The Nature Conservancy Tuesday aka “TNC Tuesday”

CAMN volunteers work at The Nature Conservancy office at 601 N. University on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30 – noonish. Arrive when you want and leave when you want. There are several native plant gardens to be maintained. A new emphasis this year will be on the Zen Garden.

Also, our team may participate as land stewards starting in April doing Preserve work.

Three Conservancy locations that we can work as needed under direct supervision are:

Ranch North Woods: Behind the Ranch neighborhood, west of town off of Cantrell. Under Land Steward Caleb’s supervision, volunteers would work to control woody stems in the open fields (primarily Bradford pear), collect seed and spread seed in the grasslands. You may have the opportunity to see a prescribed burn.

Rattlesnake Ridge: Rattlesnake Ridge is part of the Maumelle Pinnacles, a rocky outcrop that is the edge of the Ouachita Mountains. Under supervision of Caleb, we would work on the trails and help close “social trails”, places where people take “short cuts”. We would work on controlling woody stems within the field to the right of the entrance road, and control invasive species (privet, mimosa, sericea lespedeza)

Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain is the next ridge over from Rattlesnake Ridge, also part of the Maumelle Pinnacles rock outcrop. Here we would want help with creating a species list using inaturalist and marking any non-natives observed.

Please contact Nancy Wyatt with questions.

Nancy Wyatt
Nwroute66@gmail.com
501-580-1218

Come to Rose Creek Park to hunt for macros, conduct water quality testing, and clean the stream! Good idea to bring sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and waders (waterproof shoes). Be prepared to get a little messy!

Join the team to maintain the Calico Rock Pollinator Garden on Wednesday, June 4. Please bring your favorite gardening tools, a bin for debris and expect to get dirty! Remember to bring water and use insect repellent. Please log your volunteer hours as Activity: Garden Maintenance, Sponsor: Calico Rock Pollinator Garden.

YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR ARRIVAL TIME BY CLICKING THE "REGISTER NOW" TO ENSURE THE GATE WILL BE UNLOCKED. Volunteer each week, every other week, once a month or once a quarter. Work at the Watershed Conservation Resource Center hoop house, at their Dead Horse Mountain Road property: enter thru the gate between the white fencing and drive down the lane to the Hoop House. Plant bare roots, re-pot if needed, separate seedlings, in ground planting, etc. These native plants will be used at WCRC project sites. All supplies are provided, just bring your favorite gardening gloves. YOU CHOOSE YOUR DATE(S) AND ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIME(S). Click the "Register Now" button to list your arrival and departure times.

Compton Garden/Greenhouse work.

We will start our 2025 season with the horticultural group at the LR zoo on Friday, April 11. We would like to invite everyone who is interested to join us. We work every other Friday, starting April 11. We meet at 9am and work until 11. We meet at the staff Parking lot (behind the apes) which accessed by driveway on the south side of the zoo off Jonesboro drive before the interstate. There is an electronic gate; just hit the button, when they respond say you are a master naturalist to work and they will buzz you in. We meet at the parking lot behind the apes.

Please bring hat, sunscreen, gloves, water, pruners, hand digging tool, such as hori hori, and any other tools you think you need.

If you have any questions, send an email to Ron Rowland at rrowlan60@gmail.com
or text Ron at 504-329-0599.

Thanks for you consideration. Hope you can join us!

Ron Rowland and Sarah Henry

***Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled. Watch the calendar and/or FAMN Weekly for it to be rescheduled.

Learn about best management practices to improve water quality at the event sponsored by Illinois River Watershed Partnership. This event is free to attend and does not require registration, but we always appreciate the heads up so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. To register and learn more details, click the "Register Now" button.

A Continuing Education event where master naturalists get a chance to experience the Firefly Walk at a private event before it‘s open to the public. It is also the dress rehearsal for the volunteers who will be leading the public Firefly Walks. Master Naturalist families, including kids, are welcome. Volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

Camp Robinson Special Use Area 9am-11am Larry Price will lead us if possible. Lunch afterwards could be an option if anyone is inclined. Where: Meet at the parking lot of the Camp Robinson Special Use Area (CRSUA): 34.992258, -92.358964 (copy and paste coordinates into Google Maps/Earth). Type of Project: Seed collection (No experience is necessary) ; primarily targeting Lance Leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) and Carolina Larkspur (Delphinium carolinianum)and Other species of opportunity as well. Seeds collected this summer will be used at the Faulkner County Library in December. This sort of activity is weather dependent, so cancellation and rescheduling could be necessary. NiTs are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!!!!! Learn more about our target species by copying and pasting the links below: Lanceleaf Coreopsis: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cola5 Carolina larkspur: https://anps.org/2019/02/22/know-your-natives-carolina-larkspur/ General Directions: Take Exit 135 off I-40 in Mayflower, go east on Hwy 89 (towards Lake Conway) for approximately 4.5 miles to Clinton Road (on left); go down Clinton Road for approx 2.6 miles; go left on Nursery Pond Road; parking area will be 180 feet on the right (across from the AGFC maintenance offices). What to Bring/Wear: * Please bring small loppers or rose snips and a small bucket or bag for seeds. * Appropriate Clothing for weather and environment (long pants, hat, boots or other sturdy shoes, etc). * Insect Spray with DEET, Sunscreen * Water Questions: Email Laurie at: lauriegaines357@gmail.com or Call/text 479-216-0609

The Nature Conservancy Tuesday aka “TNC Tuesday”

CAMN volunteers work at The Nature Conservancy office at 601 N. University on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30 – noonish. Arrive when you want and leave when you want. There are several native plant gardens to be maintained. A new emphasis this year will be on the Zen Garden.

Also, our team may participate as land stewards starting in April doing Preserve work.

Three Conservancy locations that we can work as needed under direct supervision are:

Ranch North Woods: Behind the Ranch neighborhood, west of town off of Cantrell. Under Land Steward Caleb’s supervision, volunteers would work to control woody stems in the open fields (primarily Bradford pear), collect seed and spread seed in the grasslands. You may have the opportunity to see a prescribed burn.

Rattlesnake Ridge: Rattlesnake Ridge is part of the Maumelle Pinnacles, a rocky outcrop that is the edge of the Ouachita Mountains. Under supervision of Caleb, we would work on the trails and help close “social trails”, places where people take “short cuts”. We would work on controlling woody stems within the field to the right of the entrance road, and control invasive species (privet, mimosa, sericea lespedeza)

Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain is the next ridge over from Rattlesnake Ridge, also part of the Maumelle Pinnacles rock outcrop. Here we would want help with creating a species list using inaturalist and marking any non-natives observed.

Please contact Nancy Wyatt with questions.

Nancy Wyatt
Nwroute66@gmail.com
501-580-1218

The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council (AUFC) and City of Fayetteville Urban Forestry Division to present a workshop titled Emerald Ash Borer: A Threat to Our Ash Trees. From the AUFC: "While the invasive pest, Emerald Ash Borer, has been causing problems in many parts of North America for several years, it has only recently become a significant pest in Arkansas" "This presentation will be useful for property owners, municipalities, and tree care professionals."

The NCAMN Wildflower Meadow Team maintains the Gaston Wildflower Meadow at Bull Shoals-White River State Park from March through December. Team members will work for 2 hours on scheduled Wednesdays. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO VERIFY START TIME BY CHECKING THE WORKDAY EMAIL AS TIME MAY VARY DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE. The workday email will also list plans for the day and any additional tools that you might need. Always wear gloves and sturdy garden shoes, dress comfortably and expect to get dirty. Volunteers will become familiar with native plants common in north central Arkansas and learn about their characteristics and requirements for growth. Please log your volunteer hours as follows: Activity - Volunteer - Natural Area Maintenance, Sponsor: State Park: Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED Please join us at Robert’s abode for a “Wire Screen Critter Deterrence Construction Party“ to enhance the survivability of the Ozark Chinquapins at Bluffton Nature Preserve. Currently, we are using plastic tubes that have the propensity to inhibit air circulation and increase heat spikes during the growing season. This project will provide knowledge on construction techniques for wire screen tubes to keep most critters out and enhance environmental assets to the seedlings. Pop over if possible; it will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 at Robert’s abode at 29 Ridgeview Drive, Conway (Arkansas, of course) - correctly located in Google Earth/Maps.

YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR ARRIVAL TIME BY CLICKING THE "REGISTER NOW" TO ENSURE THE GATE WILL BE UNLOCKED. Volunteer each week, every other week, once a month or once a quarter. Work at the Watershed Conservation Resource Center hoop house, at their Dead Horse Mountain Road property: enter thru the gate between the white fencing and drive down the lane to the Hoop House. Plant bare roots, re-pot if needed, separate seedlings, in ground planting, etc. These native plants will be used at WCRC project sites. All supplies are provided, just bring your favorite gardening gloves. YOU CHOOSE YOUR DATE(S) AND ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIME(S). Click the "Register Now" button to list your arrival and departure times.

Compton Garden/Greenhouse work.

Monthly Board meeting via Zoom

Grab your clippers and snippers for garden day at Tyler Bend and Buffalo Point! Volunteers will meet at Tyler Bend Visitors Center at 9:00 a.m. to spruce up the gardens. To carpool or caravan meet at Flippin Walmart to leave by 8:00 a.m. We will leave Tyler Bend before noon and those who wish can continue to Buffalo Point Ranger Station for a brief clean up there. What to bring: Work gloves, your favorite weeding tools, leaf rakes, tubs for weeds and debris. Native plant swap: If you have native plants that have spread, pot them up and bring to trade along with seeds and root cuttings of native shrubs. Lunch: Bring a sack lunch and we will picnic in the park.

Volunteers for the Firefly Walk will be trained at the Preview Walk on June 9. The walk begins at 8:30 pm, volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

Extracting trash contained behind the two 100‘trash booms on Fourche Creek at Benny Craig Park. Watercraft (canoes and kayaks) will be provided or bring your watercraft. 34,800 pounds extracted since November 2020, as of January 2025.

Presenter: Katie Mann, Ecologist Location Hindman East Park Pavilion

DLAMN‘s June chapter meeting/NIT graduation/picnic. More details to follow. Please register including any guests so we can get an accurate count for food requirements.

The Arkansas Flowers Facebook group is having their annual garden party and plant swap! This is a super fun opportunity to meet other plant-lovers, tour our host‘s beautiful garden, and share plants and plant-related goodies. The event consists of lunch (bring your own), door prizes, and a plant swap. If you don‘t have plants to share, please bring a homemade dessert or gardening-related gift. PLEASE JOIN THE ARKANSAS FLOWERS FACEBOOK GROUP FOR ALL INFO AND DETAILS. I AM JUST SHARING THIS HERE SINCE I BELIEVE OUR MASTER NATURALISTS WOULD ENJOY THE EVENT.

In the morning, please join us for a fun talk on Mammals with Kirsten Bartlow, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator with AGFC. She will give a short lecture on the history of wildlife in Arkansas, then share skulls and skins for us to examine. After lunch, Mary Conner will offer an introduction to iNaturalist and how it can be useful for science. From there, we will head to the teaching garden in Clinton to try out the software. Plan to download the app. This will count for five hours of education.

Volunteers for the Firefly Walk will be trained at the Preview Walk on June 9. The walk begins at 8:30 pm, volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

June Book Club discussion of "An Immense World"

The Nature Conservancy Tuesday aka “TNC Tuesday”

CAMN volunteers work at The Nature Conservancy office at 601 N. University on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30 – noonish. Arrive when you want and leave when you want. There are several native plant gardens to be maintained. A new emphasis this year will be on the Zen Garden.

Also, our team may participate as land stewards starting in April doing Preserve work.

Three Conservancy locations that we can work as needed under direct supervision are:

Ranch North Woods: Behind the Ranch neighborhood, west of town off of Cantrell. Under Land Steward Caleb’s supervision, volunteers would work to control woody stems in the open fields (primarily Bradford pear), collect seed and spread seed in the grasslands. You may have the opportunity to see a prescribed burn.

Rattlesnake Ridge: Rattlesnake Ridge is part of the Maumelle Pinnacles, a rocky outcrop that is the edge of the Ouachita Mountains. Under supervision of Caleb, we would work on the trails and help close “social trails”, places where people take “short cuts”. We would work on controlling woody stems within the field to the right of the entrance road, and control invasive species (privet, mimosa, sericea lespedeza)

Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain is the next ridge over from Rattlesnake Ridge, also part of the Maumelle Pinnacles rock outcrop. Here we would want help with creating a species list using inaturalist and marking any non-natives observed.

Please contact Nancy Wyatt with questions.

Nancy Wyatt
Nwroute66@gmail.com
501-580-1218

Wednesday, June 18 9am-11am - Registration Recommended (Weather permitting) Where: Russellville Larry Price’s House: 1298 Old Cove Road, Russellville - 2nd Driveway through the metal barn gate; parking by Barn. 35.278763,-93.063873 (copy and paste coordinates into Google Earth for parking area by the Barn). Type of Project: Native seed collection - the main target species are Milk Weed varieties and tall spiderwort. There are 6 species of milkweeds in Larry’s fields. 1) Asclepias viridis {Spider Green Milkweed} 2) A. hirtella {Tall Green Milkweed} 3) A. viridiflora {Short Green Milkweed} 4) A. amplexicaule {Clasping Milkweed} 5) A. verticillata {Whorled Milkweed} 6) A. tuberosa {Orange Milkweed-Butterfly Milkweed} The whorled and butterfly are not yet ready. Please bring small loppers or rose snips and a small bucket or bag. No experience is necessary. Tick repellent is advised. We will be walking in tall plants. These seeds will likely be saved for more than just this year. After thorough drying, they can be stored. This sort of activity is weather dependent, so cancellation and rescheduling could be necessary. NiTs are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!!!!! General Directions: From Conway, take I-40 West to Exit 84 and turn right on Bradley Cove Road (you will pass a large Flying J truck-stop on the right), approximately 1.5 miles, turn right on Old Cove Road and travel 0.3 miles and Larry’s place will be on the left. Larry has 2 entries. We will be using the 2nd entry. -The Pollinator Habitat sign marks the first entry. The 2nd entry is about 300ft farther and leads to the barn. Questions: Text or email Laurie Gaines 479-216-0609 lauriegaines357@gmail.com

Compton Garden/Greenhouse work.

Ragan Satterfield, priest at St. Michael‘s Episcopal, will talk about green burial initiatives along with nature and spirituality. At Witt Stephens Nature Center. Pizza at 6:00. $1.00/slice Program 6:30--7:30. Counts as 2 hrs continuing ed in person. Zoom available 1.5hrs CE. Link below.

Volunteers for the Firefly Walk will be trained at the Preview Walk on June 9. The walk begins at 8:30 pm, volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

We will start our 2025 season with the horticultural group at the LR zoo on Friday, April 11. We would like to invite everyone who is interested to join us. We work every other Friday, starting April 11. We meet at 9am and work until 11. We meet at the staff Parking lot (behind the apes) which accessed by driveway on the south side of the zoo off Jonesboro drive before the interstate. There is an electronic gate; just hit the button, when they respond say you are a master naturalist to work and they will buzz you in. We meet at the parking lot behind the apes.

Please bring hat, sunscreen, gloves, water, pruners, hand digging tool, such as hori hori, and any other tools you think you need.

If you have any questions, send an email to Ron Rowland at rrowlan60@gmail.com
or text Ron at 504-329-0599.

Thanks for you consideration. Hope you can join us!

Ron Rowland and Sarah Henry

Volunteers for the Firefly Walk will be trained at the Preview Walk on June 9. The walk begins at 8:30 pm, volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

Reed Green is hosting a "fun", educational (3-CE hours) float trip on Fourche Creek this Saturday, June 21, 8:00 - 11:00. There‘s no NiT class, and nothing else on the Club Express (online) calendar. ? Reed will lead the float and share anything and everything anyone would like to know about Fourche Creek and Fourche Creek‘s future. We‘ll launch at Interstate, paddle up two hours, and paddle back down in one hour (streamflow will be at our backs). ? ? CAMN has three 17‘ canoes that can actually hold 3 each (one in the middle sitting on and ice chest or short-leg lawn chair), one15‘ canoe that will hold two people, a single sit-in kayak, and a double sit-in kayak, and Reed has a two-person 15‘ canoe he can throw on top of his truck bed. Of course, anyone can bring their own watercraft if they have one. We may need to bring the jon boat, too for three others that might not want to canoe, and for safety reasons in case we need to get someone back to the boat ramp sooner than paddling back. Not that there‘s any danger in floating Fourche, but just to be on the safe side, because one never knows what might happen with any group of people! ? Group size is limited to 15 – need to register by Thursday, June 19. Wearing a life-jacket is mandatory; bring your own if you have one. All participants will be required to sign a hold-harmless/liability waiver on site. ? Direct questions to Reed. Email: 3drazorb@gmail.com Phone: 501-681-7507 Additional info FYI: ? A 501c3 NPO, Friends of Fourche Creek (FoFC), has been formed. "Dedicated to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the Fourche Creek ecosystem, and to creating and sustaining a first-class urban greenspace for those who live, work, and play in the watershed." It‘ll be similar to the Saline River Watershed Alliance, the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, and the Beaver Watershed Alliance. Reed was on the latter two‘s Technical Advisory Committee from their inception until he retired from USGS in 2021

Arkansas is home to some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the United States, due in large part to the diversity of the state‘s geology. In this class you will learn firsthand about the fascinating processes that produced Arkansas and has such a profound effect on its flora and fauna. Our class will be led by Angela Chandler, Assistant Director of the Arkansas Geological Survey. After her classroom presentation, Angela will lead us on a float trip to explore the unique geology of Lake Ouachita, with the assistance of our own Emily Stubblefield with the Lake Ouachita State Park. What an exciting way to see and experience the geology of Arkansas. Participants will want to bring a sack lunch, water, and sunscreen. This class will count for 6 hours of NIT training or NAT continuing ed.

Where: Class: Van Buren County Library (correctly located in Google Maps/Earth) Field Work: South Fork of the Little Red River - under the Hwy 65 Bridge in Clinton. The coordinates for the event are: 35.5874,-92.4519 (copy and paste into Google Maps/Earth for location). Class and Type of Project: Becky Pierce will be conducting a class on fresh water invertebrates and insects in the morning. Dan Dawson and Becky Pierce will be leading a Stream Team Event (local location to be determined). This event will analyze water chemistry and aquatic biodiversity. Directions: Travel north on Hwy 65 to Clinton and past the road to the Van Buren County Library (Correctly located on Google Maps/Earth). What to Bring/Wear: Water shoes/Knee Boots (Critter Collection will require wading, turning rocks and operating a seine net) Hoe or rake to turn over rocks in the :stream Tweezers (with a bright cord attached) Magnifier (loupe or hand lens) Hat, sunscreen, towel, etc.

When: Saturday, June 21 2025 - 10:00 - 3:30 Where: Class: Van Buren County Library (correctly located in Google Maps/Earth) Field Work: South Fork of the Little Red River - under the Hwy 65 Bridge in Clinton. The coordinates for the event are: 35.5874,-92.4519 (copy and paste into Google Maps/Earth for location). Class and Type of Project: Becky Pierce will be conducting a class on fresh water invertebrates and insects in the morning. Dan Dawson and Becky Pierce will be leading a Stream Team Event (local location to be determined). This event will analyze water chemistry and aquatic biodiversity. Directions: Travel north on Hwy 65 to Clinton and past the road to the Van Buren County Library (Correctly located on Google Maps/Earth). What to Bring/Wear: Water shoes/Knee Boots (Critter Collection will require wading, turning rocks and operating a seine net) Hoe or rake to turn over rocks in the :stream Tweezers (with a bright cord attached) Magnifier (loupe or hand lens) Hat, sunscreen, towel, etc. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED

Volunteers for the Firefly Walk will be trained at the Preview Walk on June 9. The walk begins at 8:30 pm, volunteers need to arrive by 8 pm.

Calico Creek is a free flowing stream in the small historic town of Calico Rock overlooking the White River. From Mt. Home, take Hwy 5 South, passing through Norfork and Old Joe to Calico Rock, approximately 36 miles. From Mt. View, take Hwy 5 North to Calico Rock, approximately 26 miles. The creek is located in Rand Park and runs alongside Hwy 5 with easy access and parking. Contact: Stream Team Leader: Karen Woods (916)607-5965

The Nature Conservancy Tuesday aka “TNC Tuesday”

CAMN volunteers work at The Nature Conservancy office at 601 N. University on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30 – noonish. Arrive when you want and leave when you want. There are several native plant gardens to be maintained. A new emphasis this year will be on the Zen Garden.

Also, our team may participate as land stewards starting in April doing Preserve work.

Three Conservancy locations that we can work as needed under direct supervision are:

Ranch North Woods: Behind the Ranch neighborhood, west of town off of Cantrell. Under Land Steward Caleb’s supervision, volunteers would work to control woody stems in the open fields (primarily Bradford pear), collect seed and spread seed in the grasslands. You may have the opportunity to see a prescribed burn.

Rattlesnake Ridge: Rattlesnake Ridge is part of the Maumelle Pinnacles, a rocky outcrop that is the edge of the Ouachita Mountains. Under supervision of Caleb, we would work on the trails and help close “social trails”, places where people take “short cuts”. We would work on controlling woody stems within the field to the right of the entrance road, and control invasive species (privet, mimosa, sericea lespedeza)

Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain is the next ridge over from Rattlesnake Ridge, also part of the Maumelle Pinnacles rock outcrop. Here we would want help with creating a species list using inaturalist and marking any non-natives observed.

Please contact Nancy Wyatt with questions.

Nancy Wyatt
Nwroute66@gmail.com
501-580-1218

The NCAMN Wildflower Meadow Team maintains the Gaston Wildflower Meadow at Bull Shoals-White River State Park from March through December. Team members will work for 2 hours on scheduled Wednesdays. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO VERIFY START TIME BY CHECKING THE WORKDAY EMAIL AS TIME MAY VARY DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE. The workday email will also list plans for the day and any additional tools that you might need. Always wear gloves and sturdy garden shoes, dress comfortably and expect to get dirty. Volunteers will become familiar with native plants common in north central Arkansas and learn about their characteristics and requirements for growth. Please log your volunteer hours as follows: Activity - Volunteer - Natural Area Maintenance, Sponsor: State Park: Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

We‘ll hike our adopted section the LOVIT Trail in order to assess the trail condition, and look for any issues that need maintenance. Depending on who attends, and how many people, we may divide the hike into sections with a 1.2 mile section, a three mile section and a four mile section. We‘ll start the hike at the parking lot near the Avery Recreation area at 9am. Please arrive by 8:45am, so we can organize and figure out our approach depending on attendees and weather. Bring water, bug spray, and a snack.

Come out to the garden in the backyard of the library for a couple of hours of volunteer time. We need to pot natives into larger pots before the heat arrives, and check the pollinator beds. This is a fairly flexible event so come and go as suits your schedule. Bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen, water, etc.

Compton Garden/Greenhouse work.

After a long break, we‘re back for another volunteer day at Mount Nebo State Park! The flowerbeds behind the Visitor Center we planted last summer look AWESOME! The flowers themselves and a few of the rock labels could use some love. Let‘s get this garden looking gorgeous before the big summer crowds! In addition to the Ozark Chinquapins that had been planted on the mountain in 2022 and 2023, the state park also got more seeds planted this past spring. We will check on all the seedlings to see how they are doing and if they need any extra attention. There could also be future opportunities for FAMN volunteers to host interpretive programs at the park. This would be a chance to share our experiences with the public and increase awareness of who the Master Naturalists are and what we do. If anyone is interested, we can discuss it at this volunteer day. If you aren‘t able to come to the volunteer day but you‘re interested in providing interpretation, feel free to email Andrea at andrea.peterka@arkansas.gov.

Trail trees, also known as trail marker trees, crooked trees, prayer trees, thong trees, or culturally modified trees are hardwood trees throughout North America that Native Americans intentionally shaped with distinctive characteristics that convey that the tree was shaped by human activity. Join Don Wells, the author of the book, Mystery of the Trees, which is based on his research on the use of trees by Native Americans for the purpose of marking trails.

"Leave No Trace" trainer, Matthew Friant will lead this training on the LNT principles, a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Please note, this training takes place in the PMSP Big Maumelle Pavilion near the PMSP boat ramp and will be held outdoors. Sturdy shoes, dressing in layers, and sunscreen are recommended. (Attendees staying for Matthew Friant‘s afternoon class on tree identification, will need to bring their own lunches.) Remember to bring your personal drink container. Click the "Register Now" button at the bottom of this page and follow the instrutions to sign-up for this class.

This presentation will explore the concept of endemism and cover some of the species of animals and plants found only in Arkansas. We will learn about secretive burrowing crayfish, tiny venomous catfish, salamanders that live on "sky-islands", plants with mysterious hybrid origins, and many other species that are found nowhere else on earth but the Natural State. This class will be taught by Dr. Dustin Lynch, Chief of Research and Zoologist for the Arkansas Natural heritage Commission. He holds a Ph.D. in biological sciences from the University of Arkansas and a master‘s degree in Zoology from Oklahoma State University. Dustin conducts surveys for rare and imperiled species across the state, supervises a team of biologists in the Heritage Commission‘s research division, and collaborates with state and federal agencies, universities, and other partners on numerous research projects across Arkansas. Dustin has worked with many taxonomic groups, including fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. His research interests include community ecology, stream ecology, phylogenetics, natural history collections, and conservation biology. He is an avid birder, stream snorkeler, and photographer.

Our speakers will be Michelle McVay and Cindy Dabbs Phillips with the University of Arkansas Extension 4-H to speak on engaging youth in science. We will also celebrate our graduating NiTs! Bring something to eat for our potluck, and reduce waste by bringing a reusable cup if you can!

Pinnacle Moutain State Park Interpreter, Matthew Friant will lead this training about the trees of Arkansas. Please note, this training takes place in the PMSP Big Maumelle Pavilion near the PMSP boat ramp and will be held outdoors. Sturdy shoes, dressing in layers, and sunscreen are recommended. Remember to bring a personal drink container. Click the "Register Now" button at the bottom of this page and follow the instrutions to sign-up for this class.

The Interp Interest Group is open to all Chapter members! In June, we will complete preparation for IRWP Bats and Bluegrass event