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General News
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Written by Scott Branyan
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It was my pleasure to go through the second Master Naturalist training class this spring in Northwest Arkansas. The classes began January 23rd and concluded May 15th. About thirty-three folks participated in the training this spring. I was able to attend all the sessions except the Ornithology class and walk. The professionals and teachers who taught the sessions all did a great job and were excellent at communicating their subjects. Two of the classes I found particularly interesting and beneficial were taught by Mike Carney (Benton County Archivist) and Dave Kampwerth (US Fish and Wildlife Cave and Karst Biologist). Mr. Carney’s informative session on Benton County archives gave some valuable insight into the difference between family lore and history, the latter of which is documented through actual surviving records. In addition to a great survey of local karst typography and biology, Mr. Kampwerth introduced the class to the White-Nose Syndrome crisis which has spread south and east this year as close as Missouri and is anticipated to affect bats in Arkansas by the end of the year or early 2011. Every class, however, was worthwhile and gave material on and practice at observing our natural world here in the Ozarks. Kory Roberts with the Arkansas Herpetological Society awed the class with some first rate specimens of amphibians and reptiles. 
Kory Roberts of the Arkansas Herpetological Society shows a timber rattlesnake to the NWAMN training class March 6, 2010. 
A cottonmouth snake 
A copperhead snake I had several occasions during the spring to supplement the classes with other volunteer training and personal field work. Spring of 2010 will be remembered as a great time of personal growth in nature studies and meeting many like-minded naturalists across our area. 
My wife Sharon found this spotted salamander stopped in the road during an afternoon of falling temperatures during a passing cold front. It was headed toward a local pond, but had stopped making progress. We placed it off the road and closer to the area we presumed it was heading. 
2010 NIT Alan Bland captains the Hobbs State Park pontoon near Red Bluff on an orientation cruise for Beaver Lake Interpreter Trainees. Dr. Dayton Steelman and his curriculum committee are to be congratulated for a fine job on organizing the speakers and topics. NWAMN’s president Ralph Weber’s commitment to the classes was also evident. Thank you NWAMN for the opportunities to learn! Since completing the training, I’ve become involved with a local stream team, volunteering at Hobbs State Park and looking for other ways I can be useful in the community representing NWAMN. Remember, the other part to the Master Naturalist program is volunteering. Get involved with a park, nature group, or stream team near you and put your training to good use. They will benefit and you will discover the joy of sharing in a multitude of ways. I’ll see you out there! |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 04 July 2010 14:33 |
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General News
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Written by Martha Bowden
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Arkansas Master Naturalists Bill Toland and Dwan Garrison were honored on Saturday, June 12, at the Arkansas Trails Day Celebration at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Jim Gifford, FoOt, spoke highly of Bill and Dwan's accomplishments as he awarded the plagues. Martha Bowden accepted the award for Dwan, as Dwan was committed to be at the NCAMN Trails Day Celebration. Bruce Walls, CAMN, wrote a great article about Bill Toland's nomination and why he won his award. You can find that article on the CAMN page. Diane Mikrut, NCAMN, wrote an article about Dwan's cheerleader attitude which was the reason she is an honored trail advocate. That article can be found on the NCAMN page. Another person that needs to be mentioned is Bert Turner. He was awarded a certificate from FoOt for helping convince CAW to donate $5,000 and pushing State Parks to get moving on building some bridges. He says it was nothing, but $5,000 is something. When people are crossing a stream safely by using a bridge, it is something. Thank you, Bert, for all you do for our trails. Arkansas Master Naturalists do make a difference! |
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Last Updated on Friday, 18 June 2010 15:36 |
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General News
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Written by Bill Toland
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Arkansas Master Naturalists drove to Cossatot River State Park on Saturday Nov 21.
Those present were Bert Turner, Anne Massey, Ralph Weber, and Bill Toland.
Although a Democrat- Gazette reporter was present to do a story on the Arkansas Master Naturalists , we were able to do some trail maintenance on the one half mile Waterleaf Interpretive Trail. A little pick work, leaf blowing, and chain sawing got the trail in good shape.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 31 December 2009 10:08 |
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General News
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Written by Steve Chyrchel
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Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area To Hold Its First Fall Festival  “Fall – in Love with Hobbs” is the name of the park’s first fall festival. The event will be a celebration of all the things we love about Hobbs. Join fellow stewards of Hobbs State Park – Conservation area for this special family event. All activities are free and will take place all day long to highlight the many enriching, educational, and recreational experiences to be found at Hobbs. Join park interpreters for guided hikes, living history demonstrations, nature programs, a Dutch oven cook-off, and live music. Schedule of Events: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Historic Van Winkle Hollow Living history: Experience demonstrations of traditional folkways and life in the Ozarks following the Civil War.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hobbs Visitor Center Dutch oven cook-off Assemble your team for this old fashioned culinary challenge. Pre-registration required.
12:00 p.m. – Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail parking lot on Townsend Ridge Road War Eagle Overlook Hike Witness the splendor of fall as it spreads across the War Eagle Creek valley. Explore Nature’s wonder on this guided hike. Hobbs’s newest trail section
3:00 p.m. – Hobbs Visitor Center Music “Still on the Hill” performing live
For more information contact Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area:
Park Interpreters: Steve Chyrchel – 789-5006
Natalie Casey – 789-5007 |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 17 September 2009 05:12 |
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General News
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Written by Bob Santos
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Bat-O-Rama XXJune 12 - June 14, 2009Meeting place: Devil's Den State Park
Celebrate two decades of Bat-O-Rama. Special guest, world-renowned bat expert Merlin Tuttle will have the latest news in the battle against White Nose Syndrome. Programs and activities all weekend will focus on bats and their habitat here in the park. Contact the park for camping or cabin reservations and a detailed schedule.
Admission: Free |
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Last Updated on Monday, 13 July 2009 06:38 |
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