Did you know about our nature centers?

Arkansas has such great and vast nature in it that it is natural for it to be the natural state. :)

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in my oppinion, has done a great job so far of helping preserve our natural state. We have over 50 state parks to choose from and many educational/nature centers too.

Wildlife 

The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is one of these great nature centers. Located in Fort Smith, it has a giant aquarium to look at fish and turtles found in Arkansas. With it's large picture windows you can look for native birds and wildlife.

My kids and I especially enjoyed looking at all the different types of snakes. Now I'm not a snake person, but if I can safely (while they are nicely locked away in their homes within the nature center) show my kids which snakes are native to Arkansas that are poison and those that are not, I call that a great nature study. :)

Fishing

While looking out the great big picture windows at the birds and wildlife you will also see the beautiful Wells Lake. Even though it is a man made lake of 12 acres, it is a beautiful addition to this nature center. Since it is of course a Game and Fish lake you will find that it is nicely stocked with fish. Visitors are invited to fish for free (if 16 or older you will need a fishing license). They also provide, on loan to you, fishing poles and tackle boxes. The bait however is left to you. :)

Trails

What nature center wouldn't be complete without hiking trails? These trails are so beautiful. But don't forget to bring your binoculars. This place is great for bird watching. They even say that over 140 species of birds have been spotted on their trails. Birds however aren't the only thing you might see, deer and many other animals find their habitat amongst these trails.

Trail Guide Map and Rules

Programs

Everyday at 2pm it is time for "Critter Crunch." No you're not eating the critters, you're feeding them. All visitors are invited to help feed the animals.

Fridays (thankfully we weren't there on a Friday) you can watch them feed the snakes. EEWW!!!

And Saturday the fish in the aquarium get to eat.

Other programs include: Guided Hikes, Archery, Canoe/Kayak program, and many others.

You can also take your Boating and Hunters Education Classes at the Nature Center. You can check this page for their calendars for scheduling.


Great Center

So I would encourage you all to take advantage of this and other nature centers throughout the state. How many times have the kids and I been? Two. Did we have fun each time? I couldn't get them to leave. Will we go back? Definitely!