Families looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity this spring will have an opportunity to explore nature up close during a special event coming to the area next month.
Carter Caves State Resort Park will host its Jr. Naturalist Day: Wildflowers program on Saturday, April 11th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the park’s Welcome Center.
Designed for children ages six through thirteen, the program gives young nature lovers a chance to learn about local wildflowers and the natural beauty found right here in Eastern Kentucky. Participants will enjoy a guided hike through the park, take part in a hands-on craft activity, and learn about responsible outdoor practices through a Leave No Trace presentation.
A lunch break is included during the day’s activities, and families are asked to bring a packed lunch. Organizers also recommend closed-toe shoes for anyone taking part in the outdoor hike.
The cost to participate is fifteen dollars per child, which includes a Junior Naturalist activity book, while parents and guardians may attend at no additional charge.
Park officials say the event is a great way for kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and spend time outdoors as spring begins to bloom across the region.
For more information or to register, you can contact Carter Caves State Resort Park directly.
==================
A community presentation focused on online safety is planned next month in Carter County, aimed at helping adults better understand the risks children face online.
The event will take place Tuesday, April 14th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Prichard Elementary School. It will feature a cyber safety presentation led by a detective with the Kentucky State Police.
Organizers say the presentation will cover the realities of online activity and how it can impact children, including potential risks and ways parents and guardians can better protect their families.
The event is sponsored by the Carter County Family Resource and Youth Services Center, and is free and open to the public. However, officials stress that the presentation is intended for adults only. Due to the nature of the material being discussed, parents are asked not to bring children.
Light refreshments will be available during the evening.
Organizers say the goal is to provide straightforward, practical information that can help families stay informed and prepared when it comes to online safety.
Again, that cyber safety presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Prichard Elementary School, and is open to adults in the community.
==================
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign continues this week, with crews operating on the West end of the county. Dumpsters will be available for public use at the county maintenance garage located along US 60, and clean-up personnel will be on hand to help unload items each day from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, today through Friday.
As a reminder, the list of items not accepted has been updated. Crews will not collect refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, or batteries. And all materials brought to the site must be bagged or boxed — no loose items will be accepted. The County Clean-Up runs on a rotating schedule, alternating between the East and West ends of Carter County every two weeks. After this week’s collection, dumpsters are scheduled to return to the Grayson maintenance garage from April 15th through 17th.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. Again, dumpsters are open today through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at the West end site in Olive Hill.