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Newsletter for the
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Chapter Chairman: Joseph Meyer 925-2290
I THINK THE CORRECT WORD IS...RENAISSANCE !
It is time for a rebirth of our monthly meetings!
Since Dr. Compton passed away in February 1999, participation at our Monday night meeting declined. One reason was that we did not have a specific meeting location. It seemed we were meeting at a different location every other month. Thanks to the Walton Foundation, that problem is behind us. They have renovated every inch of Dr. Comptons home and have made it available to the public. It is now called COMPTON GARDENS. The address is 312 North Main. As you face north, it is 1 1/2 blocks north of the Bentonville Square. It is our intent to perpetuate the love that Dr. Compton had for the Ozarks by sharing and passing on those experiences that he shared with us. If you are the kind of person who has a curiosity about wild places, come and join us and we will pass on a bit of Dr. Compton to you. All meetings and outings are open to the public.
Cautionary note: It is not intended that the outings and activities of the Ozark Society be led by professional and highly trained staff. Trip leaders are ordinary people who enjoy the outdoors and are willing to share their time and experience. It is expected that every participant will be in sound health and come prepared for the occasion. Participating individuals are able to make their own decisions as to what level of involvement they want to participate. Remember, that once on a trail or a river, it is usually difficult to turn back. Know your own level of experience and come prepared.
MEETING TIME & LOCATION:
7:00 P.M. THE SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT COMPTON GARDENS 312 North Main 1 1/2 blocks north of Bentonville Square
MONDAY, 11 APRIL: We will take a tour of the facilities, get to know each other, introduce old members to new members and visitors, discuss outing agendas, special interests, etc. I think it will be a very emotional moment for the old members. We had many enjoyable meetings at Dr. Compton's house, and of course countless outings where he would lead us into the heart of the Ozarks to experience caves, water falls, crystal clear rivers, old growth forests, old homesteads, exotic flora and vistas from the mountain tops. We hope this first meeting will set the edge and entice you to join us so we can share with you as Dr. Compton shared with us.
SATURDAY / SUNDAY, 16 & 17 APRIL: ANNUAL SPRING MEETING AT TYLER BEND. This meeting will introduce you to the major players, goals and accomplishments of the Ozark Society. You will make friends to last a lifetime.
Registration ($5 per family)
starting at 9:00
10:00 board meeting
1:00 educational meetings
6:00 pot luck. Bring your own table service, etc.Sunday will probably be a float. The trip down to Gilbert has unique geologic features. Read Ken Smith's new book, BUFFALO RIVER HANDBOOK, for details. Free camping courtesy of the Ozark Society. Motels rooms available in vicinity.
APRIL 23 - 30: For the past ten years Duane Woltjen, of Fayetteville has been involved in extending and connecting existing hiking trails from Fort Smith to Saint Louis, Missouri. When, and if it is ever completed, this trail will rival the Appalachian Trail and the Sierra Trail in concept. If you would like to get in on the ground work in helping to build this connecting system of trails through the Sylamore wilderness, Duane, and others, could use your assistance through the week of April 23rd - 30th. If you contact Duane before 20 April there may be free tenting and meals available. Call Duane Woltjen 521-7032, by April 20th to get in on the 'freebies' or to let him know you can assist.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21: Jan Metzel (925 2292) asked me to post this message. She is involved with a 'Nautical Museum', which is in Frisco Station (the old Dixieland Mall). The display is adjacent to the inside entrance of Hobby Lobby. The group will be showing a film about canoeing in Canada at 6:30 on the 21st. I have not seen it, but she says it has more to do with the passion for loving the land than a 'how to canoe' film. Local artists have related art and artifacts on display. Don't be a stickler on their day time hours.... they are all volunteers keeping the doors open for others to enjoy the display.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23: This may be the '10th' Small Stream Navigation Canoe Workshop. Learn or improve your paddling skills on Little Sugar Creek from Ford Spring to Lake Bella Vista. Work on canoeing basics like 'J' strokes, ruddering, draw strokes, ferrying and eddy turns. This small stream offers the obstacles and demands the same respect any stream requires. Just because it is small does not mean it does not have its challenges. I think someone has gotten wet on every trip we have made down this 1 1/2 mile stretch. Last years float involved at least four 'portages' around and over log jams and 'running' the rapids at 'Slippery rocks' rapids which is a short and shallow shoal created by bedrock limestone. Bring your own canoe and meet at Lake Bella Vista Dam site at 9:00 to arrange shuttle. Call me at 925 2290 to let me know if you can make it. Also plan for wet cloths and the weather. If we finish early, I would like to continue on a section from Jane to Shrimpmans Inn, in Mo.
EARTH DAY: Keep your eyes and ears open for local events.
MONDAY, 9 MAY: The heart and soul of the Ozark Society has to be the Buffalo River. Ken Smith was one of the first authors to start articles about the wonders of this river canyon back in the 60's. He also realized much of the history of this valley was soon to be lost in time and he took it upon himself to check out the names and places of the old stories before they were lost forever. His latest book, BUFFALO RIVER HANDBOOK, details the river pool by pool and family by family. I have asked him for a program that will bring back some of the history of the Buffalo River Valley, so when you drive, hike or canoe in the Buffalo River canyon you will have a bit of history ready to appreciate what you see. I also asked Ken to bring a few of his latest publication for purchase. The proceeds go to the Ozark Society Foundation. Also be aware that Ken is the master trail builder of the Ozarks. His next project for trail construction is a new trail from Hwy. 65 at Grinder Ferry to Hwy 14 at Dillard's Ferry. When the weather gets cool in October, Ken will be accepting assistance on this project. Your best reward will be the bragging rights that you worked under Ken's carefull eye. You will also be able to tell your kids you helped build trails in one of Americas National Parks.
SATURDAY, 14 MAY: Canoeing the most beautiful stream in America: the Buffalo. The water is always good for canoeing in May. Hopefully it will be up enough to go from the Boxley bridge to Kyles Landing. Boxley to Ponca is rated 'tricky' because of fast turns and downed trees. The rest of the river is pretty much maintained by the park and dangerous obstacles are removed before they can become a problem for novice canoers. If you are not up to the faster upper section, you can meet us at the Ponca Low water bridge and go to Steel Creek or on down to Kyles. Of course this entire section is rated class II, which means you need to know what you are doing in a canoe. Plenty of boulders in mid stream, tight turns and rapids for you to navigate. Canoe rentals available at Ponca. Depart from Prairie Creek First Security Bank at 7:30. Call 925-2290 to confirm.
MONDAY, 13 JUNE: Meet the master mind behind all the work accomplished in the process to transform 'Dr. Compton's house in the woods in the middle of Bentonville' into 'COMPTON GARDENS' Scott Starr, Master Gardner, will personally give the guided tour along the magnificent stone walkways and paths to point out the flowers and other flora now showcased along the spring fed stream. Dr. Compton loved planting trees. Some that he enjoyed showing were the Paulownia, Yellow Wood and Paw Paw trees. No longer present is the invasive Bamboo grove that took over his back yard. Join us on this Monday evening tour to see the changes which transforms Dr. Compton's dream into the reality of Compton Gardens. Meeting time 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY, 18 JUNE: Float on the Kings River. If the water is moving, I would like to do the section from Marshall Ford to Rockhouse. It is an extra long run so we will need to have the shuttle done early. If the river is down to a summer flow, we will do the float from Highway 62 down to the bridge at Grandview. It has been six or seven years since we floated this section with Dr. Compton and Game and Fish officer, Ron Moore. Much of this stream had been gravel mined and I planted scions on the stripped gravel bars hoping to reestablish growth for stream control. I would like to see if my scions have taken hold and if they are trapping gravel to build up these stream features. Depart Prairie Creek First Security Bank at 7:30. Call 925 2290 to verify time and location.
MONDAY, 11 JULY: Most people do not know just how close the nearest state park is or what it offers. Steve Chyrchel, of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, will bring us up to date on the growth and development going on in the 11,7500 acre park. Recent findings, by the UofA archeology department, reveals an entire village with houses, school and a sawmill left to abandon after the timber boom declined. Steve will tell us about the UofA's archeological findings, miles of hiking trails, horse camping areas, lake access, stands of virgin pines, plans for a educational center, and the quaint beaver ponds that await to be discovered by those who know little about this wilderness area. Meeting time 7:00.
SATURDAY, 16 JULY: Time to cool off in a cave. Madison County Wildlife Area has a variety of caves to explore. Some are short and cool, others are long and cool, at least one of them has a waterfall. All of them are dark. I don't plan on doing serious cave exploration, just ducking in and out to get an idea what each cave has to offer. Do wear full length slacks (old cloths and old shoes). Bring at least two flashlights. Head gear is optional. Depart from Prairie Creek Arvest Bank at 9:00. Bring your lunch, water, change of cloths, etc. Call 925-2290
MONDAY, 8 AUGUST: Birds of Bentonville. I have asked John Humphry of the WILD BIRD CENTER at 637 Joyce Blvd. in Fayetteville, to give us a training session on listing and identifying what flies around outside. The program may start outside by trying to identify the birds on the immediate property, and then step inside for a slide and audio program. It should be an educational experience. I have been making a few bird houses. If I have one left, I will give it away as a door prize that night.
MONDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER: Susan Young from Shilo Museum, will present a touch of old Ozark history. STILLS IN THE HILLS, or MOONSHINE IN THE OZARKS. When the roads were bad and it was difficult to get your corn to market, what do you do with the corn? Susan will give you inside information on the creative solutions.
SATURDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER: Early Fall Float on the White River below the dam. We will be floating the crystal clear waters five miles over prime trout fishing area. Trout fishing is optional. Meet 8:30 at McDonalds on the north end of 2nd street and 102.
FALL 'ALL CHAPTER MEETING' Check Pack & Paddle for time and location.
MONDAY, 10 OCTOBER: Are you have concerns about woodpeckers using your house as a sounding board and armadillos reworking your lawn? Steve Dunlap, Arkansas Game and Fish Education Coordinator, will give a program on how wildlife and urban growth are affecting each other.
It's October! Remember, if you would like to help build trails over on the Buffalo River, give Ken Smith a call: 479 443 4098.
MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER: One of Dr. Compton's passions was GEOLOGY. Somehow he got diverted from geology and ended up being a medical doctor. However, if you happened to ask him a question or two about the geology of the area, he could give you a pretty good explanation to satisfy your curiosity. I am seeking a professor who can give a good overview to explain why the Ozarks, and area mountains are what they are. If you know of someone to help fill this bill, give me a call.
SATURDAY, 19 NOVEMBER: There is nothing like a hike in the woods in the Fall. It has been years since I have been to Hawks Bill Craig. You know, that famous rock overlooking Whitaker Valley and the Buffalo River Valley. Bring your camera for a photo op. of you standing over space. Depart Prairie Creek First Security Bank at 9:00. Bring a lunch.
MONDAY, 12 DECEMBER: Few people make it a passion to get off the beaten path and blaze their own trail like Terry Fredericks of Fayetteville. I think his calling is to 'Step where no man has stepped before'. He is also a published photographer. Terry will share his favorite slides of Arkansas. Perhaps his slides will set the agenda for our future hikes. To make the evening even more enjoyable we will do the traditional December Pot Luck Dinner to finish off the year. Please bring your favorite covered dish to share and your own table service. The chapter will provide an entree and coffee.
Because of the busy holiday schedule, no outing will be scheduled this month.
