Celebrate Earth Day 2022 at Lake Cumberland

Written by: Ray Peabody

Earth Day 2022 is a fine day to celebrate the beautiful treasure that is Lake Cumberland. As we are emerging from the Covid cocoon and nature is once again blooming and nurturing around us, what better time to explore our beautiful lake and appreciate its abundant natural resources.

Earth Day was conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, who had long been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States due to pollution as well as oil spills in our oceans and waterways. Coming on the heels of the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962, which raised awareness of the danger to the environment and particularly to public health, the first Earth Day was recognized in 1970.

The national support and recognition of Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and passage of many environmental laws aimed in protecting our citizens and hundreds of species.

The Earth Week 2022 celebration on April 16 at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown, Kentucky is the perfect time and reason to visit Lake Cumberland and explore its surrounding nature areas.  This event is free and promises fun for the entire family with games, crafts, and activities to celebrate National Earth Day.

The Wolf Creek Hatchery is part of the National Fish Hatchery System which was formed in 1871 to protect our recreational fishing waters and restore and protect species in decline or at risk. Wolf Creek Hatchery is a cold-water facility with the primary responsibility of raising rainbow, brook, and brown trout, which helps preserve the trout fishing tradition for present and future generations of Americans. Approximately one million trout are produced each year.

Lake Cumberland is known as one of the best fishing lakes in Kentucky, with several marinas, camping sites, cabins and the lovely Lure Lodge at The Lake Cumberland State Resort Park nearby. With trout being raised, nurtured, and released in the waters surrounding the Hatchery, not to mention the array of other tournament-worthy fish species in the cool, clear waters of Lake Cumberland, this is a fishing opportunity and destination you will not want to skip.

While you’re visiting Wolf Creek Hatchery, be sure to visit the Educational Center to view the inner workings of an active honeybee hive. Did you know that bees pollinate one-third of the food we eat, including most of the fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts essential to our diets? Their arduous work is essential to healthy ecosystems and to sustaining both animal and human life.  With over-development and other environmental changes, the population of these precious pollinators increasingly needs protecting.

Even if you are not able to visit the Hatchery or its Educational Center during Earth Week, there are many ways to enjoy and celebrate beautiful Lake Cumberland. Take a nature hike along the abundance of walking and hiking trails and observe the birds and wildlife that thrive here. Or fish the coves and the deep, clear waters of Lake Cumberland on your own or with one of the experienced fishing guides who can show you the best spot for hooking your dream fish.

While you are enjoying Lake Cumberland’s trails, waters and woodlands, think about what you can do to sustain this treasure.  Every piece of plastic or trash, chemicals, and other pollutants left behind poses a threat. We can all help keep Lake Cumberland pristine.