Arkansas Master Naturalists

 

Looking for Arkansas Master Naturalists in the Fort Smith area to collaborate on an exciting community garden project in underserved neighborhoods. The plan is to create a native plant area next to the food gardens, between the orchard and event spaces. If you’re passionate about native plants and want to enhance green spaces while giving back to the community, it would be great to connect! They have no shortage of volunteers for the manual labor and long term planning so join me in designing a meaningful space. Register your interest here!   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLVRf89VDf2vsW1n_t7YOeF7fEJugCLj1IRoSykl0w_R8G0g/viewform?usp=header

Ms. Shawn Hunter
(479) 238-3195

 

• Saturday, July 19, 2025
• 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Illinois River Watershed Partnership; 221 South Main Street; Cave Springs, AR, 72718

 

Bats and Bluegrass returns July 19th to IRWP’s Watershed Sanctuary in Cave Springs. This year marks 20 years of conservation for the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, and we’re celebrating with live music from Sons of Otis Malone and Bouse, hands-on watershed education, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, nature journaling, and the seasonal emergence of Gray Bats from the Sanctuary's cave. Relaunched to a sold-out crowd in 2024, this signature event is a vibrant blend of local culture, conservation, and community.

 

Tickets are $10-$30, and you can purchase them on Eventbrite, here. Learn more about the event on our event page, here.

 

Off the Shelf – a weekly notice from the Awe in Arkansas with Children’s Literature project.

1. Provide books as gifts!
2. Use for programs!
3. Share with nature gift shops!

My Happy Year by E. Bluebird by Paul Meisel

 

Age Range: 5 - 12

 

ONSC has many volunteer opportunities and continuing education classes. ONSC volunteers assist with outreach, trail and grounds maintenance, education, and much more! 

Learn more about upcoming volunteer work days, volunteer orientations, and continuing education here: www.onsc.us/events or reach out to Liz Hill, Education and Volunteer Coordinator at liz.hill@onsc.us or 479-202-8340

Hot, lazy summer days are just around the corner. If you want to volunteer this summer, we have an ongoing Native Plant Program on Thursday’s and Friday’s from 9am-4pm at our Hoop House, located at 890 Dead Horse Mountain Road, Fayetteville. Great opportunity to learn about native plants, get your hands dirty and meet others interested in conservation, restoration and protecting our ecosystem in NWA. For those who need volunteer hours verified, we do that too. This opportunity is great for getting in several hours at a time, for those needing volunteer hours. Please follow the link below to register for a date and time.
https://uark.givepulse.com/event/574335

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Lori Linn, Administrative Assistant
Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC)
Ph: 479-444-1916
www.watershedconservation.org

 

At 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area brings County Forester Rosie Timmerman from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture: Forestry Division to present her free program, “Bark to Basics: A Guide to Tree Identification.”

Why is tree identification meaningful?
• When landscaping at your home, knowing which trees are suitable for a particular site and their specific needs is crucial for successful planting.
• Knowing tree species helps people understand the local ecosystem and its inhabitants.
• Identifying trees can enrich hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

The program will take place both inside and outside. According to Timmerman, “I invite folks to join me for an engaging, hands-on Tree Identification class, where you'll learn to recognize and distinguish various tree species by their leaves, bark, and overall characteristics. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, this class will teach you the basics of identifying trees in your local area. Through interactive lessons, a field walk, and practical tips, you’ll gain the skills to confidently spot different trees and understand their unique features.”

For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000.

 

At 2:00 p.m. on July 20th, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will host Fred Sutton, Arkansas’ state burn boss. Sutton will discuss why prescribed fire is a valuable tool for maintaining healthy forests and explain the work that goes into planning and implementing a successful burn.

Smokey the Bear didn’t have it right years ago to completely suppress any fire in the woods. The results of no fire are years of accumulations of massive concentrations of flammable materials: leaves, pine needles, dry grass and twigs. When lightning starts a wildfire under these conditions, the fire is intense and often completely out of control. Routinely scheduled prescribed fires reduce the fuel load on the ground, lessening the impact of wildfire.

Prescribed burns also remove young trees that choke the forest. Trees that grow close together compete for resources, making them more susceptible to disease, insect infestations, and severe wildfires. Prescribed fire creates diverse wildlife habitats by opening areas in the forest, creating opportunities for new vegetation to grow and produce seeds and berries as forest animal food.
 
For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000.

 

Other Upcoming Events at Devil’s Den State Park:

Annual 4th of July Devil’s Den Games - Enjoy a fun-filled family day of horseshoes, egg toss, sack races, bike parade, and of course softball tournaments. It will be a July 4th celebration your family won’t soon forget!

September 13th – 36th Annual NWA Mountain Bike Championships Race - Devil's Den State Park proudly celebrates 35 years of mountain biking. It started in 1989 with the first bike event and has become a September tradition. All events are spectator friendly.

For general programs, we are offering programs Fridays through Sundays except for Fridays when I have a school group. Please check out our park’s events page at Events | Arkansas State Parks for the latest information on program times and locations. Starting late spring/early summer, we hope to offer programs every day.
 
 We may need volunteers for our Kids’ Fishing Derby, 4th of July Devil’s Den Games, Annual Lee Creek Cleanup, and Devil’s Den Fall Fest. 
 
KARA HELTON
Park Interpreter
 
Devil’s Den State Park
11333 W. HWY 74
West Fork, AR 72774
P:479-761-3325

 

We are excited to kick off 2025 with lots of volunteer opportunities for our Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists to get involved in the management of their watershed! This email is to provide a broad view of this year's big events, as well as some opportunities and events happening in the near future.

Bats and Bluegrass 2025  - July 19th from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm

We’re thrilled to invite you to our Bats and Bluegrass Festival at our Sanctuary in Cave Springs this summer! This lively event brings together the conservation community and features live music, delicious food trucks, educational booths for kids, lawn games, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with various tasks throughout the evening—such as assisting with ticket sales, guiding parking in our fields, and providing general support.

 

2025 Arkansas Agriculture, Forests, and Water Conference - Tuesday, July 22nd through Thursday, July 24th
Register for this conference if you are wanting to be up to date on all things water! This year will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Emerging Research on PFAS and HABs
- Forests, Emerging Marshes, and Wetlands
- Lake Frances Bottomland Forests, Wetlands, and Vision
- Riparian Buffer Programs, Lessons Learned
- Climate, Hydrologic, and Watershed Drivers of Water Quality
- A New Approach to Conservation and Recreation Management of Rivers in Arkansas
- Groundwater, Droughts, and Agriculture
- Updates from the Natural Resources Division
- Arkansas Water Young Professionals
Chamber Springs Litter Cleanup - Thursday, July 3rd from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us to keep the Chamber Springs Public Access on the Illinois River litter-free to help improve the water quality of the Illinois River Watershed.

IRWP Sanctuary in Cave Springs Volunteer Day - Tuesday, July 8th from 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Join IRWP staff to perform maintenance around the sanctuary. Tasks can range from rain garden maintenance (cutbacks, weeding, replanting), trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and more!

Chamber Springs Litter Cleanup - Thursday, July 10th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Spring Creek Volunteer Day - Thursday, July 17th from 9:00 am - 11:00 am

IRWP Sanctuary in Cave Springs Volunteer Day - Tuesday, August 5th from 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Chamber Springs Litter Cleanup - Thursday, August 7th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Spring Creek Volunteer Day - Thursday, August 21st from 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Chamber Springs Litter Cleanup - Thursday, August 28th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

If you have any questions regarding these events, feel free to email sarah@irwp.org. Thank you all for what you do for your local watershed!

 

 

Most programs/events are free and will meet at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Call the park office at 479.789.5000 or visit the Arkansas State Parks web site under Hobbs State Park events or the Friends of Hobbs State Park Facebook page or web site to check on future programs.

Saturday, July 5th, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Hobbs Hiking Club for Adults: Join a park interpreter for our monthly hike for adults on the first Saturday of each month. Each hike will include healthy outdoor recreation, sharing some of nature’s secrets, and the opportunity to socialize. Bring a friend and meet some new ones! Dogs are welcome if they are leashed and not aggressive and owners pick up their dog waste. The trail, distance, and time may vary month to month, but fun will always be had! For our July hike we’ll meet at the Hidden Diversity Trailhead off Townsend’s Ridge Road and hike the 3-mile round-trip section to the beaver pond and back which includes a moderately strenuous uphill section. Snacks will be provided for all to enjoy at the pond overlook, halfway through the hike. Recommended age 18+

Saturday, July 5th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Leave No Trace Tabletop: The choices you make when you are outside making a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just beginning to experience camping, hiking, and the outdoors in general. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Saturday, July 5th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
“Got Water?” Monument Trail Tabletop: Water is essential to have available on your outdoor adventures, whether hiking or biking the trails. Learn how to figure out how much water you need to take on hikes or rides to avoid dehydration. Find out methods of purifying water for longer hikes or camping trips, and in case of an emergency. Test your knowledge of the water cycle and see if you can figure out how to create a water still from simple materials. This tabletop will be set up at the Monument Trail parking area near the Visitor Center. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Sunday, July 6th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Mysterious Forest Objects Tabletop: Look at some mysterious objects found in the forest around Hobbs, see if you can identify them, then learn more about them. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Sunday, July 6th, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series: “What in the Wood?”, A Tree ID Journey: Join Rosie Timmerman, a county forester for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture: Forestry Division, for an engaging and hands-on tree identification class, where you’ll learn to recognize and distinguish various tree species by their leaves, bark, and overall characteristics. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, this class will teach you the basics of identifying trees in your local area. Through interactive lessons, field walks, and practical tips, you’ll gain the skills to confidently spot different trees and understand their unique features.

Monday, July 7th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Leave No Trace Tabletop: The choices you make when you are outside making a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just beginning to experience camping, hiking, and the outdoors in general. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Tuesday, July 8th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Goin’ on a Bug Hike: Insects and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a Park Interpreter on a bug hunt around the Visitor Center as we discover their diversity and learn how we can help them. Nets and bug jars are provided.

Wednesday, July 9th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
“Got Water?” Monument Trail Tabletop: Water is essential to have available on your outdoor adventures, whether hiking or biking the trails. Learn how to figure out how much water you need to take on hikes or rides to avoid dehydration. Find out methods of purifying water for longer hikes or camping trips, and in case of an emergency. Test your knowledge of the water cycle and see if you can figure out how to create a water still from simple materials. This tabletop will be set up at the Monument Trail parking area near the Visitor Center. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Thursday, July 10th, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Full Moon Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake with a park interpreter under the full moon. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible in the night sky, and enjoy the sounds of the night on the lake, weather permitting. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Bring a bottle of water, insect repellent, flashlight, and dress for the weather. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 10 people. Registration required. Call (479) 789-5000 to register.

Friday, July 11th, 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Monument Trail Etiquette and Safety Tabletop: Before or after your bike ride or hike, stop by a tabletop at the Monument Trail parking lot by the Visitor Center and visit with a park interpreter about trail etiquette, outdoor safety, and Leave No Trace. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Saturday, July 12th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Amazing Ozark Chinquapin Tabletop: This tree was once a very important part of the Ozark Forest, until it was almost wiped out by the chestnut blight. Find out more about this amazing tree and what folks are doing to save it. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Sunday, July 13th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Venomous Snake and Tick Safety Monument Trail Tabletop: These 2 groups of creatures are the most dangerous that you could encounter when hiking or biking at Hobbs. Discovery more about these creatures and how to avoid them. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Meet at the Monument Trailhead near the Visitor Center. Come and go as you please.

Monday, July 14th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Trees of Hobbs Tabletop: Hobbs is dominated by forests made up of various tree species, including the now rare Ozark chinquapin. Discover more about these TREE-mendous providers of food, shelter, and oxygen, as well as other important products, for us and many forest creatures. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Tuesday, July 15th, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Nature Sensory Hike on Sinking Stream Trail: Hike along this easy 0.5-mile trail and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the forest before the heat of the day. This guided hike will encourage you to slow down and truly experience the forest. We will use our senses to identify birds, plants, trees and insects all along the way. Meet at the Sinking Stream Trailhead.

Friday, July 18th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a bottle of water, insect repellent, flashlight, and dress for the weather. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration required. Call (479) 789-5000 to register.

Saturday, July 19th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Goin’ on a Bug Hike: Insects and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a Park Interpreter on a bug hunt around the Visitor Center as we discover their diversity and learn how we can help them. Nets and bug jars are provided.

Saturday, July 19th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fishing on Beaver Lake Tabletop: Find out where you can access the lake from within the park for your next fishing adventure and discover the common fish species in Beaver Lake. Children of all ages can see how well they can cast by playing a fun fishing game and take home a beginning fishing guide. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Saturday, July 19th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Creek Critter Hike: A Park Interpreter will lead an exploration of Little Clifty Creek along the Van Winkle trail. We’ll catch crawdads, aquatic insects, and other creatures! Learn how they can tell us if the water is clean or polluted. Meet at the Van Winkle Trailhead and wear water shoes or old tennis shoes for wading. Total hike length will be 0.5-mile. Recommended age 5+

Sunday, July 20th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Toadally Awesome Amphibian Tabletop: Some bumpy, some jumpy and even a little slimy, these cold-blooded creatures play an important role in nature and give us clues to the health of our ecosystem. Interact with a live toad, frog and salamander, while discovering more about each of them. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Sunday, July 20th, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series: Prescribed Fire for Healthier Forests: Join one of our own Hobbs staff, Park Ranger Fred Sutton, as he discusses why prescribed fire is a valuable tool for maintaining healthy forests, and the work that goes into planning and implementing a successful burn.

Monday, July 21st, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Mysterious Forest Objects Tabletop: Look at some mysterious objects found in the forest around Hobbs, see if you can identify them, then learn more about them. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Tuesday, July 22nd, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Black Bear Hike at Sinking Stream Trail: Black Bears were once so plentiful in Arkansas that our state was known as the Bear State. Join a park interpreter on this family-friendly 0.5-mile hike along Sinking Stream Trail to discover more about the black bear, how to live safely in bear country, and other “bear” necessities. Meet at the Sinking Stream Trailhead.

Wednesday, July 23rd, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Morning Beaver Lake Kayak Tour: Join our park interpreters and spend the morning exploring beautiful Beaver Lake while learning the basics of kayaking. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a bottle of water, insect repellent, and dress for the weather. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration required. Call (479) 789-5000 to register.

Thursday, July 24th, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Monument Trail Tabletop: Wolf Den Loop: Come and enjoy biking or hiking the Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park! We’ll have a fun photo op and trail information waiting for you at the Monument Trail parking area near the Visitor Center. Get the inside scoop on how Wolf Den trail got its name during a brief 15-minute program that will be offered every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Friday, July 25th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Arkansas Symbols Tabletop: Test your knowledge of the symbols of Arkansas. Some are easy, and others you probably have never heard of. Did you know we have a state soil and a state beverage? Join a park interpreter to discover some of the symbols of Arkansas. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Saturday, July 26th, 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Sunrise Beaver Lake Kayak Tour: Spend the early morning paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunrise on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a bottle of water, insect repellent, and dress for the weather. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration required. Call (479) 789-5000 to register

Saturday, July 26th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Astronomy Night with Sugar Creek Astronomical Society: We will begin with an indoor program about light pollution and how it impacts wildlife too, presented by Kent Marts and Molly Ussery. Weather and cloud cover permitting, outdoor viewing will begin about 9:00 p.m. with good views for the constellation Scorpius, the Big Dipper, and several Messier (deep space) objects. Club members will bring high quality amateur telescopes for public viewing. Items you may wish to bring include a red light, binoculars, and a lawn chair. Reservations are not required. Recommended for ages 8+

Sunday, July 27th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Driving History Tour of Hobbs: Discover the people and events that shaped this area before and after it became a state park on this van tour of Hobbs. A Park Interpreter will drive you to several locations while sharing our local history. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 7 people. Advance registration is recommended. Call (479) 789-5000 to register.

Monday, July 28th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Clouds: Friend or Foe? Tabletop: Clouds are part of our atmosphere and have a big impact, whether for good or bad, on us and our environment. Discover more about these “puffballs” in the sky and other weather-related phenomena from a park interpreter, including how to be safe from storms while enjoying the outdoors. Learn about tornadoes too, and witness some of the destruction they brought to the park in 2024 if you hike or bike on our trails. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

Tuesday, July 29th, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Nature Sensory Hike on Sinking Stream Trail: Hike along this easy 0.5-mile trail and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the forest before the heat of the day. This guided hike will encourage you to slow down and truly experience the forest. We will use our senses to identify birds, plants, trees and insects all along the way. Meet at the Sinking Stream Trailhead.

Wednesday, July 30th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Beaver Lake Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a bottle of water, insect repellent, flashlight, and dress for the weather. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration required. Call (479) 789-5000 to register by July 29th.

Thursday, July 31st, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
If Bats Could Speak Tabletop: If bats could speak (or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they tell us? A park interpreter will help interpret” bats at this tabletop. Find out more about these misunderstood creatures at Hobbs, including some that are endangered, and how we can help bats everywhere. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.

 

To help inform a larger audience of NWA Master Naturalists, please add the NWA Events email address to communications sent to project/ committee members.  That way the NWA Communications Committee can accurately post activities happening in our area to the NWAMN's Events Calendar and to the NWAMN Weekly Update.  The cutoff for submissions is end of day Tuesday for Friday membership delivery, assumes no revisions are required. 

nwamnevents@gmail.com