Our principal purpose is
the preservation of wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and unique natural areas.
Conservation • Education • Recreation
Outings and Activities
march
Event Details
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Highlands Chapter is invited to help with trail maintenance on the Buffalo River Trail. Mike Reed is in charge of the maintenance and has
Event Details
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Highlands Chapter is invited to help with trail maintenance on the Buffalo River Trail. Mike Reed is in charge of the maintenance and has a beautiful 2 mile section for us to work on. We will meet Ken Leonard at Pruitt Trailhead at 10:00 am and he will assist us in what needs to be done. Ken has asked participants to contact him, email or text, by Wednesday, March 20th. More detail and contact information below.
This Week’s Outing: Trail Maintenance on the Buffalo River Trail
Day, Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Activity: Trail Maintenance
Leader: Ken Leonard, please contact if you plan to come by Wednesday, March 20
Telephone, email: 479-366-9929 or kenleonard57@gmail.com
Meeting Time and Place: Saturday, March 23, 2024
- Meet at Root School, 1529 E Mission Blvd Fayetteville AR for car-pooling for an 8:00 am departure; or,
- Meet at 8:45 am at the King’s River Country Store, Marble AR; or,
- Meet at 10:00 am at the Buffalo River Trailhead at the AR Hwy 7 Bridge at Pruitt AR, five miles north of Jasper AR
- Click on “Location” below or see Buffalo River Trailhead – Pruitt – Google Maps
Plan: We will start at Pruitt Trailhead and work going upstream
Tools to Bring: Loppers and hand pruning saws
Comments: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, bug spray, gloves, and wear hiking boots. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a “liability release” http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.
Let me know if you would like to lead a hike or have ideas for future hikes.
Judi Nail
Outings CoChair
870 421 6824
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Organizer
sat23mar11:00 AMsat3:00 PMBayou Chapter - Sicily Island11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/rock-falls-trail-hike-sicily-island-la-1
Time
(Saturday) 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
sat30mar11:00 AMsat2:00 PMBayou Chapter - Lake Bistineau Paddle11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/lake-bistineau-paddle-2
Time
(Saturday) 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
april
tue02apr7:00 PMtue8:30 PMPulaski Chapter Monthly Meeting7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Event Details
Our meeting is at Second Presbyterian and it’s the start of a busy week. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back for updates. Get info on next
Event Details
Our meeting is at Second Presbyterian and it’s the start of a busy week. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back for updates. Get info on next week’s eclipse and how you can join the viewing party at the Nye’s home in Maumelle. We’ll have environmental and other outings news as well.
Time
(Tuesday) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Second Presbyterian Church
600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Organizer
Event Details
Alan and Janet Nye are hosting a solar eclipse flotilla on Murray Lake (an offshoot of the AR River) on April 8. This is an opportunity to launch your canoe, kayak,
Event Details
Alan and Janet Nye are hosting a solar eclipse flotilla on Murray Lake (an offshoot of the AR River) on April 8.
This is an opportunity to launch your canoe, kayak, paddle board or other boat into the flat water and share fun conversation as we await the TOTAL solar eclipse. Of course if you want to relax in a lawn chair, that’s a great way to view the sky also.
How this works:
Partial eclipse begins at 12:33pm and the total eclipse begins at 1:45pm. It’s all over by 3:11pm.
Depending on how much of the eclipse a person wants to see will determine when they arrive. We will “open the door” at 11:30. We have a launch into the lake that can handle canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddle boards. If someone wants to bring a larger boat, Maumelle has a boat launch down stream at Maumelle Park on the River.
What to bring:
- Water craft
- Snack and drinks to share
- Solar eclipse eye glasses
- Lawn chair
Note: Traffic promises to be heavy so make plans to allow for delays on I 430.
Contact Janet Nye for further information and to confirm if coming.
Time
(Monday) 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Janet & Alan Nye's House
80 Belle River Point
Organizer
Event Details
It’s going to be tough to top the eclipse on the previous Monday, but when it comes to raw natural beauty, this hike has a lot. The hike is about
Event Details
It’s going to be tough to top the eclipse on the previous Monday, but when it comes to raw natural beauty, this hike has a lot. The hike is about 4 miles. We will carpool from Morgan McDonald’s at 7:30 or you can meet us at Haw Creek Falls at 9:30. You’ll see cliffs, waterfalls and early wildflowers. Bring a lunch, water and water shoes in case the creek is up.
Steve will be leading a hike for UCA on Sunday at Lost Valley. If you would like to join him, he will be staying at the Hanley Cabin in Jasper Saturday night and you can join him if you contact him before the Saturday hike to Cedar Creek.
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Cedar Creek - OHT
Organizer
Event Details
: Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Neil Compton. “First River” will be shown on Saturday April 13 at 10
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location
Compton Gardens
312 N Main St
Organizer
sat13apr4:00 PMHighlands Chapter Outing: 12th Annual Ozark Classic4:00 PM
Event Details
Please join us for the 12th Annual Highlands Chapter’s Ozark Classic on Saturday April 13, 2024 Hike Cookout Float Camp Cabins Options Gear Swap If you’ve never
Event Details
Please join us for the 12th Annual Highlands Chapter’s Ozark Classic on Saturday April 13, 2024
Hike Cookout Float Camp Cabins Options Gear Swap
If you’ve never joined us for the Classic, this is a great time to enjoy the outdoors while meeting people who hike, float, camp and strive to protect our environment in general and more specifically our beautiful Buffalo National River. Additional details will be posted, as we get closer to the date. Please note the new information below:
• Hike: Once hike leaders are selected and trails are identified, our hiking schedule will be posted.
• Cook-out: The Withrow Spring Pavilion has been reserved for our pot-luck cook-out; it starts at approximately 4:00pm. It’s a great time to socialize and enjoy a meal after a day of hiking, floating or just enjoying the great outdoors. You will need to sign-up for this event. We’ll provide the hamburgers, all the fixins and napkins. Please state vegetarian option (veggie burger) if applicable. Please bring your own beverage and a side-dish to share. Also bring your own reusable plates, cups, and flatware. We had one small trash bag last year; let’s keep it green! A $5.00 donation will help cover the cost of food and fees. Sign-up with Chris Kline at ckline901@gmail.com.
- Float: War Eagle Creek presents a beautiful and usually easy floating opportunity. Please take advantage of it; get your friends together and enjoy this lovely outdoor adventure. Detailed information about outfitters and floating locations will be provided later.
- Camp: It’s essential to book your camping sites now. They will fill up soon!
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/withrow-springs-state-park. Please see additional camping sites below. - Gear Swap: That’s right! Bring all the gear you’ve been meaning to give away to our 1st annual gear swap. Leave the items you’ve been meaning to give away and take the gear that suits your needs.
- Cabins and other attractions close to Withrow Springs State Park are listed below. People are booking cabins now!
- Distances noted are from Withrow Springs State Park.
- (on-site) Campsites at Withrow Springs https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/withrow-springs-state-park.
• (3.2 miles) Tugboat’s Place & Happy Camper RV Park, Huntville AR
• (4.8 miles) Madison Motel, Huntsville, AR
• (7.1 miles) Ozark Natural Science Center, North of Huntsville off of 23 between Forum and West Liberty
• (9.3 miles) Kings River Hitchin Post RV & Campground, Huntsville, AR
• (10.8 miles) Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.0 miles) Ribbon Ridge Ranch Cabin, Ribbon Ridge, AR
• (11.1 miles) Tree House Bungalows, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.1 miles) Bed & Big Cats Bed & Breakfast, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.3 miles) Kings River Outfitters, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.3 miles) A Lazee Daze In the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.3 miles) Trigger Gap Outfitters, Eureka Springs, AR
• (11.9 miles) Bella Casa Kings River, Eureka Springs, AR
• (12.2 miles) Silver Ridge Resort, Eureka Springs, AR
• (12.5 miles) Stone Pig Ridge, Eureka Springs, AR
• (13.2 miles) War Eagle Homestead Cabin, Rogers, AR
• (13.2 miles) Pilgrim’s Rest RV Park, Springdale, AR
• (13.5 miles) War Eagle Estate Lake House, Rogers, AR
• (13.7 miles) Mountain Valley Ranch, Huntsville, AR
• (14.0 miles) Enchanted Forest Resort, Eureka Springs, AR
- (on-site) Campsites at Withrow Springs https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/withrow-springs-state-park.
- The Location: Withrow Springs State Park was chosen because it has hiking trails, floating opportunities and a large pavilion. This gives us an opportunity to explore new hikes, float War Eagle Creek and check out the scenery and amenities of this state park. Yes, we can celebrate the Buffalo National River from afar! Address: 33424 Spur 23 Huntsville, AR 72740
- Click on “Location” below for Google Map.
For Additional Information Contact: Chris Kline 479-409-0394, ckline901@gmail.com Peggy Bulla, 479-586-2493, peggy.bulla@gmail.com or Tom Perry 479-841-2414, tomperry106@yahoo.com
Time
(Saturday) 4:00 PM
Organizer
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/mt-magazine-weekend
Time
19 (Friday) 11:00 AM - 21 (Sunday) 3:00 PM
sat27apr10:00 AMsat2:00 PMBayou Chapter - Corney Creek Paddle10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/bayou-darbonne-corney-creek-paddle
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
may
tue07may7:00 PMtue8:30 PMPulaski Chapter Monthly Meeting7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Event Details
We are meeting at Second Presbyterian for our meeting this May. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back to see who it will be. After the presentation,
Event Details
We are meeting at Second Presbyterian for our meeting this May. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back to see who it will be. After the presentation, we will have a business meeting to cover Arkansas environmental events and where our outing will be for this month.
Time
(Tuesday) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Second Presbyterian Church
600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Organizer
Event Details
Another new hike! We head south to White Oak Lake State Park to hike the Fern Hollow Trail. We will only do half of the trail and then go over
Event Details
Another new hike! We head south to White Oak Lake State Park to hike the Fern Hollow Trail. We will only do half of the trail and then go over to the Little Grand Canyon area on a branch of White Oak creek. Meet at the Chik-fil-A by Bass Pro at 8am or meet us at the Park Visitor’s center at 10. Bring a lunch and water. Hike total of 6 miles or so.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
White Oak Lake State Park
Organizer
Event Details
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark
Event Details
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th
A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark Society Spring Member Gathering May 18-19, 2024, Featuring Author Doug Tallamy
Our annual spring meeting will be like one you’ve ever attended before May 18-19. There’s the host: the 100-member Schoolcraft Chapter centered around Springfield, MO. The chapter is named after Henry Schoolcraft who traveled the winter of 1818/1819 with Levi Pettibone from Potosi to Springfield through the Ozark Mountains and down the White River into Arkansas.
There’s the keynote speaker: nationally known sustainability and conservation author Doug Tallamy, who will present “A Conversation with Doug Tallamy” Saturday. His best-selling conservation and ecology-related books, including Nature’s Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home and the Nature of Oaks. Books will be available for sale.
There’s the meeting location: the Darr Agriculture Center, a feature of Missouri State University.
There’s the extras for the meeting: a catered lunch, a native plant sale, and, in addition, Springfield Environmental Services will present its yard ethic program.
And post-meeting, there’s more: two campsites highlighting spectacular member properties, landscapes and conservation best practices; a potluck in a barn with musical entertainment and maybe even some dancing; a possible reappearance of Henry Schoolcraft himself; and the option of a tour Sunday afternoon of Tumbling Creek Cave and Ozark Mountain Laboratory.
Here are the details as of press time:
Location of Saturday Morning & Afternoon Activities
The Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-836-5638
Schedule Saturday Morning
8 a.m.-Noon: Native Plant Sale Outside Darr Building – Ozark Society and public invited. Hosted by Missouri Wildflowers, mowildflowers.net, Gaylena’s Garden, gaylenasgarden@gmail.com and Ozark Soul, natives@ozarksoul.com
9 a.m: Member and Board Meeting and Refreshments
Noon: Catered lunch $20, featuring Doug Tallamy. Registration/head count required at www.eventbrite.com/e/ozark-society-spring-meeting-and-luncheon-tickets-847524006117
Saturday Afternoon
2 p.m: Mini-conference, free to Ozark Society members, charge for nonmembers. Doug Tallamy Speaker. Introduction by Curtis Millsap, Chair, Schoolcraft Chapter
3:15-3:30 p.m: Break
3:30-4:15 p.m: City of Springfield Yard Ethics Program. Conclusion by Curtis Millsap for to mini-conference
Accommodations and Evening Activities
Free Camping Sites
Location is Bob and Barbara Kipfer’s historic Bull Mills property, about 25 miles southeast of Springfield. This beautiful 400-acre property includes pristine Bull Creek, a cabin, cemetery, grasslands, woods and site of the former Bull Mills. The Kipfers host many wildflower walks, WOLF School visits, research projects and educational presentations.
Barb or Bob Kipfer, rekipfer@gmail.com for questions, reservations and map
AND
Rockspan Farm, home of Dan and Mike Chiles, an extraordinary tree farm and site of many sustainability projects, best practices, research and innovation
1448 Chiles Lane, Bois D’Arc, MO 65612. https://www.rockspanfarm.com/ for description and directions, 417-848-2780, Dan Chiles
Potluck & Entertainment
After setting up camp, kick back at Rockspan Farm’s Red Barn for good food, music and some toe tapping. Tables, chairs and electric provided.
Sunday Activities
For Sunday, the Schoolcraft Chapter has two possibilities:
- Enroute home if you live south of Springfield, take a slight detour southeast for a tour of the nationally known Tumbling Creek Cave and Ozark Underground Laboratory May 19 at 1572 Aley Lane, Protem, MO 65733. The cave’s owners, Tom and Cathy Aley, have devoted their careers to using dye tracing to track groundwater, its flow and path through karst topography in many parts of the U.S. We’ll need a head count before announce start of tour.
To learn more about the cave go to https://www.ozarkundergroundlab.com/tumbling-creek-cave.html.
- There may be a sighting of the elusive Henry Schoolcraft at the Bull Mills property Sunday morning. We’ll announce an expected time of arrival later. Henry is well versed in his own adventures, of course, as well as the land’s history, starting when an ocean covered it millions of years ago and 15,000 year-old artifacts were left behind.
All Members Welcome!
Missouri Plans to Show You a Good Time
Time
18 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 19 (Sunday) 12:00 PM
Location
Darr Center
2401 S. Kansas Expwy
Latest News
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th
2024-03-05T11:14:16-06:00By Carolyn Shearman|News & Updates|
A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark Society Spring Member Gathering May 18-19, 2024, Featuring Author Doug Tallamy Our annual spring meeting will be like one you’ve ever attended before May 18-19. There’s the host: the 100-member Schoolcraft Chapter centered around [...]
How to Convince Climate Skeptics
2023-01-25T17:43:12-06:00By The Ozark Society|Pack & Paddle, Winter 2022|
By Fred Paillet, OS Education Chair Climate change is a major environmental concern, and we can see its effect in a worldwide retreat of glaciers as in my illustration below. But those glacier retreats occur in [...]
Annual Membership Meeting at Lake Claiborne
2024-03-01T16:59:08-06:00By The Ozark Society|Pack & Paddle, Winter 2022|
By Alice B. Andrews, Ozark Society Conservation Chair There were at least 46 Ozark Society members in attendance at the annual membership meeting hosted by the Bayou Chapter at Lake Claiborne State Park, LA, October 21-23, and we [...]