February 14, 2008

Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort To Re-Open February 19

Frankfort, Ky. – The Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort will re-open for the spring season beginning Feb. 19. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, closed for the winter Dec. 16 through Feb. 18. Center Director Laurie Davison said staff completed new exhibits and program upgrades during the temporary winter closure. “We have two new temporary exhibits,” she said. “One on eagles and one on the do's and don’ts of camping in bear country.” Salato Center staff also added two new programs to those already offered to teachers free of charge. Teachers can sign their classes up for these Tuesday and Thursday programs. One program will introduce teachers and students to aquatic ecosystems. The other program, designed for grades 6 and over, will teach students about wildlife management. “These programs are in addition to the programs we normally offer on mammals, birds of prey, reptiles, native plants and native people,” Davison said. Staff also completed text for several permanent interpretive signs for the Salato Center’s outside exhibits. The signs are now being designed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff and visitors should see them this spring. Upcoming Salato Center programs include the popular Winter Tree I.D. Hike Feb. 23, Gourd Birdhouse Workshop March 8, Connecting Kids with Nature: Creating an Outdoor Classroom program April 5, and Earth Day and National Wildlife Week celebration April 22-26. A complete Calendar of Events is available through Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, which is located on the grounds of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters, opened in 1995 to provide wildlife education to the public. The Salato Center features a variety of native animals such as bears, bobcats, deer and elk in large, natural habitats. Admission to the Salato Center is free. Some special programs may require registration and a fee. For more information call 1-800-852-0942, ext. 409. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center is located 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 Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.