Events - Month View

Lakeside Trail, outskirts of Lakeview, state park above (east) of the dam, off Highway 178. Easy trail, scenic 1 mile loop, located within sight of Bull Shoals Dam. Normal walking time 30 minutes, elevation 75‘. Bring your work gloves, loppers or favorite tool or use ours. Modern restrooms located nearby at other end of parking lot.
Directions. Lakeside Trail is located at the city limits of Lakeview, Bull Shoals Dam is visible from the trail. Driving west on Highway 178, turn right into the park area just as you leave the village of Lakeview. Record your hours Trail Maint/Building, sponsor = Bull Shoals White River State Park. Contact Roy Stovall.

Various projects!

Audubon’s NATIVE (Native Agriculture To InVigorate Ecosystems) Project is training farmers to grow native plants as an environmentally friendly, climate change-resistant specialty crop that provides both income and on-farm wildlife habitat. Restoration of prairie ecosystems, once home to the Greater Prairie-Chicken, will help other declining grassland birds such as the Northern Bobwhite, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Dickcissel.

Help Audubon Arkansas staff and partners collect seed to support the NATIVE Project. The below volunteer days have been scheduled for seed collection this fall.

Volunteers must sign up using our online form. Forms are linked below for each event. COVID-19 guidelines (below) will be enforced at each event.
Volunteers will be expected to support and adhere to the following COVID-19 guidelines:
Volunteers must be register in advance and provide accurate and complete contact info.
Masks required when within 6ft of others. Correct mask use will be enforced.
Social distance (at least 6ft.) when at all possible.
Hand sanitizer will be provided.
No more than 15 participants, including staff. Number will be limited as needed depending on site location and parking availability.
No carpooling outside of household.
Volunteers should bring their own water bottles. If needed, disposable water bottles will be available.
Volunteers should bring their own gloves. If needed, gloves will be provided and sent home with volunteers after use.
Collection bags will be one-time use and not shared between volunteers.
Staff will enforce guidelines. Guidelines will be made available to volunteers prior to sign up and after. Volunteers not complying with guidelines will be asked to leave the event.
Volunteers exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms should not attend event.

Dear volunteer,
THANK YOU for your participation in, and leadership of, environmental stewardship activities in Arkansas! This year’s Coleman Creek Cleanup is taking place this Saturday, October 3rd from 9 a.m. until noon and I hope to see you there if you can make it out. If you can’t make it out due to previous commitments, maybe you can help spread the word.

There are 2 locations for this event -
1. UA Cooperative Extension - 2301 A. University Ave - meet at back parking lot
2. UALR - meet at parking deck bridge

Registration by contacting Seth Cook or John Pennington is required for participation in this cleanup to help ensure that we can maintain safety protocols set forth by the State of Arkansas, UA Little Rock, and UA Extension. Volunteers are encouraged to bring your own gloves, water, and masks. These items will be made available to anyone who does not have them.


To register, call John at 870-329-7009 or email Seth at sbcook@ualr.edu

Record hours as little pick up/ sponsor is Keep Arkansas Beautiful

Make a beautiful succulent pumpkin this fall to complete your seasonal décor! This succulent Pumpkin Take and Make class will be instructed virtually. Each participant will create one of these unique, living arrangements that last all season long!
All materials are provided in a kit and included with your registration. The kits will include pumpkins, succulents, spray adhesive, hot glue guns, an aftercare handout and everything you need to make this craft at home. All kits can be picked up the weekend before the event (Friday-Tuesday) at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (sorry we cannot mail kits).
All registered guests will be emailed a Zoom link and can join Horticulturist Lee Witty for a fun and instructional event. We will provide guests with a demonstration and then move into a question and answer period where you can work on your craft with the instructor live and ready to help if you run into a problem or have a question. Come join the fun!

Registration is required and space is limited.
How to join virtually: A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants 24 hours prior to the class!
Cost: $65 for garden members / $75 for nonmembers

NCAMN volunteers help cultivate the Ozark Folk Center State Park Heritage Herb Garden by transplanting, pruning, weeding, composting, watering and other tasks. They work under direct supervision of OFC master herbalist, Tina Marie Wilcox, in the Craft Village gardens spring, summer and fall and in the greenhouse in the winter and during inclement weather. Volunteers work from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Wednesdays and first Fridays of each month throughout the year. Wear gloves and sturdy garden shoes, dress comfortably, and expect to get dirty. Tools needed include pruners, loppers, snips, weeders, trowels and others as indicated. Volunteers who live in Baxter, Marion, Boone and other counties may carpool from Mountain Home by meeting an hour before the work shift at the Baxter County Library at Highway 201 and 62 Bypass. As volunteers work they learn about traditional uses of plants that they often see in the woods and along the streams where they pursue other activities. Occasionally, advanced training hours may be counted in addition to volunteer hours during a work morning. Volunteers record their work hours as follows: Activity—Garden Maintenance; Sponsor—State Park: Ozark Folk Center

Pollinators are essential to maintaining the health of our ecosystem and to our food security.

In this overview of insect pollinators, Jennifer Hopwood, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist at the Xerces Society, will introduce the major pollinator groups that can be found in the Midwest, such as bees, moths, butterflies, wasps, and beetles, explain the life cycles of pollinators, and talk about different types of pollination.

Cost: free. The webinar will be 45 minutes including questions and answers. You must register to receive the Zoom link.

Jennifer Hopwood, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist at Xerces Society, provides resources and training for pollinator and beneficial insect habitat management and restoration in a variety of landscapes.

She oversees a team of four USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service partner biologists and works closely with the NRCS. Jennifer has authored a number of publications and articles, and is co-author of several books including Farming with Native Beneficial Insects, 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, and a roadside revegetation manual.

Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Kansas, and has previously worked as a research specialist conducting invertebrate field research and identification, and as an instructor in biology and environmental science prior to joining Xerces in 2009.

Register Here:

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/RUdp0XssCdC_1Xa8RR8Ivw

Bull Shoals Danuser City Park, annual trail maint. plus install cedar steps by creek. This trail network is 1.5 miles total. We‘ll install some cedar steps, lop encroaching branches, run trimmers to cut weeds, blow leaves & branches off trail, and chainsaw some blowdowns. Figure out how do eliminate big root wad, possibly reroute around it.

Various projects!

The Logan Springs Preserve is TNC’s newest preserve in Arkansas and is located about halfway between Tontitown and Siloam Springs, just north of Highway 412. The preserve has a unique network of levee trails that form about 3-dozen ponds that were historically used for raising minnows.
Nature of Work: Clearing limbs and downed branches along the levees. The levee trails are wide and solid, much like an access road.
Tools Needed: In an effort to prevent spread of COVID-19, we are asking volunteers to bring their own gloves, lopper/pruners, and refreshments. Additional tools will be available.
Contact: Charles.mccoy@tnc.org or 916-212-4024. RSVP requested.
The preserve is not yet open to the public, so this will provide volunteers an exclusive look at the preserve and its wonderful features.

NCAMN volunteers help cultivate the Ozark Folk Center State Park Heritage Herb Garden by transplanting, pruning, weeding, composting, watering and other tasks. They work under direct supervision of OFC master herbalist, Tina Marie Wilcox, in the Craft Village gardens spring, summer and fall and in the greenhouse in the winter and during inclement weather. Volunteers work from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Wednesdays and first Fridays of each month throughout the year. Wear gloves and sturdy garden shoes, dress comfortably, and expect to get dirty. Tools needed include pruners, loppers, snips, weeders, trowels and others as indicated. Volunteers who live in Baxter, Marion, Boone and other counties may carpool from Mountain Home by meeting an hour before the work shift at the Baxter County Library at Highway 201 and 62 Bypass. As volunteers work they learn about traditional uses of plants that they often see in the woods and along the streams where they pursue other activities. Occasionally, advanced training hours may be counted in addition to volunteer hours during a work morning. Volunteers record their work hours as follows: Activity—Garden Maintenance; Sponsor—State Park: Ozark Folk Center

Project Needs: Outgoing AMN members wanted to staff the booth on Saturday at this event to talk to the public about our projects & membership. This is a pleasant relaxed day to spend with fellow AMN members and earn some easy volunteer hours. There are sales on the store‘s merchandise & plants, too. Optimally at least two people at each shift. Please bring any food or drinks you may need & wear your name badge & AMN hat, T-Shirt, or vest if you have it. This is an outdoor event so wear your sunscreen & prepare for the weather (jacket, raincoat, etc.) Tent & Chairs are provided. There are food trucks at this event but it‘s a little drive from any hotels or gas stations. The ground is covered in small gravel that makes it kind of like walking on sand & staff pick vendors up at our cars in golf carts and drop us off right in front of our booth. (No steps!)

Email team leader for more info if interested.

Agenda
-Summary of past work and restoration projects in the Greers Ferry Lake watershed (Joy)
-Potential areas of collaboration between TNC and Foothills Master Naturalist (Joy/Bob)
-Develop work dates for fall

We will meet with the Nature Conservancy to discuss upcoming projects.

The 2020 Biathlon is cancelled, unfortunately, due to the pandemic. Thanks to all who registered as volunteers.

Come to the October WAMN chapter meeting, located at the First Tee in Ben Geren. The goals of the meeting are 1) to see our fellow WAMNers again and 2) lay out our our approach to activities in 2021.

Group meets on Tuesdays at 9 am.

Various projects!

Audubon’s NATIVE (Native Agriculture To InVigorate Ecosystems) Project is training farmers to grow native plants as an environmentally friendly, climate change-resistant specialty crop that provides both income and on-farm wildlife habitat. Restoration of prairie ecosystems, once home to the Greater Prairie-Chicken, will help other declining grassland birds such as the Northern Bobwhite, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Dickcissel. Help Audubon Arkansas staff and partners collect seed to support the NATIVE Project. The below volunteer days have been scheduled for seed collection this fall. Volunteers must sign up using our online form. Forms are linked below for each event. COVID-19 guidelines (below) will be enforced at each event. Volunteers will be expected to support and adhere to the following COVID-19 guidelines: Volunteers must be register in advance and provide accurate and complete contact info. Masks required when within 6ft of others. Correct mask use will be enforced. Social distance (at least 6ft.) when at all possible. Hand sanitizer will be provided. No more than 15 participants, including staff. Number will be limited as needed depending on site location and parking availability. No carpooling outside of household. Volunteers should bring their own water bottles. If needed, disposable water bottles will be available. Volunteers should bring their own gloves. If needed, gloves will be provided and sent home with volunteers after use. Collection bags will be one-time use and not shared between volunteers. Staff will enforce guidelines. Guidelines will be made available to volunteers prior to sign up and after. Volunteers not complying with guidelines will be asked to leave the event. Volunteers exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms should not attend event.

JOIN THE GLOBAL BIRD WEEKEND 17 & 18 OCTOBER 2020

Register and include our team name-
Arkansas Master Naturalist - Foothills Chapter

Birding Together For Conservation

Cancelled due to hunting in the area.

NCAMN volunteers help cultivate the Ozark Folk Center State Park Heritage Herb Garden by transplanting, pruning, weeding, composting, watering and other tasks. They work under direct supervision of OFC master herbalist, Tina Marie Wilcox, in the Craft Village gardens spring, summer and fall and in the greenhouse in the winter and during inclement weather. Volunteers work from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Wednesdays and first Fridays of each month throughout the year. Wear gloves and sturdy garden shoes, dress comfortably, and expect to get dirty. Tools needed include pruners, loppers, snips, weeders, trowels and others as indicated. Volunteers who live in Baxter, Marion, Boone and other counties may carpool from Mountain Home by meeting an hour before the work shift at the Baxter County Library at Highway 201 and 62 Bypass. As volunteers work they learn about traditional uses of plants that they often see in the woods and along the streams where they pursue other activities. Occasionally, advanced training hours may be counted in addition to volunteer hours during a work morning. Volunteers record their work hours as follows: Activity—Garden Maintenance; Sponsor—State Park: Ozark Folk Center

Join Dr. Don Steinkraus for a FREE webinar on the effects that invasive species have on native species and on the ecosystem as a whole (i.e. wildflowers, insects, birds, etc.) Dr. Steinkraus will cover many of the more critical invasive species in the Ozarks, land will discuss what we can do to help manage and control these species.

Dr. Steinkraus is a research professor at the University of Arkansas who works on biological control and Integrated Pest Management of insects with microbial pathogens.

You MUST REGISTER to receive the Zoom link for the live presentation or the recording at: WildOnesOzarkChapter@gmail.com

Robinson Point. No carpools required. Modern restrooms available. GPS & driving directions below under "Location". Trail maintenance on Robinson Point Trail, Lake Norfork. Moderate challenge, 2.5 miles loop round trip walking distance (1.5 miles clearing work).
Bring work gloves, loppers, clippers, or use our power tools. Record your hours Trail Maint/Building, sponsor U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Various projects!

Directions: From Mountain Home, take 201 North approximately 5 miles. Just across the Pigeon Creek Bridge, turn right to drive one mile down to Trail Head and picnic area.
This trail has 2 loops so you have the option of hiking 2 miles and coming back to vehicle or continue on for the other 2 miles. After hike, we can have lunch at picnic tables or you can head home.

The replacement of two footbridges at Cove Creek Natural Area.

Use Google maps to obtain directions to the Cove Creek Natural Area.
Temporary directional signs will be posted for the day.

We will sow about 20 different species of native plants in pots to germinate and establish roots during the winter months.
Approximately 1800 pots (GH capacity) will be placed within the greenhouse.
Potting/ sowing stations will be set up OUTSIDE the GH to better spread volunteers out.
Mask are required for any close contact as required by the park.
Good opportunity for those who need volunteer hours. Should be finished by noon.
Note that weather conditions will be monitored for that day (since it is an outside activity) . A notice will be sent if postponement is needed.

Join Audubon and other volunteers collecting wildflower and other seeds at Baker Prairie in Harrison, AR (MUST REGISTER WITH AUDUBON)

Monday, October 26 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Leslie Patrick, outreach specialist with AHNC, will present a Zoom program on Arkansas bats and cave life.
The Arkansas Bats and Cave Life program covers karst/cave systems and cave animals, including bats and their importance in a cave ecosystem. Information on endangered and threatened cave species and white-nose syndrome is also covered.
Registrants will receive the Zoom invitation/link the day before the event. In addition, a PDF of Cave Life Activity Cards to be used before and/or during the presentation, and a book recommendation on the topic, will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM via Zoom

Not-So-Creepy Spiders

Spiders are spooky and (literally) creepy. Learning about these 8-legged wonders can help remove some of the mystery and fear some people experience. Join naturalist Ken Forman as he weaves a web of intrigue and excitement around these arachnids and learn (among other things) how spiders helped win WWII.

Registrants will receive the Zoom invitation via email the day before the program.

Unsure about using Zoom? Please email Karen Moulton for a quick rundown of how it works.

Meet at 9 am at the Valero Station on Hwy 300. Bring water, gloves and pick up tools if you have them. Lynn Foster will have vests and bags.

Activity is Litter Pick Up and sponsor is Adopt a Hwy.

Various projects!