Signs of Spring

Signs of spring are quite evident at the Creation Museum site near the Greater Cincinnati Airport in northern Kentucky. In addition to the museum itself, the property, with its associated wildlife, will provide visitors additional opportunities to learn about God’s creation.

Plans are currently underway to enhance the property’s attractiveness to native wildlife. A couple of ideas include planting wildflowers for native birds and butterflies and establishing a variety of native aquatic plants in the lake to provide cover for fish and other aquatic life. The addition of man-made structures like birdhouses and bat houses will also be beneficial. Recently, bluebird boxes have been put up on the property, and two pair of bluebirds already have nests built!

Nature trails are being planned and will most likely be ready for visitors before the museum itself opens. Along the trails, a bird blind or two could provide people an opportunity to get a close up view as well as to photograph many bird species. Interpretive signs on various plants and animals will be used to teach a variety of lessons on creation. Additionally, conservation from a biblical perspective using a ‘good stewardship’ point of view will be taught.

On April 10^th, members of the museum exhibit department walked the property to scout out different areas for nature trails. While doing so, a variety of wildlife species were noted including several eastern painted turtles seen basking on fallen trees in the 3 acre lake. In addition, we saw a garter snake by the creek. Recently white tailed deer as well as wild turkey have been seen on the property as well.

Most evident however were the birds including downy woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, eastern bluebirds, eastern meadowlarks, field sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, eastern phoebes, rufous-sided towhees, and belted kingfishers among others. The phoebes are among the earliest migrants to return. As spring continues other birds, like northern orioles observed by the lake last year, will arrive.

One bird in particular was somewhat unexpected, a pied-billed grebe seen on the lake. Grebes are diving water birds that superficially resemble ducks. They are very awkward on land and look strange because their feet are placed way back on their bodies. In fact, grebes will become grounded if they mistakenly land on a wet road, thinking it to be a body of water. In order to take flight, grebes need to get off to a running start, something they can’t do on land. Only when observed in water does it become obvious that they were perfectly designed to be in an aquatic environment, diving for food with great agility and accuracy. We watched awhile as the grebe would periodically dive only to pop up again many yards away. God certainly has endless creativity! Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Rev. 4:11). What a marvelous thought!

As can be seen, the use of the property at the future Creation Museum site is yet another way for us to give glory and honor to our Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. Outdoor educational programs and interpretive nature trails that show the wonders of God’s creation will be used to counter the false religion of evolution. Please continue to pray for the museum project and consider other ways you might contribute in this endeavor, either financially or by volunteering your time or services.