Habitat Day at Salato Wildlife Education Center in Kentucky Features Popular Native Plant Sale
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Learn more about the benefits of native plants during Habitat Day at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, Sept.10. The event is free.
Habitat Day features guest speakers who will provide you valuable tips about attracting native wildlife to your own backyard. You don’t have to wait to begin transforming your property – the event includes a special sale of native plants from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Salato Center picnic shelters.
Experienced Salato staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and offer advice on planting with natives. Participants can earn a free plant by filling out a “Habitat Bingo Card” once they have visited various ecosystems located throughout the grounds.
From 1-2 p.m., Sunni Carr will discuss the importance of native habitats and what you can do to increase biodiversity. From 2-3 p.m., Roberta Burnes will explain how plants are bio-indicators for ecosystems.
Kids can learn how to help habitat at “The Potting Station,” where they will plant a seed or small native plant to take home and watch grow.
The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The Salato Center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.
Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Salato Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, is responsible for the conservation of fish and wildlife resources and for boating projects in the state. A commissioner appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission heads the department. The commission, which is responsible for department policy, is a nine member bipartisan body appointed by the governor from a list of candidates voted upon by sportsmen's organizations in each of nine districts.
