiing and snowboarding areas; plus golf courses, swimming pools, picnic areas, museums, visitor centers, and many other amenities.
Other nearby state parks on the list of 50 include Ozark Folk Center State Park in Arkansas, Lincoln State Park in Indiana , Katy Trail State Park in Missouri and David Crockett State Park in Tennessee.
Read the full article at www.nationalgeographic.com.
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John James Audubon State Park is hosting a weekend of art and nature activities billed as “Audubon Wild” on Feb. 20-22.
Events include:
— A 3.5-hour guided wildlife-watching adventure led by a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist and Kentucky State Parks staff into the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area. Van tours will take place at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and 8 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. Space is limited and reservations are required. Participants must be at least 12 years old. The cost is $45. Contact Lisa Hoffman at 502-782-9727 or email lisa.hoffman@ky.gov.
–Educational activities.
On Friday evening (6 p.m.) museum Curator Connor Humphrey will discuss the birds that John James Audubon drew in Kentucky. There will be a question-and-answer session following the presentation and refreshment. For information, contact Connor at 502-782-9716 or email connor.humphrey@ky.gov.
On Saturday morning and afternoon, participants can advance their birdwatching skills with a “Birding Basics” presentation and explore the woods on a guided Birding Hike. On Saturday evening (7:15 p.m.), participants can learn about eagles in Kentucky from a Fish and Wildlife biologist and experience the park’s live bird of prey program. For information, contact
Lisa Hoffman at (502) 782-9727 or email lisa.hoffman@ky.gov.
